Like Michael and his ‘fondness’ for huskies, even the most extraordinary things become mundane if you get used to them. Like annual football updates: previously the scum of the release calendar but now a hotly contested battle between the publishers - an even changing ebb and flow between FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer has removed any monopoly and forced both teams to up their game. And here we are again, with the year moving quicker than a pointy Citroen, and another round of soccer sims upon us to whet our appetites.
We say ’sims’ in the plural but as yet we’ve not received anything playable for Pro Evo 2009, so this isn’t some kind of comparison. This is purely a review of EA’s latest and although Konami has its staunt fanbase, still clinging to the notion that Evo plays a more ‘realistic’ game, we reckon anyone still in doubt over which to go for this year will find very little wrong with FIFA 09. Put simply, it’s the finest football game we’ve ever played.
So, the first thing you’ll do is grab the manual, head straight to the back page and find the special, unique code enscribed there. This code allows you to subscribe to any of the game’s major leagues, at which point the game will then automatically download form updates throughout the season. If a team is playing well in the ‘real’ league, the stats boost will be reflected in game, and of course the opposite is true. If a player gets married or buys a new mansion, expect the game in FIFA 09. Well, not the mansion. Or the marriage. The ‘free’ update subscription is sponsored by Adidas, if you want live updates from other leagues, it’s a fiver each from the Store, which is actually a pretty good price.
Also carried over from the Euro edition of FIFA 08 is the interactive league updates, where the player picks a team and then points scored in game are totted up along with all the others online and your virtual team is ranked worldwide. Again, expect a heavy bias for the better known teams (loads of Manchester United selections from IP addresses outside of Manchester, for example) but it’s still a cool feature.
The best new feature though is the fully developed ‘be a pro’ mode. First seen in FIFA 08, this ‘control a single player for the whole match’ was a nice idea in single player mode, but now it’s usable online with 9 other players per team. In effect, this means a 20 player match (the PS3 still controls the goalies) with each player assuming a real role on the pitch. It’s a great idea, and works well assuming everyone’s internet connection is up to scratch, and the behind-the-player camera is especially cool. The roadie run from Gears is still there too when you’re sprinting towards the goal, creating tension and more than a little bit of pressure.
If you’re not really good enough for ‘be a pro’ then try ‘Lounge’ mode. It’s still a 20 player max limit but it’s a one-player-per-team league with the twist being a more relaxed set of rules. Probably better with people you know, it’s a casual way to enjoy FIFA where you can boost and reduce stats to level out the playing field, and works well enough to be more than just a novelty. The single player has been bolstered too though: alongside the offline ‘be a pro’ matches there’s a set of seasons to work your way through, with the PS3 awarding you for good play and decent results, starting you at the bottom of the league with the ultimate goal of captaining your country. It’s fundamentally just a career mode, but feels extremely polished.
Additionally, there’s Clubs for those of you that like your online clan matches, and a full offline Manager Mode for anyone that likes sheepskin overcoats.
Thankfully, the gameplay mechanics have received as much attention as the menu options. Right from the kickoff this feels more like football than any previous FIFA. EA have been heading down the simulation route for some time, but this year they’ve cracked it with a heavy emphasis on passing and keeping possession. It’s all about trying to find an opening and pulling at the defense rather than holding down sprint and crossing it in from the wing, and watching skilled players at work, coupled with the amazing visuals on offer really does look like you’re watching a live match on the television.
The d-pad is used for tactical changes, mid-game, and can naturally be tweaked to suit your playing style, but the real improvements are in the use of the right analog stick, which can now control how your first touch is handling and coupled with the triggers gives you a wider range of moves than ever before. Instead of just lame shimmies you can now modify your passes and shots on goal (and even fake a shot) and the improved animation, computer AI and physics really do hammer home the differences between this and FIFA 08.
So, with the official license, stunning graphics, a whole host of online options, 7 player local matches and a lengthy single player campaign this is the ultimate football game. Sure, it’s all zeroes and ones but they’re dressed up in a realistic simulation that has finally shed it’s Megadrive roots. The argument is over: FIFA is the new king, and unless Pro Evo comes with a free copy of Metal Gear Solid 4, this one’s in the bag, EA. Brilliant, brilliant stuff.
October 3rd, 2008 at 11:52 am
even I have to admit the FIFA demo was good, smooth and felt fluid but not much different to 08. The PES demo feels a bit clunky. It breaks my football gaming heart to say it but I think PES might be dead. Konami should buy the licence for Sensible Soccer and give up with “realism”
October 3rd, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Totally agree, think i’ll be shooting with circle this year.
I’m a bit worried about this live season business, newcastles stats are going nowhere but down
nofi Says:
October 3rd, 2008 at 1:04 pm
It’s optional, though.
rothbury Says:
October 3rd, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Ahhh, I see, think i’ll bury my head in the sand and pretend everythings ok!
