FIFA 09 fine-tunes ball physics and introduces Be a Pro, a player-centric mode that will shape the series for years. Feel sharpens, commentary modernises, and the duel with PES finally becomes a fair fight.
Your verdict
Category
Sports4 players3+
Description
Football simulation by EA Sports, October 2008. World clubs and national teams compete with the Virtual Pro to create and develop a unique player, multi-player online Be A Pro mode and new ball-control mechanics. Customisable player training and 10v10 online. Published by EA Sports, October 2008.
FIFA 09 review
3/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Polished"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
2/5
Story
★★★★★
"Classic"
Gameplay
"Solid"
Fun
"From the very first minutes"
Addictiveness
"Captivating"
Difficulty
"Easy"
Lifespan
"Massive"
The Manager mode grows finer here, inviting you to steer a club for the long haul, from promising recruits to titles stacked season after season. Between licensed leagues, competitions to chain and matches against friends that never feel alike, the evenings stretch on. The replayability born of this competitive loop and squad progression keeps interest alive long after kick-off.
EA Sports' 2009 simulation, FIFA 09 marks a quality turning point with more believable ball physics, a better sense of teamwork and the arrival of ambitious online modes that lay the foundations of the series' social play. The refined handling, the richness of the rosters and the pleasure of built up play win over fans. The closure of the online servers cuts into the community side and the engine has aged. A title for virtual football fans and nostalgics of a key step in the series.