Game Reviews: FIFA 10 & PES 2010

As something of a Pro Evo fanboy, it was with a heavy heart last season that I conceded defeat to the behemoth that is EA Sports. Many didn’t want to admit it, but Konami’s complacence and downright laziness finally cost them in a battle with their longtime rivals. While Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 was unquestionably a better game than its predecessor, the same Konami bugs and licensing issues remained. Sure, they acquired the Champions League competition license but when this wasn’t integrated into the Master League season mode, what on earth was the point? For years the technical imperfections of Pro Evo were forgiven by its fan base because it played the best game of football available on a console. Last season that changed. FIFA had always been an expensive exercise in style over substance – all the licenses and cutting edge graphics in the world wasn’t enough to mask the fact that it wasn’t as good as Pro on the pitch – but with 09 EA finally cracked it.

It comes as no surprise then to see that FIFA 10 has merely built upon the success of last year’s edition, listening to fans to fine tune what was already an excellent game. Pro Evo by contrast has fallen by the wayside to such an extent that any ideas that it can challenge FIFA in the foreseeable future will have to be dismissed as fantasy. What EA have created this year is simply the most comprehensive console football package that the world has ever seen. The sheer array of game modes, customization and online gaming features is something to behold.

The accusation that has always been leveled at EA is that they essentially release the same game every year with no discernable difference between the new game and the old one. This time, FIFA 10 has a similar game engine to its predecessor but has enough new features and tricks to ensure that you could be quite possibly playing this game all year round and still have time to find new game experiences by the time FIFA 11 is released. The most important new feature in this game is the new 360 degree dribbling control system. This is the first time in a football game that the player can move in 360 degrees rather than the eight directions he was confined to previously. At first the difference seems subtle but when you go back and play 09 you realize you can never go back again. In addition, ‘Be A Pro’ has been improved and the online world cup and team play options are superb.

Online play has also been tightened up to such an extent that you should expect no lag whatsoever when playing with a three bar green connection. There is still something intensely satisfying about sticking three past a complete stranger in ‘competitive’ action and rising up the online rankings. Pro Evo on the other hand has had three years to sort out the bewildering online malfunctions that plagued the 2008 edition and disappointingly still hasn’t been able to deliver a smooth and painless online experience. The fun somewhat disappears when your player is through on goal before the ball teleports to the other end of the pitch and your opponent dribbles into your empty net.

The other problem with Pro Evo 2010 is that the gameplay is simply sub-par. Players have the turning circle of a rhinoceros and the new penalty system is simply appalling – be prepared for shots to balloon over the bar 9 out 10 times. The ball hitting the back of the net still feels better in Pro, but that piece of praise is nothing but a consolation goal in a 5-1 drubbing. Konami have also given the game the worst soundtrack a football game has ever had, while FIFA has a classy set of tunes from around the world.

FIFA simply has so much to do and does it so well that it is difficult to recommend plumping for Konami’s effort instead. But if you prefer an arcade-style game of football then PES is still better than last year’s edition so you may well enjoy it. The graphics have improved immeasurably and some of the player faces are scarily lifelike. However, FIFA 10 is simply the best football game I’ve ever played – it allows you to play whatever style of football you like and is so comprehensive that it will keep you occupied all through the season.

GRADES

FIFA 10 – A*
PES 2010 – B