FIFA Soccer 10 Full Game Impressions

[CX1329]

I am more excited about FIFA than I am for both basketball games, and that's saying something.

I'm truly in love with the unprecedented control I have over my players, the physics, the overall flow of the game, and the graphics. Playing FIFA feels just like watching a real football match on TV, it's simply incredible.

The improved AI which you said is present in the retail copy will put me in football heaven.

Also, I feel the need to emphasize just how much I love the control and the physics. I no longer get the feeling I'm playing a turn-based game, which is something I can't say for the PES demo. In other football games, if the defense does as much as touch the ball, it's theirs already and you can't do anything about it. Not in FIFA 10. Brilliant.

[droctabass]

Thanks for all the reviews guys. I unfortunately have to wait till the game makes its way across the pond. I am worried about this new form ratings for MM, but I am hoping I can get past this.

[demencia_total]

therizing02:

-Can you check the CTT and see how many save slots there are? I believe there were 28 in FIFA 09.

Edit: Still 28

-What are the shooting CTT settings for the teams you played against?

Edit: Most teams have around 70 for shooting.

-Can you play a game with EPL and Serie A teams to see if the styles of play are different?

I played Man U vs Man City, and just now played Inter vs Fiorentina. I have to play more but, there was definitely a difference in pace. Man U beat me 2-0 and they played a very fast pace, with Rooney, Bervatov and Valencia giving me all sorts of trouble. The only problem I had with that game is that there were very few fouls called. The Inter vs Fiorentina game was a very slow paced game that ended 1-1 in regulation, but I managed to pull off an overtime win when Fiorentina fouled me in the area, and Eto'o converted on the penalty. Then right at the end, I took a free kick with Sneijder and scored beautifully.

Here's the replay of the FK:

EA Sports: Inter 3 - 1 Fiorentina


One thing that really impressed me about that game is that right at the end, I decided to go all offense on Fiorentina, and they dropped back to defend, just leaving one man in attack. It was a smart move by them because I was dominating possession at that point and it prevented the winning goal in regulation. It was pretty cool.

-Playing defense on World Class, is it beneficial to play passing lanes or to go straight at the player in possesion like it's been for years?

It's still too effective in my view to pressure the player on straight, but this year the AI will punish you at times if you don't stay in the correct position protecting the passing lanes. When you do this, the AI will pass the ball around the midfield, and even pass the ball to the back line if you cover well enough. Granted, they still will go forward eventually, but it's a HUGE improvement from last year's Attack, Attack and Attack! mentality.

-Are you noticing tactical changes throughout the match from the CPU?

Like I said in the Inter vs Fiorentina game, they dropped back when I decided to go all out attack. The AI also seems to make smart substitions unlike previous years, spreading them through the game instead of just substituting everyone at the same time. It might change though if you play shorter halves.

-As you get more into MM are you noticing that the CPU doesn't play the same starting 11 every week?

Edit: I dunno if they change it every week yet, but they do change their lineups. I sold Gaby Milito to Sevilla, and as soon as I played them in the preseason Spanish Super Cup, he was in the lineup as their starting right back. I've also seen different lineups than the default ones from the squad file early in the season, so it's more than likely that they do switch around.

[brs2305]

Yesterday I got this game. I was impressed with FIFA 09 and very disappointed at the same time, which means I was hoping for FIFA 10 to solve these very disappointing aspects of last years game.

The first big issue was the control as you felt, that you had to manage 5 steps ahead what you want to do, otherwise you would get stripped right away. Well, FIFA 10 does a better job in this matter. The controls respond quicker, especially online.

The next big problem was passing. I don't know about manual, but with help, the lead pass is working quiet effective, as you have still a lot control about direction and speed you put on the ball. Every once in a while my regular passes are heading a different direction as I wanted, but that's probably due to my controller input, especially with passes down right/left. However you can really watch how better passers actually "save" your wrong in put, while average or bad passers show no mercy...Good Job EA!

The shooting system and Ball physics got better too. I actually managed to score hammer out of like 30m, which never worked really in FIFA 09. However it's a very difficult thing and involves some luck to, just like should be in Soccer. I haven't played enough yet, but the skill shot (or however you call it) is quiet effective, like the OP said, especially on low shots. The ball kinda never stops to accelerate...however it looks absolutely sick!!

Team AI...oh my god I am in heaven!! So far I just had on issue where I thought, man why don't you keep running...! Other than that, the you Teammates behave very realistic. FIFA 09 had serious problems with that, but FIFA 10 does a great job. They actually play soccer with you.
One example I really liked: I came from the far left, went by somebody, was at the left box wanted to cross and saw as one of my strikers ran from the right side towards the first post as suddenly the other striker seemed to realize that and hustled from the left side to the second post...a perfect cross...score...THat's how soccer should be like.

