OS Awards: Soccer Game of the Year

The Soccer Game of the Year category drives home the point that some companies just do a better job with next-gen games than others do at this point. FIFA 09 has captured the attention of soccer fans and non-fans alike, and easily walked away with the voting in both the staff and readers' choice portions of the voting.

FIFA had a lot going for it -- and a lot not going for it, depending on whom you ask. Among the things FIFA had going for it was custom tactics, incredible atmosphere and overall solid gameplay. When it was all wrapped up into the final package, FIFA became a game that could be a contender for the Operation Sports Game of the Year Award, which will be handed out on Thursday.

Operation Sports Soccer Game of the Year: FIFA 09

Staff Thoughts

Matthew DiStaulo: I thought I was done buying sports game this year after I had my NBA, NFL, college football, golf and NHL games all covered. I was ready to move on and start branching out into all those other types of games I kept hearing about where you bang drums or blow stuff up and shoot things. Then I played a game of FIFA 09 at Thanksgiving with my family and was instantly hooked. I proceeded to play about 20 matches in a row and had to be physically removed from the controller in order to stop. The game is a remarkable achievement; the atmosphere, the physics, the online play, and even the commentary are solid. It is now the disc most commonly found in my Xbox 360.

Christian McLeod: FIFA 09 got my vote this year.

As a casual soccer an, and longtime vet of the FIFA series on Genesis, I have been waiting for a soccer game that is not only accessible for the casual fan, but also deep enough to keep me hooked for more than a week. FIFA 09 delivers on both of these prerequisites, and has been my most played soccer game since International Superstar Soccer on my N64.

FIFA 09 transcends the soccer genre -- it is a rock-solid title for the soccer elite, casual noobs like myself, and anyone looking for a great sports game.

Dave Branda: After a very good '08 edition, FIFA 09 actually manages to be a better game in almost every way -- forcing its way onto a very short list of sports games that are hitting on all cylinders these days.

Many of the new additions were awesome. Clubs are a bundle of fun. Playing with up to 10 people on each side online is incredibly addicting. And taking your favorite player and trying to get him to his national team is a great diversion.

But where this game really shines is on the pitch. Gameplay is fast paced, exciting and totally unpredictable -- I have had more "holy cow!" moments in FIFA 09 then I can remember ever experiencing with another game. The developers did an awesome job capturing the energy, emotion and excitement of professional soccer.

The true test of a great sports video game is finding yourself unable to put the controller down months after getting the game -- a test FIFA passes easily.

Ray Delizo: I voted for FIFA 09 because I felt that its mix of gameplay, presentation, animations, licensed teams and features made it a great game. Manager mode is immersive and deep enough to keep me interested, and the fact that you can play 10-on-10 matches online with a bunch of friends is definitely an added bonus.

The gameplay is superb, the commentary is good, the atmosphere is incredible and the developers did a great job capturing soccer at its entertaining best. The goals are challenging but fun and the player celebrations are definitely worth watching over and over again.

Readers' Choice

Winner: FIFA 09

Voting Results: FIFA Soccer 09 (69.48%), Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 (21.13%)

Readers' Thoughts: I may not be the biggest follower of soccer, but FIFA is just amazing this year. PES' poor physics make me reflect upon what once was with that series. -- Pared

PES hands down has better gameplay than FIFA. It also has a competent CPU A.I. in franchise mode. -- Poster

Anyone that actually knows anything about or has played soccer knows that EA simply cannot make a realistic soccer sim. -- clw22580

FIFA gets my vote because overall it is the better game. Even though the ball physics are not that great and the keepers are way too good, the whole "feel" that you get while playing it is awesome. -- DaWolf

I love FIFA and like someone posted, once you get your custom tactics down it becomes a great game. -- Big Carolina

Support OS and Chris Sanner by digg'ing this article

Member Comments

# 1 therizing02 @ 01/07/09 04:20 PM

The only thing surprising about the announcement is Ray Delizo's comment that "manager mode is immersive and deep enough to keep me interested". Are we playing the same game Ray?

# 2 Nivek @ 01/07/09 04:54 PM

GAME OF THE YEAR....end of discussion. I know the Show will probably win it due to over exposure of baseball in the US, but this game is remarkable.

