FIFA Soccer 10 Review for Xbox 360

System: X360, PS3, Wii, PC, PS2, PSP, DS	Review Rating Legend
Dev: EA Canada	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: EA Sports	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Oct. 20, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-20	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

Luckily, playing with friends online is free. Whether you get a group of buddies together to create a virtual club or are just going head-to-head in ranked matches, FIFA 10's online component is extremely robust and polished. Not only are there all the gameplay options you'd expect, they all play great. Instances of lag are minimal, and getting matched up to players is a snap due to the massive community supporting the game.

FIFA Soccer 10 screenshot

If there was one complaint I could level at the game it's that it's a bit too complicated for novice gamers or soccer initiates. Navigating menus can often be cumbersome, managing teams takes real-world knowledge, and the glut of statistical information can often make you feel force-fed. That being said, all this detail makes this game so incredibly deep, core players will be treated to a truly multi-faceted simulation of their favorite sport. However, even to savvy players, the menu navigation can be trying. While layout continuity between years does make things easier, there is so much information and options to wade through you'll likely not experience the game to its fullest for quite some time.

In fact, at times there is so much information overload, it'll take your platform a few seconds just to render all of the data onscreen. Nowhere is this more prevalent and annoying than at the "Team Management" entry. Trying to get new players into the game is accompanied by a few second wait. What's worse, just trying to skip past it and get to the other squad management options will also delay your advance. While this is just a quibble, hopefully this can be changed through a software update, because it makes coaching options feel like a chore.

All in all, FIFA 10 is a fantastic game. It improves upon last year's version in several ways, making this the best soccer simulator to ever hit store shelves. Whether you bought the game or not last year, it's definitely time to upgrade. FIFA Soccer 10 will serve as the perfect league accompaniment, and it will help keep you tied over till the big dance down in South Africa next summer.

By Jonathan Marx
CCC Editor / News Director

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.7

Graphics
Stadiums, crowds, players, and the footie itself all look exceptional.

4.6

Control
The mapping of skills is customizable, and actions come off without a hitch. Player skill is translated nicely to on-field results.

4.5

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Andy Gray and Martin Tyler are a great duo. The menu music selection is varied and quality. The ambient stadium noises are great, though perhaps occasionally over-the-top.

4.7

Play Value
With so many modes, a vibrant community, and tons of ongoing developer support. You will easily be playing FIFA 10 until next year.

4.7

Overall Rating - Must Buy
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Fluid player control: FIFA 10 features more freedom in physical play for a more realistic battle for ball possession, and allows for 360-degree dribbling and skill dribbling.

Improvements: Use the enhanced attacking variety, improved goalkeeper intelligence, and increased player urgency in both attack and defense to your advantage.

Manage the game: A more authentic Manager Mode puts you in the game. Visit the Practice Arena to create custom set pieces and call on them in-game.

Build your very own career in Virtual Pro, and compete online in 10v10 Clubs competition.