Anyone know how the live season affects online play? or is it just for offline leagues?
October 3rd, 2008 at 1:21 pm
sorry lads..but that is bollocks!
played the fifa demo to death (if you like floaty balls and inprecise turns- then its the game for you) last night layed the PES demo to death….
FIFA whilst trying very hard (and somewhat exceeded) has just lost the ball..PES takes it, and buries it in the back of the net…GOALLL!!!!!
EVERYTHING has been updated in this years offering (no slowdown for a start) and the ‘become a legend’ with 4 players online looks mint..ive gota few appendages crossed that the online ‘bit’ is less laggy though…if thats the case, sold on day one…sorry FIFA maybe next year, and congrats for seabass for giving us the pro eo we’ve grown to love…back!
nofi Says:
October 3rd, 2008 at 1:22 pm
somethingsomethingstauntfanssomethingsomething
deepmenace Says:
October 3rd, 2008 at 1:38 pm
played pes demo last night and wasnt impressed by how little it has changed but i still prefer it over the fifa09 demo.
there is still some intangible things that keep me with pes…i wish i could put my finger on it. it still feels more like a simulation of football over fifas’ football “game”.
however, i maybe letting my bias cloud my judgement so my proposal is to rent both games over a weekend and sit down and just play both with my 2 brothers…..i wonder which will be in my ps3 when the fat lady singeth?
seedaripper1973 Says:
October 3rd, 2008 at 2:16 pm
PES
p.s nofi…??somethingsomethingstauntfanssomethingsomething??
I’m obviously missing something here?
seedaripper1973 Says:
October 3rd, 2008 at 2:22 pm
edit..i assume you meant staunch fan?? are the ’something’ words used as a means of expletives??
confusion is a good mate of mine..i can hook you up
Pixl1983 Says:
October 3rd, 2008 at 2:36 pm
‘taunt fan’…….
Y’know, rib ‘im, poke fun at him trying to hold on so very tightly to his beloved franchise cos it’s not as corperationy as the other one!
Poor lil’ lamb.
nofi Says:
October 3rd, 2008 at 2:54 pm
We’re already best mates, seedaripper.
seedaripper1973 Says:
October 3rd, 2008 at 3:59 pm
DAMN YOU CONFUSIOOONNNnnnnn….ah well, i knew i wasnt exclusive…
have you met paranoia? (bit of a loner)
October 3rd, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Right, some people will never be swayed but I’d like to offer my opinion of both demos. Bear in mind that I’ve owned every PES since ISS on the SNES (which I bought for my mate’s SNES, I didn’t even have one!). Even last year’s abomination because I got it for the PC where it was actually quite enjoyable.
I think the textures and replay/intro sequence animation of PES is better than FIFA this year. That is the way the figures move is more realistic and the shirts don’t look like they’re made of liquid like they do in FIFA. You can read the player’s name on the back of the shirt without wanting to throw your controller at it for looking so stupid.
The over-saturated colours in PES are annoying, it looks like its aimed at pre-school kids. The ball is heavy while you dribble, light as a feather when you shoot. I’m not saying this because I can’t score or torture defences with my dribbling, I’ve just beat Liverpool 4-0, I can work the game. I just wish the ball physics weren’t so peculiar.
Fifa is a bit buggy and it’s menus are (and have been for a while now)thoroughly crap. I don’t get why everyone raves about FIFA’s menu system, it’s over-complicated, slow to respond and jerkily animated. It’s as broken as the gameplay in PES was last year. Once you get on the field in FIFA it is a much more flowing experience. PES just feels like a series of set plays in comparison. FIFA is capable of producing flowing football with one-touch passing and possession play. Unfortunately PES is stunted in comparison, I used to be able to string little triangular passes togther all over the place until the opposition was in shreds and then a through ball split the defence. Not any more, it is still possible but you don’t feel like one pass flows from another, you feel like there’s a full stop between each touch of the ball.
I really wanted PES to be better this year, I wanted it more than I wanted any other video game related occurance but it just hasn’t happened. I’m sure it would be fun to play, I might even get it when it hits the bargain bin in a few months but unless they released a seriously under-prepared demo version to the PSN I’m afraid it’s FIFA for me this year.
seedaripper1973 Says:
October 3rd, 2008 at 4:03 pm
OUCH!
Fair shout mate, and a very (personal) unbiased view
El Contradicto, strikes yet again…
October 3rd, 2008 at 4:24 pm
TSA Cup, then?
cc_star Says:
October 3rd, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Count me in… Although I’m not picking my full copy up till tmrw (damn missus was with me all day today!)