# 3 BREWCREW1982 @ 01/07/09 10:24 PM

FIFA 09 is hands down the best soccer game on the planet. Wayne Rooney ROCKS

# 4 statum71 @ 01/07/09 10:47 PM

I stll have 08 since I'm not a big soccer fan. But you guys are gonna make me get 09. Is it THAT much better?????

# 5 BlyGilmore @ 01/08/09 12:38 PM

in a word statum - yes.

On the pitch the game is just dramatically better in almost every way - from thru-balls actually working, to better player movement and control, better keeper AI, better computer AI, ability to change your strategy via tactics (and have it be meaningful), and having varied styles of attack all be viable (not just sprint down the wing and cross every play).

# 6 Matt10 @ 01/08/09 03:08 PM

Wow. I guess we have soccer players...and we have soccer gamers. Guess who won.

Fifa's manager-mode..immersive? Right, so playing against the same Manchester United from the 2008 season in the 2015 season is realistic? Hmmm...

Gameplay...have you played on the higher difficulties? How many shots did you give up in the first half on World-Class, in the 10-15 range? Why? because the dribbling agility is whack. You can't defend it. Play on a lower difficulty and tackle the CPU easily at will.

But alas, we are in a casual gaming world. Not everyone plays offline - so with that said, FIFA 09 ONLINE is amazing. Absolutely superb and hands down wins it.

But single player mode leaves alot left to be desired - whoever thinks MM is worth playing is kidding themselves.

# 7 Jim236 @ 01/08/09 07:10 PM

Agreed about the Manager Mode, it's pretty thin to say the least. But that's a big focus for 2010 apparently. It's definitely playable though.

As for the gameplay...I really can't agree there. FIFA 09 is definitely the most realistic representation of football (soccer) seen in a game to date. This is coming from someone who bought basically all the Pro Evolution games up to PES6. Konami have really dropped the ball over the last few years.

And 10-15 shots each half?! Something's not right there! I'd be hard pressed to give the CPU 10 shots on goal in the entire match on World Class. Just defend sensibly and use a second man to get the tackle in (hold B on the 360) when needed. Just make sure you don't abuse it and leave players way out of position. Once you get the hang of the game it's pretty easy to dominate the CPU from time to time on World Class.

# 8 Matt10 @ 01/09/09 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim236


	Agreed about the Manager Mode, it's pretty thin to say the least. But that's a big focus for 2010 apparently. It's definitely playable though. As for the gameplay...I really can't agree there. FIFA 09 is definitely the most realistic representation of football (soccer) seen in a game to date. This is coming from someone who bought basically all the Pro Evolution games up to PES6. Konami have really dropped the ball over the last few years. And 10-15 shots each half?! Something's not right there! I'd be hard pressed to give the CPU 10 shots on goal in the entire match on World Class. Just defend sensibly and use a second man to get the tackle in (hold B on the 360) when needed. Just make sure you don't abuse it and leave players way out of position. Once you get the hang of the game it's pretty easy to dominate the CPU from time to time on World Class.

I've played FIFA and PES over the course of my life and PES has always been 1 step ahead, and this year - in terms of gameplay (and deeper), in my opinion, they are ahead again.

FIFA does not represent soccer/football correctly. How many players in any real football match do you see dribbling with every single step they take - is a touch on the ball. The dribbling animation just does not look right. Do you know how winded players would be if they had to actually dribble like that in real life?

15-20 shots a half is about the average when you play the minutes I play, 15 minutes to be exact. I think 15 minutes is an adequate time to not feel rushed for a game (on PES I play 25 minutes). But on World-Class the CPU constantly finds openings, and always shoots - always.

It's not that I am a "fifa-basher" or a "pes-fanboy", quite the opposite. I love FIFA, first soccer game I ever played for the playstation 1. Read my posts all over when I got the game - LOVED IT - and really thought it was a step up. They got the online part down (which KONAMI failed miserably in) and you can tell where their intended target audience is, but for those of us who love playing offline (and not against Man United or Barcelona all the damn time), then yes - this game has failed. I tried to defend FIFA for as long as I could, but the lack of attention towards the offline play is where I drew the line.

I am looking forward, as always, to next year's edition - so till then, congrats on the Casual Gamer's Soccer Game Award, FIFA 09 - you've earned it.

# 9 koshi @ 01/10/09 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by therizing02


	The only thing surprising about the announcement is Ray Delizo's comment that "manager mode is immersive and deep enough to keep me interested". Are we playing the same game Ray?

