EA’s FIFA Soccer franchise has long been one of the most successful sports franchises in Europe, selling like gangbusters throughout most parts of the world. Now, in its thirteenth iteration, the series continues with FIFA Soccer 09. The most realistic FIFA game to date, FIFA Soccer 09 is deep and engaging, offering some robust improvements over its predecessor, including 10 vs. 10 online play, updating rosters and player stats, and an improved Be A Pro career mode. The game is still not perfect, as there are some nagging AI issues that plague the Be A Pro mode, but for fans of the sport who want a soccer title with longevity and depth, they need look no further than this latest FIFA offering.

From passing to shooting and ball-handling, FIFA Soccer 09 is meticulously realistic. Your shots will slice in a certain direction if you don’t use the right amount of power. The game uses a very authentic approach to soccer, which slows the action down quite a bit, for better or worse. The game’s slow pace may be a bit off-putting to some gamers hoping more fast-paced arcade action, but purists will appreciate the attention to detail and sense of realism.

FIFA Soccer 09’s Be A Pro mode is probably one of the game’s biggest assets. Going above and beyond what was offered last year, this career mode is very deep, offering players the opportunity to create their own player, choosing their team, appearance, and doling out stat points, and then taking them out onto the field. You’ll have control over your character exclusively during the match, and get rated on how well you work in your position, getting points for shot attempts, successful passes and tackles, and so on.

Additionally, there are specific conditions that you can fulfill (like a certain number of goals or shot attempts) that will net you more points at the end of the match. Once the game is over, you can improve your player’s stats with the experience points that you earn, building your avatar up. This mode is quite addicting and a blast to play, and one of the best elements in FIFA Soccer 09.

Another big feature in FIFA 09 is the Adidas Live Season, which allows players to choose one of several different leagues and have the individual player statistics updated as they happen. Similar to what was available in other EA Sports titles like NBA Live 09, this will keep the game’s player rosters fresh as well as their statistics, improving the shelf life of the game. The game gives you a special code in the box that lets you choose your first league for free, while you’ll have to pay for any others beyond that.

Online play has also received a huge push this year, allowing players to play in 10 versus 10 matches where each player on the pitch is represented by human player, which is a great and long overdue addition to the franchise’s online formula.

Unfortunately, the one major sore spot for the game is the buggy AI, especially in Be A Pro. Your computer-controlled teammates will do some pretty inexplicable things at times, including running out of bounds, passing offsides, and a few other frustrating moves.

Graphically, the game looks pretty good, with realistic-looking player animations and authentic character models for some of the well-known players. While the framerate still slows down during the Be A Pro mode, it maintains a smooth clip during regular play.

The sound is also pretty good this year. The soundtrack is the same kind of international tracks as previous iterations, but the commentary is very well done and the crowd sounds are dynamic and reflect the teams on the field.

FIFA Soccer 09 is a great addition to the FIFA franchise, offering some excellent new features and authentic on-field mechanics. While the slower pace might turn off some gamers and the AI issues are problematic, FIFA Soccer 09 will delight purists with some of the most realistic soccer gameplay yet.

Gameplay: 8.7
FIFA Soccer 09 not only presents excellent on field mechanics and ball physics, but also provides a variety of great gameplay modes, including a vastly improved Be A Pro mode and updating player stats. Unfortunately, there are some nagging AI issues that affect the gameplay.

Graphics: 8.5
While the framerates take a hit in the Be A Pro mode, the game performs solidly with great looking player models and smooth animations.

Sound: 8.5
The soundtrack is par for the course, but the commentary is excellent, as is the crowd noise element.

Difficulty: Medium

Concept: 9.0
Last year’s FIFA title added some great new elements to the series, and 09 ups the ante by improving 08’s shortcomings and adding some great new features.

Multiplayer: 9.0
10 versus 10 online matches are great fun, and the Adidas Live Season element is great for keeping the game topical for a good long while.

Overall: 8.7
Aside from some AI problems, FIFA Soccer 09 is a fine representation of the sport, and the new features keep the series fresh and competitive.