Anthony From XeNonX Says:
October 5th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Count me in! I’d do a XeNonX cup myself, but non of our writers (besides Ad’s) actually play the game. Mind if I go a bit cross promotional again?
. Free advertising can’t hurt
October 3rd, 2008 at 5:00 pm
This time FIFA 09 really better than PES
October 3rd, 2008 at 5:10 pm
I’m Fifa fan, I loved ‘08 and still constantly play it online 1 year after I brought it
Hows that for value?
This year, I’ve really tried to give PES a go, to see what all the fuss is about.
I’ve played the demo loads since downloading it, and I just can’t get into it, I really can’t see how people say it’s a football ’simulation’ to Fifa’s ‘arcade’ style.
PES just doesn’t feel fluid and Cb’s comments above about it feeling like a full stop after every pass rings true. it certainly doesn’t look next-gen, the sound as usual is awful.
Fifa just flows, it’s possible to play like Arsenal with lots of intricate passing moves all the way up the pitch, It’s also possible to play like Stoke, and just boot the ball up
The formation, and the players you pick really seem to make a difference whereas in PES the short pass button feels like Fifa 2000, and goes directly to a near team mate, who stops to receive it, before you make him run on
And Cb I though PES’s shirts looked like one flat sprite, it didn’t look like it was made of material, whereas Fifa has a few more polygons (?)
I won’t even mention in-game graphics, as PES looks like it would easily be possible on a PS2, and don’t get me started on the sound I know retro is in vogue but PES seems to have the same sound effects as a 16bit console of days gone by
Gameplay modes - Fifa wins, be a pro is in a different league
to the legend mode, add in online play of up to 10 v 10, a multitude of different leagues from around the world all with real teams and players names. The new Adidas Live Season is nothing short of revolutionary with players real life form affecting their in-game form
So if Fifa wins on Graphics, Sound, Gameplay, Online, Innovation, New Features, how can PES generally score 9’s does the old PES snobbery still exist amongst reviewers?
Also, the old licensing problem still exists with the only 2 UK teams licensed in PES are Liverpool and Man U, whereas Fifa has real players and teams from all the UK division and from loads of countries around the world
Nothing has divided gamers more than Fifa Vs PES (other than maybe Master System Vs NES, & Megadrive Vs SNES), but what rings true to me is that most PES fans now admit Fifa has progressed such a lot it is either on a par with PES or better, where as PES hasn’t improved since Pierluigi Collina was on the front cover, and actually may have gone downhill.
I have given PES a fair crack of the whip, which I never have before and my opinion is it is distinctly a last gen experience compared to FIFA…
seedaripper1973 Says:
October 3rd, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Kudos for the stoke mention
but if you played ALOT of PES you would know what the snobbery is all about..granted EA have bought out the dog and his father in respect to the ‘modes,graphics etc’..but what lies underneath in pro evo..is, quite frankly…FOOTBALL!
buy both (i wont) but id love to kick your ass at the latter..lol..have fun
colossalblue Says:
October 3rd, 2008 at 10:25 pm
and, AND the PES demo was two weeks later than promised, one month after the transfer deadline, they’ve only got a couple of premiership teams and they didn’t update the squads after deadline day, where’s Dimi Berbatov and why the hell does Louis Haha still appear in a red shirt? What a lack of respect for the fans, it’s like Konami think PES fans will just buy any old shite. How hard would it be to swap a couple of players out?
colossalblue Says:
October 3rd, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Maybe it’s just because I’m quitting smoking (2 days in…) but I have a massive urge to punch Konami in the face, all of them, anyone working for them. Except maybe Hideo Kojima, I’d probably give him the benifit of the doubt.
October 3rd, 2008 at 5:51 pm
I’ll tell you what I liked most about the Fifa demo…
The one on one’s with the keeper. Everything else felt the same as it always has done with Fifa, ridiculous angles of feet to kick the ball, scoring headers from corners everytime, awful goalkeepers, crazy ball physics and such like.
Saying that I played the PES demo once, turned it off and went down the pub. Not much of an improvement on last year and like has been above, each pass feels like you have to take a year to control the ball before moving on.
Conversely though, someone also mention “you can play like Arsenal” in Fifa and this is one of Fifa’s major flaws…I don’t know if anyone watches lower leagues (or Bolton as I do), but I’m pretty sure teams like Northampton can’t play fluid, quick, passing football. Apologies to any Northampton Town fans out there.
Oh and in the article in mentions “staunch fans”…Come on! That’s the very definition of Fifa fans! When PES was undeniably better than Fifa (around PES4-6 time) all Fifa fans used to do was moan about “not having license’s” in Pro Evo, therefore making Fifa a better game.
