Electronic Arts Canada has past expectations and delivered a robust soccer title with FIFA Soccer 10. Not only is this year’s title a fantastic single-player game, but the multiplayer experience is even better. From the Virtual Pro mode to the altered Manager mode, FIFA Soccer 10 has an all-around package that should make any fan or non-fan ecstatic. The Manager mode has been improved to create a more surreal dynasty-like mode where gamers have to manage their team over a set amount of years. Dealing with sponsorships, transfers, league and cup play, injuries, players progressively getting better or worse, and much more, the Manager mode is at least able to capture the attention of the gamer. It is evident EA Canada’s time was well spent on the intricacies of being a manager. In the past, it was more of a throw-in feature that didn’t receive a lot of attention, but FIFA Soccer 10 finally brings the series up to speed with an entertaining franchise mode. It’s lifelike and much better than what gamers have come to expect from the FIFA series.
Gamers who are more into the creation side of things will thoroughly enjoy the Virtual Pro mode. It allows players to create a player and take him through any game mode provided in FIFA Soccer 10. If gamers want to take their player online and play through the 10 v 10 Pro Club Championship mode, well then, by all means, they are allowed to. Do they want to play with him in an exhibition match or enter him into the Manager mode? Well… that’s allowed too! Creating a footballer has never been more exciting than it is to do so in FIFA Soccer 10. Even the EA Sports Photo Game Face has been added in, so gamers can run around the field with a footballer sporting their ugly mug. The gameplay itself is refreshing. The 360-degree dribbling system has helped put forth a soccer title that is as strategic as it is fun.
Escaping two defenders who are trying to tackle is exquisite – the rush of adrenaline for a sports title can’t be matched in 2009. A colleague – who hadn’t played FIFA Soccer 10 but was a huge fan of FIFA Soccer 09 – was able to pick up and play with a level of comfort that was ever-inviting. The computer AI for both the opposition and the supporting crew is intelligent to not worry about horrible passes, bad defense and a lack of common sense. So when gamers finally do score a goal, it’ll be that much more exhilarating than in years past. Online matches have been smooth as a baby’s butt and the competition online have been fairly spirited, so there should be no problems for fanatics to find proven opponents. The 10 v 10 Pro Club Championship mode is the biggest attraction for online aficionados since it permits players to represent a player in any one of the 30 leagues provided in the game.
With over 500 teams – and not to mention 41 national teams – it should be easy for a gamer to find a team worthy of his or her skill level. Teams are always looking for excellent pick-ups to join their squads, so it is essential gamers learn the tricks of the trade offline before they join up with a team online. FIFA Soccer 10 is elite soccer title of 2009. The graphics are crisp and clean. The music isn’t a nuisance and presents an assortment of artists – including Wyclef Jean and Peter Bjorn and John – that are pleasant on the ears. The only issue that should be taken is that the Manager mode doesn’t have the best stat-tracking, but that’s easily overlooked with the outstanding job EA Canada has done with the rest of the title. If gamers know what’s best for them, they’d pick up FIFA Soccer 10 the first chance they get; it's easily the best soccer game on the Xbox 360.
