FIFA 10 Soccer Video Game Review - Computers

With 2010 being the year of the FIFA Soccer World Cup, it's all about the game - including this review.

FIFA series by Electronic Arts has improved over the last few years, bringing the game itself up to the standard of its impressive presentation. With FIFA 10, EA have produced the best game in the series to date, thanks to improved animation, fluid 360-degree player control and realistic opponent Artificial Intelligence (AI).

This year's game also introduces a newly improved Manager mode and a brand-new Virtual Pro feature, allowing you to put yourself in the game and unlock new abilities across nearly every game mode. The result is an unmatched game of football, whether you are playing a quick round with your friends or sitting in the manager's chair over several seasons.

The computer no longer has an unfair advantage over you when it comes to winning the ball in the air. The goalies are brilliant, with an increased number of animation routines that result in more realistic saves. The players have an incredible sense of physicality, and the differences in stats such as height, weight, and fitness have never been so accurately represented. Players now deal with the ball in a more realistic way, moving to intercept a high ball and chesting it down, rather than waiting for it to land at their feet.

To put it frankly, this year's physical play allows big players to play like big players would, and small players to play as their size permits. Muscular defenders can easily chuck an incoming forward off the ball if they can't keep up with their speed. The difference between an experienced physical player and a weak attacker has never been more apparent. This brings everything even closer to reality than before. You'll also see players getting tripped up, falling to the ground or stumbling away from their dribble. There are brief moments when your player can feel out of your control while stumbling, and you can be sure the commentators will have something to say about that.

Aside from the usually spot-on commentary, you'll want to turn up your speakers to hear the pumping stadium environments. Play one game for a few minutes and you'll be able to tell who the home team is and who is playing away.

A big new feature in FIFA 10 is the ability to upload a digital photo of yourself and import your face onto your Virtual Pro player.

There are still one or two issues though, like the vast amount of options and game modes that result in a cluttered looking menu system. Also, the ability to upgrade players in exchange for real money is a bit of a snag as one would expect this to be free. Still, overall this is a good title for anyone to enjoy.