(edit: not laughing at your post, but rather the "immersive" comment)

Genius.

"...Never open your mouth 'till you know what the shot is." -Ricky Roma

Then again, I suppose immersion is purely subjective.

Quote:

Originally Posted by statum71


	I stll have 08 since I'm not a big soccer fan. But you guys are gonna make me get 09. Is it THAT much better?????

No it's not. It's better, but just wait for next years. If they continue on this trajectory they're on, FIFA 2010 has a chance to be truly excellent. They still have work to do though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt10


	...FIFA does not represent soccer/football correctly...

Yeah 09 on the higher difficulties with the four and five star teams got pretty absurd. Still, play with those obscure teams rated under three stars and you can get some great games.

# 10 therizing02 @ 01/16/09 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koshi


	No it's not. It's better, but just wait for next years. If they continue on this trajectory they're on, FIFA 2010 has a chance to be truly excellent. They still have work to do though.

Classic Koshi. That's the first Glen Gery Glen Ross comment I've seen at OS.

But seriously, and of course I will sound like a PES fan boy, but most of the people here know that I'm looking for the most realistic experience from a football game possible. If it's PES, great. If it's FIFA, great.

FIFA 08 blew PES 2008 away in EVERY aspect. For 2009, for anyone to say that "FIFA is the most realistic game" can't be serious or they have no knowledge of the "beautiful game".

Why is FIFA nowhere near a simulation?

The foul system is a joke. Started a Manager Mode (again) with Arsenal. Through the first 3 games my team has committed 1 foul and I've drawn 3. In a word that is PATHETIC and nowhere near what I would call realistic. For anyone who plays NBA 2k9 or NBA Live, would you have a problem if there were only 4 fouls called through three games of your franchise? Based on this I will have now quit my 3rd attempt at Manager Mode this season and I have never gotten past 5 games.

Substitutions. Clearly scripted because the CPU makes a change at the same time every game and we all know they don't substitute according what's going on in the match. If I'm down 3 points with 5 seconds to go and I have the ball, why in the hell would I sub in a 7 footer instead of another 3pt. shooter?

Run and gun. On the PRO level it is just way to easy to take the ball from the CPU. Why? Because they dribble way too much. There is way to much emphasis on dribbling and tricks in FIFA and not passing and building.

On World Class, the CPU dribbles just as much, but it's tough to take the ball from them because the ball is stuck to their foot and they change directions way to quick. From a physics stanpoint, this is impossible to do as is the stupid cutback that is so prevalant in the game.

The problems from a tactical standpoint on any level is that the CPU REFUSES to build an attack. In my last two matches against Boca and Chelsea NOT ONCE did either team pass the ball more than 4 times in a possession. This is inexcusable and just screams ARCADE. Pass...dribble...pass...dribble..cross...shoot. That's run and gun route one football. Adjust tactics? Of course I did. Change formation? Check. Mentality? Check. It's route 1 football. Boring and predictable.

Player control. I do not see any difference this year. IMO it's worse than 08. My players refusing to go for a ball within 3 feet of them. The receiver of passes running next to the ball and not on to it. Defenders that are passive even though I have aggression set to 90. The only thing that's improved from last year is the last minute clearance out of the box by your teammates.

The goal keeper running all the way to the side touch lines? Lobbed through balls still don't work either.

Manager Mode

Transfer system is a joke. Transfered players don't play. So, in NBA Live, would the Knicks after signing LeBRon James sit him on the bench.....FOREVER?

Loaned Players..What's the point, they don't play for the club you loaned them to and their ratings stay the same.

CPU Lineup management. What fatigue?

Sim Engine. This is a joke. I regularly have seen Man U. and Chelsea in the middle of the pack.

All of this adds up to an unplayable mode.

How anyone in their right mind can refer to this game as either realistic or a simulation is beyond me. I think that the majority of gamers know that FIFA has always been an arcade game. Over the last two years the team in Canada has made great progress, but there is still a long way to go.

I'm eagerly awaiting the next Community Day because whoever goes this time, I'll be able to arm them with quite a few questions.

