FIFA 09 - Updated Impressions

Now another game from EA thats released annually , but will it
make it big or it will still have that graphics that gamers did'nt liked
(The players have lost their plastic look.)and those AI shortcomings that could get on to your nerves sometimes is still to be addressed for sure... but as EA told that those AI glitches will be handled for sure and with improved graphics.Gamers are still divided on whether PES 09 will be better or EA will steal the show from Konami.

FIFA 09 features the most realistic player physics to ever grace the series, while the ability to augment your team’s tactics provides greater customization.

Player physics are a major focus in this year's game. FIFA 09 will, for the first time in the series, have players jostling for position and headers. During collisions and jostles, each player's size and physical attributes will dictate how the animation plays out.Generally, larger players will be able to hold off smaller defenders, while smaller players will be able to use their speed to avoid contact.

The improvement in player physics translates to the goalkeepers as well. Long-standing issues with inaccurate goalkeeper reactions (goalies making incredibly hard stops at times while at other times allowing the easiest of goals) have been addressed in FIFA 09. Goalkeepers seem to have more realistic reaction times, and their animations play out more smoothly.

These smoother player animations apply to other positions as well. Improved player trapping (bringing the ball down to control) and runs limit the amount of time your player is caught in an animation and out of your control. The result is that controls are more responsive and offenses are more dynamic than in years past.

Despite the improved controls, chaining together multiple superstar moves is still difficult to do. EA asserts that this is by design so as to limit their use to only skilled players.

One move the offense won't be able to ride this year is the "through ball from a sideline sprinter" technique; it isn't nearly as overpowered as it was in FIFA 08. Though the move will still yield goals, defenders can disrupt interior passing more effectively, making this a riskier move.

Another major addition debuting in FIFA 09 is the custom team tactics.There are three phases to tinker with--defense, buildup, and chance creation. These tactics are essentially a compilation of various sliders dictating AI reactions during buildup play and scoring opportunities, and they will let you augment your team's strategy around your strengths. The slider menu includes a chalkboardlike diagram showing you how your players will now react based on the settings you choose. Although it's a powerful tool, the mechanic still works on the basis of risk and reward. For instance, you could increase your team's aggression slider to relentlessly attack the ball, but doing so may place defenders out of position.

The Adidas Live Season is set to be a huge deal for people who have their machine connected to the Internet. Every Wednesday, you'll be able to download new, up-to-date stats for every player in your chosen league. These stats will reflect the latest performance changes over the past week, and if players get injured their stats will simply drop rather than their being forced out of the game. The FIFA 09 box will come with a code that you can use to register online and pick one country for updated stats. The choice for launch will include England, Italy, Germany, Spain, Mexico, and France.