Game review: Fifa 10 - Xbox 360

Let me get this out of the way – I don’t play football games all that often.

Part of the reason is that I am an old Wimbledon FC fan – after their much-publicised move to Milton Keynes, which left their fans at home in a sobbing state, I felt like I had been through a messy divorce and my other half had moved away with the kids. It wasn’t pretty.

As a result, I grew a bit resentful of football and everything it represented. I’d go to pubs and all my Chelsea supporting mates would be talking about their latest signing from Europe and I’d be sat there, quietly wishing Chelsea would run out of money and have to move to Milton Keynes as well – just so that they could feel my pain.

The other reason why I don’t play football games these days is the fact that I am not actually very good at them. And to be honest, I’ve not paid much attention to the genre since FIFA International Soccer on the Sega Megadrive.

Upon inserting the disc, its good to hear the words “EA Sports, it’s in the game”, as this instantly brings back memories of my youth, back in the days when 16 bit graphics were the pinnacle of modern technology.

The menu is the training ground. A nice little touch that allows you to get used to the controls before getting properly started.

Featuring just the one player and the goal keeper, this gives you the opportunity to take a few shots and get yourself acquainted with the game.

There are a number of modes available, including the traditional exhibition match, where you select your team and your opponents.

There is also the option to take part in a variety of leagues and cup tournaments, ranging across the globe and featuring all the footballs teams you can blow a whistle at.

Possibly one of the most interesting modes is the Virtual Pro option. In this section of the game you can create your own player and over the course of 4 seasons you just control that one player. This is a neat addition that completely changes the dynamic of the game.

Instead of controlling the team, you are forced to play as a team player and you have to think about your position and what is best for the team. As you sprint towards your opponents goal, the camera gets behind you, putting you right in the action. It’s fast, furious and with the help of some nifty sound design, completely immersive.

There is also the option of uploading a photograph of yourself to the EA website, so that you can finally have a player that looks like you. However, my attempts proved unsuccessful and this technology is still in the beta stages. Nonetheless, it gives the hardcore fans of the game something else to look forward to.

During this mode, your manager gives you a list of achievements you must complete, such as scoring, having 7 shots on target, achieving a high rating, etc etc. Again, an impressive little addition which makes you think about what you’re doing.

Another impressive mode is the Manager section. Pretty much the same as the standard league and cup tournaments, the addition here is you have to make managerial decisions inbetween each match – these can include the choice of sponsors, player transfers, salaries, ticket prices and training – in fact the only option that isn’t included is the ability to tell the WAGs to b*gger off.

Graphically, the game is as impressive as the FIFA games have ever been. The in-game animation is fluid and the physical representation of each players is spot on – with each player behaving as his size and structure would dictate. The grounds and player models are nicely rendered and if there is one complaint, its that the crowds look a little slapdash at times.

The game can be played from a variety of angles, including the traditional side view which has been established by 1,000 other football titles, to a new 360-degree angle which works surprisingly well.

The sound design is incredible. Players shout “man on!” at each other, the crowds sing all those familiar (yet indistinguishable) chants and the scruffs and tuffs on the pitch are all present.

In game commentary is provided by Martin Tyler and Andy Grey, and like all good commentators they ramble on about facts and figures when nothing interesting is happening and then suddenly burst out in excitement when the drama unfolds. Speaking of which, whenever something exciting does happen the camera plays an action replay in several angles.

With all the features and additions, FIFA 10 could of easily been a mess, but as fate would have it it is an addictive experience, easy to pick and get to grips with.

The controls are accessible and easy to get the hang of and the opportunity to see yourself play against the likes of Wayne Rooney and David Beckham is a feature that should appeal to everyone.

The game menu is a bit convoluted and for a novice can be a bit confusing at first, but once you get used to it all FIFA 10 is possibly the best football game experience you can wish for.

EA are clearly on the ball.

Score: 9 out of 10

The good:

Virtual Pro mode is fantastic
Manager mode will keep you busy for weeks
Good graphics
Good sound

The Bad

Confusing menu
EA Game face still needs a bit of work