# 11 rsnomar05 @ 01/16/09 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by therizing02


	Classic Koshi. That's the first Glen Gery Glen Ross comment I've seen at OS. But seriously, and of course I will sound like a PES fan boy, but most of the people here know that I'm looking for the most realistic experience from a football game possible. If it's PES, great. If it's FIFA, great. FIFA 08 blew PES 2008 away in EVERY aspect. For 2009, for anyone to say that "FIFA is the most realistic game" can't be serious or they have no knowledge of the "beautiful game". Why is FIFA nowhere near a simulation? The foul system is a joke. Started a Manager Mode (again) with Arsenal. Through the first 3 games my team has committed 1 foul and I've drawn 3. In a word that is PATHETIC and nowhere near what I would call realistic. For anyone who plays NBA 2k9 or NBA Live, would you have a problem if there were only 4 fouls called through three games of your franchise? Based on this I will have now quit my 3rd attempt at Manager Mode this season and I have never gotten past 5 games. Substitutions. Clearly scripted because the CPU makes a change at the same time every game and we all know they don't substitute according what's going on in the match. If I'm down 3 points with 5 seconds to go and I have the ball, why in the hell would I sub in a 7 footer instead of another 3pt. shooter? Run and gun. On the PRO level it is just way to easy to take the ball from the CPU. Why? Because they dribble way too much. There is way to much emphasis on dribbling and tricks in FIFA and not passing and building. On World Class, the CPU dribbles just as much, but it's tough to take the ball from them because the ball is stuck to their foot and they change directions way to quick. From a physics stanpoint, this is impossible to do as is the stupid cutback that is so prevalant in the game. The problems from a tactical standpoint on any level is that the CPU REFUSES to build an attack. In my last two matches against Boca and Chelsea NOT ONCE did either team pass the ball more than 4 times in a possession. This is inexcusable and just screams ARCADE. Pass...dribble...pass...dribble..cross...shoot. That's run and gun route one football. Adjust tactics? Of course I did. Change formation? Check. Mentality? Check. It's route 1 football. Boring and predictable. Player control. I do not see any difference this year. IMO it's worse than 08. My players refusing to go for a ball within 3 feet of them. The receiver of passes running next to the ball and not on to it. Defenders that are passive even though I have aggression set to 90. The only thing that's improved from last year is the last minute clearance out of the box by your teammates. The goal keeper running all the way to the side touch lines? Lobbed through balls still don't work either. Manager Mode Transfer system is a joke. Transfered players don't play. So, in NBA Live, would the Knicks after signing LeBRon James sit him on the bench.....FOREVER? Loaned Players..What's the point, they don't play for the club you loaned them to and their ratings stay the same. CPU Lineup management. What fatigue? Sim Engine. This is a joke. I regularly have seen Man U. and Chelsea in the middle of the pack. All of this adds up to an unplayable mode. How anyone in their right mind can refer to this game as either realistic or a simulation is beyond me. I think that the majority of gamers know that FIFA has always been an arcade game. Over the last two years the team in Canada has made great progress, but there is still a long way to go. I'm eagerly awaiting the next Community Day because whoever goes this time, I'll be able to arm them with quite a few questions.

I agree with everything you just said. Not to mention Become a Legend is way better than Be a Pro.

# 12 wepeeler @ 01/22/09 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt10


	Wow. I guess we have soccer players...and we have soccer gamers. Guess who won. Fifa's manager-mode..immersive? Right, so playing against the same Manchester United from the 2008 season in the 2015 season is realistic? Hmmm... Gameplay...have you played on the higher difficulties? How many shots did you give up in the first half on World-Class, in the 10-15 range? Why? because the dribbling agility is whack. You can't defend it. Play on a lower difficulty and tackle the CPU easily at will. But alas, we are in a casual gaming world. Not everyone plays offline - so with that said, FIFA 09 ONLINE is amazing. Absolutely superb and hands down wins it. But single player mode leaves alot left to be desired - whoever thinks MM is worth playing is kidding themselves.

I agree with you that the MM is lacking depth and the harder difficulties are very challenging, but your "Online is a amazing" quote has me baffled. I play alot of offline FIFA and when I play online, I have to adjust to a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT GAME. How is that possible? Shouldn't the online game be on par with the offline? I can't stand the BS that occurs in the online game and for that reason, I only play friends. Have you ever dominated an entire game, gotten off 15 shots only to be beaten in the 85th minute by a breakaway? That's balls to me...

# 13 aaaceventura @ 02/12/09 06:07 PM

yup other than manager mode, its pretty tough to say anything bad. it has its minor issues, but hey what game doesn't. to all you pro evolution fans, you should switch to FIFA you don't know what your missing.