Fifa09 Classification: G Platforms: PS3, Xbox360, Wii, PSP, PS2, DS, PC

“With 500 new animation sequences and all-new collision and shielding systems — representing the biggest innovations to the game engine in four years — FIFA 09 delivers more responsive, intelligent and realistic physical action,” says the box. For the biggest innovation in four years, it looks and feels suspiciously similar to last year's version, FIFA 08.      

I honestly can't tell the difference.  Maybe I'm not “hardcore” enough to understand the changes, but I've played real soccer for the last six seasons, so I expect most of you will come to the same conclusion. Not to say FIFA 09 is bad, because it's not - it's a brilliant game. I just don't see any reason to upgrade from FIFA 08.  It's easy to pick up, but hard to master; that's why this franchise has been selling millions of copies every year. The graphics and audio are brilliant, but the gameplay is the key to this game's success. This is “total control” football at its best. It's amazing that you can actually do the moves you see on TV and still feel in control of the player and ball at every step. This realism carries onto the teams and players. Each player has their own individual skill set; some can turn on a five-cent piece where others may struggle. Also some players will have far better control when receiving a ball, whilst others with lesser stats may take some time to wrestle the ball under control, leaving them open to be tackled. This may sound quite technical for a guy who just wants to sit on the couch and have a quick game after work, but it really does make a difference. But the extensive multiplayer modes that are the main reason I play FIFA. There's nothing more enjoyable than you and a mate taking on two other friends; slick one-two passes, perfectly floated balls and rocket launcher penalty shots from outside the box. Ah, it's a beautiful game.