On the defensive side it so much more fun. Your guys are trying to throw themselves in to every shot with great animations. The one on one fights with another striker is so good, since it's unpredictable. It gives the game an interesting aspect. Moreover it feels just right, when a big defender checks Messi to the ground. However you still can get called for a foul.
The keepers are way better especially on situations where they had to get up quick and react again. Just the rushing from the line thing is sometimes too intense which leads to quiet a few rainbow shots (sorry for the wrong expression, guys) over the keeper, so guys be easy on the triangle button...the AI does already enough...

AI: well the AI has been already pretty solid in FIFA 09. However what I hated was what we call in Basketball run 'n gun taktics they all used on matter what team you played against. They were shooting from every position at any time. Very annoying, especially when you saw like 7-15 shots against you at the end against average teams. However they fixed it. The AI plays patient soccer, which feels and looks way more realistic. The only thing is, that worldclass (2nd highest skill level) is now definitely too easy. I played two games BVB-S04 4-0 and GER-NED 6-1. Honestly I never scored so high in FIFA 09, however I never played much against the AI. On Legend it's a great challange. I used Basel - Everton and lost 0-3. However I was underdog and played a great game. At the end Everton used his chances to lift up the score. Yet I enjoyed it.

Online: WOW!!! So much more fluid, at least for me. Thus so much more control...thus so much more fun!! I never had more fun to play any game online than FIFA 10!!

Well besides that, the creat a set for freekicks is actually pretty great. It works really good, however I am not sure about it's exploit possibilities. Actually I am pretty sure some freaks will find exploits, but I think it's not an option online.

Some other thoughts:

- BAP is basically the same. The development system has improved greatly. As thurstones already mentioned it's now linked to what you are doing on the field. So great dribblings will result in you dribbling skills and so on.

- Still hate the fact that you cannot play any International Tournaments like CL, Europaleague, WC or something else, exepct you creat one. However it's not the same

- Still don't like the statistics...I mean there is not even a stat for assists...they got so good company with Football Manager, however they just don't use it...pretty sad.

- Dynamic Season hasn't been available as of yesterday, but I am looking foreward to check it out as soon as it's on.


Well guys...this to be said...FIFA 10 looks like FIFA 09, but plays a way better game of soccer. I never enjoyed a soccer game since PES 6. Now if they just had a PES like Manager mode, creating a team and change/create a jersey within the seasons I'd be in soccer heaven...


Thank you EA for a great SPORTS GAME YEAR 2010!!! NBA Live 10, FIFA 10, NHL 10

[Qb]

Some good things, some that make me worry, but that's life I suppose. AI squad rotation in MM is huge and if the AI on both sides is more varied & representative of real football (at least compared to 09 & demo), that is encouraging. Better subs and at least some tactical changes are also encouraging, but only many, many games will give us a true picture. I have the feeling fouls still won't be where some of us would like, but the demo was better, aside from the random games where the ref seemingly had a blindfold on... but I guess that would actually be kind of realistic, even if it's frustrating as hell.

I can live with the form variation provided it's not too random and good players are more consistent. Eg, Abou Diaby's form should fluctuate wildly, any gooner can tell you that, but a world-class player's form should be relatively stable. The point about WE/PES's form arrows is a good one; players on blue or the dreaded purple stunk in every aspect, but we didn't see numbers. Seeing someone go from 85 speed to 72 does make you say "WTF?!" but it's probably the same in the end. Very astute, sir...

[ezio]

Demencia,

It is good to see a difference in teams and them adjusting. Do you also notice a difference in players?

[southernbelle]

just got my copy in London... will post later

PS3

[southernbelle]

on the pitch first game impression...

Barca (CPU) v Real Madrid (ME!) at Camp Nou (i couldn't down load the bernbau yet)...

first of all, the game plays significantly better than the demo. the main thing i noticed was the physical play. on the left side i had kaka moving his body around the defender to keep possession. this really can only be experienced.

i did not use much skill dribbling, but knock is much more dynamic.

the big thing i want to comment on is the AI... wow... the CPU passes it back! one instance, they stole the ball near my goal... i had it blocked, and the passed it all the way back (TWO BACK PASSES), reset and charged. they also take long shots...

if this game play translates to MM... watch out..

oh, and i lost 2-0.
ibra made a sick move where he was charging the goalie, stop pulled the ball back and fired...

barca is too good!!

[Matt Diesel]

They dont have assists stats? They did last year if I recall. It was just kinda hard to find them.

EDIT: Doing some research, they do have assists but it seems the GK gets all the assists. Dudes have like 7 assists with their GKs in MM. Anyone seeing that?

[abigham13]

what national teams can you play as?