- Publisher: EA
- Developer: EA Canada
- ESRB Rating: “E” for Everyone
- Genre: Soccer
- Pros: Great presentation; awesome gameplay; tons of modes; Be A Pro; every league/team/player you could ask for
- Cons: A.I. loves to pass into your heel
The FIFA series has always been known for having tons of licensed leagues, teams, and players and FIFA 10 is no different. Anyone and everyone you may want to play as or with is in the game.
As far as modes go, it isn’t that different from last year, but there are a couple of significant additions to go along with the season modes, manager modes, online leagues with up to 10 players per team, and all that good stuff. The first big addition is the ability to create custom set pieces where you can set up runs for up to 9 of your players. The other big change is that Be A Pro mode (my personal favorite mode in any sports game ever) has been expanded into a “Virtual Pro” mode where instead of starting out as an established player you create a brand new footballer and build their skills from the ground up. The nice thing about Virtual Pro is that once you place your player on a team, they are on that team across all of the modes in the game so you can use them in Be A Pro, normal team matches where you control everyone, or whatever you want. Very cool.
Between your Virtual Pro, the insanely deep and satisfying manager modes, and the wealth of online options, FIFA 10 has a lot to offer that will surely keep you busy right up until World Cup 2010 in June.
Gameplay
I also want to touch on Be A Pro mode. You control just one player and have to be in the right position, make the right runs, make careful passes, and generally do things you really do when you play real soccer. My only complaint is that the A.I. has a tendency to pass the ball into your heel a lot. They make the right decision about 90% of the time, but my teammates sure like to kick the ball into the back of my leg from 5 feet away (it then bounces off since I can’t accept the pass and we lose control) right after I passed to them and am trying to turn and make a run up field. Just a minor thing, but it happens a lot.
Graphics & Sound
FIFA 10 also greatly impresses with the presentation. It isn’t a huge visual leap over last year, but there is definitely a difference. The stadiums are a bit more detailed, the players look a bit better (major stars are easily recognizable by their faces), and the animation is smooth and great all around.The sound is also excellent. The sounds out on the pitch are just what you’d expect, and the commentary seems like it flows better and keeps up with the game better than last year.
Bottom Line