Anyway, we live in a PES house and I can’t see that changing if I can get my housemates to all chip in.
p.s first time poster ans sorry it was such a long one
jonny_bolton Says:
October 3rd, 2008 at 5:52 pm
And by one-on-one’s I meant the bit on the loading screen that goes all 2rd person cam…should have proof read my first post…
colossalblue Says:
October 3rd, 2008 at 10:30 pm
You’re spot on about the earlier iterations of PES being undeniably better but be careful that you’re not falling in to the same mindset as those FIFA fanboys did when PES 5 was laughing at the FIFA franchise for being so diabolical. I’ve struggled to compare the two games this year and last simply because I’ve spent the past ten years thinking of myself as a PES fan because PES was proper football, not like FIFA, it was aimed at kids who wanted to be able to score from 40 yards out by pressing one button. I willed PES to be better than FIFA this year and it is quite sad how much it depresses me that it isn’t.
Oh and if you’re playing FIFA as “sixfingers” (That’s Northampton Town to those of you who didn’t grow up on the edge of the fens) then the fluid passing is harder to pull off because the players stats are lower so they mis-control their quick passing.
Welcome to TSA by the way.
October 5th, 2008 at 12:56 am
“We say ’sims’ in the plural but as yet we’ve not received anything playable for Pro Evo 2009, so this isn’t some kind of comparison…The argument is over: FIFA is the new king, and unless Pro Evo comes with a free copy of Metal Gear Solid 4, this one’s in the bag, EA. Brilliant, brilliant stuff”
Hooray for contradictions and sensationalist sound bites! Somehow I don’t think I’ll bother reading your PES review.
In truth, from what I’ve played I think neither FIFA nor PES have done enough this year to really stand out as exceptional games in their own right. For me the differences between the franchises are marginal at best, and it really comes down to plain old personal preference rather than all this ’superiority’ bullshit. You know, we’re hardly dealing with an epoch-making moment in the history of football videogames here.
It’s Street Fighter II vs King of Fighters, Ridge Racer vs Daytona and so forth. All these games have their staunch and very vocal supporters, but in reality they’re all pretty awesome games in their own right.
IMO it needs a third party to come in and shake it up a bit, because 09 is beginning to feel a bit stale in both camps. Unfortunately I fear that EA and Konami scared the competition away a long time ago
cc_star Says:
October 5th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
A 3rd option would be good for consumers
I’ve always been a fan of the NHL games, but this year for the 1st year I think NHL2k9 is better than EA’s NHL ‘09
Perhaps the team behind 2k could make a football game to compete with Fifa & PES
Although how you can say Fifa is stale is a bit beyond me. The 09 version of the game has just had one of it’s biggest ever shake ups, with almost to many new features to mention
The be-a-pro mode which first made an appearance in ‘08 has now come of age, the seasons mode of this is great.
Online, joining 19 others online to play a 10v10.. how is this stale, no other sports game has ever come close to this (I think)
Live leagues? Another amazing new feature (revolutionary! as this feature will now be copied in to other games)
Playability-wise…the sliding pass hasn’t received much attention but this added feature makes the game flow so much faster
Gameplay-wise there have been so many tweeks that the game is completely different to any FIFA’s that have gone before it, I’m not sure what all the tweaks are, but you can tell by playing it… there may even be the reported 250 of them
By comparison Pro Evo has stood still , and hasn’t really added anything new since Pro Evo 5… and is stale… very stale
I would now say the gulf between the 2 games is as big as ProEvo5 Vs Fifa ‘05… Only this time it’s the other way round
jonny_bolton Says:
October 5th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
I’m pretty sure the Japanese version of Pro Evolution Soccer 2 years ago (Winning Eleven whatever) had the mode where you could play as a single player on the pitch but because online play wasn’t anything special back then I don’t think it was implemented.
colossalblue Says:
October 5th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
The Winning Eleven games have had that feature for a couple of years now I think but not online and not 10v10 but I guess technology has come on a bit so you might claim that PES did it first. I like to call it the “Libero Grande” mode though.
November 1st, 2008 at 1:16 pm
this was my most eagerly anticipated game of the autumn launch, have loved fifas to date, loved this 1 for bout a week an a half and then i got pro evo (iv always loved fifa over pro evo and always argued that fifa rules) this time pro evo rules, too many glitches in the back in fifa like missing the ball completely or the closest person to the ball not available to control. its bloody melt. any fifa die hards out there, get pro evo, dont limit your opinion to the demo cuz i didnt like the demo much. anyway fifa is 9/10. pro evo 10/10
cc_star Says:
November 1st, 2008 at 2:47 pm
It’s widely accepted, even by PES fans that Fifa 09 outplays PES 09 in some key areas of tha game, and that the whole Fifa package is perhaps better than the PES package
But different people have different playing styles, so would obviously prefer different types of games, but if I was forced to play PES I would prefer a disease to strike me deaf and blind before booting it up