FIFA 09 Demo Available, Impressions Here

[Spanky]

Quote: Originally Posted by jaa1980

Love the demo compared to 2008, can actually make a goal now, sometimes.

I agree. I'm feeling the demo after playing 5-6 games. Last year's demo was so difficult it turned me off to the game and I didn't purchase it. This year's is easier for an average player like myself to score once in a while and actually feel like I'm controlling some games.

I'm not a soccer fan, but it's strange how, in this sport, I don't necessarily need to score a goal to have fun. I get a kick out of controlling the play, making good passes and rushes, getting decent shots off, winning one-on-one battles for possession.

I'll wait for reviews and trustworthy feedback before purchasing, but I suspect I'll be getting this game, just my third FIFA purchase (have 2006 world cup and before that 98 road to the world cup on PS1).

[KG]

With demo's only being 2 minute halves it is going to be hard to score unless you are playing on the lowest level.

That's the thing about demo's that companies seem to neglect. Instead of giving us 2 min halves, or 2 min qtrs(NCAA), give us one long half.

Short qtrs or halves tend to make the CPU play a little more aggressively. I can't tell by a demo if the CPU is rushing their attack because they know how short the halves are or if that is a sign of things to come once the full version drops.

[Methlab]

So are you guys playing with the default control settings?

[1StUnA]

Holy ish I just scored my first goal from the run of play. A half volley by Borriello(sp?) of Milan this game is awesome lol and yes I'm excited

[therizing02]

Quote: Originally Posted by Methlab

So are you guys playing with the default control settings?

Man, since I switched to all Manual controls and slow speed this game has gone to another level. I can't wait for the full version to see how the Team Tactics work and the different styles of play from different teams.

I've even gone a few games where neither team has gotten off a shot!

[SoCal-Phenom]

Quote: Originally Posted by therizing02

Man, since I switched to all Manual controls and slow speed this game has gone to another level. I can't wait for the full version to see how the Team Tactics work and the different styles of play from different teams. I've even gone a few games where neither team has gotten off a shot!

Wait, i thought a few here said that changing to slow speed made no difference at all? I must try slow speed soon then!

[therizing02]

Quote: Originally Posted by SoCal-Phenom

Wait, i thought a few here said that changing to slow speed made no difference at all? I must try slow speed soon then!

It does make a difference but, not a huge difference. I notice less pinballing at midfield.

[kerosene31]

I finally gave the 09 demo a fair look and played a bunch of brief games.

As someone who did not like 08, Fifa 09 is growing on me so far, just like the NHL series.

The demo is of course disappointingly short, and really limits what you can do. I'm always afraid to turn the ball over, because basically once you do, the half is over

The clunky game from 08 has been improved considerably. It still feels "slow" when I'm trying to knock a ball down out of the air. The top players in the EPL can knock a ball out of the air with their feet more smoothly than I could catch one and set it down. This is much improved though.

I think I like the shooting controls, although they still feel touchy. It is hard to gauge outside of the arena though. With practice though I think I could actually hit a long shot.

The biggest improvement in the game is that the CPU isn't destroying me on lower levels. I feel like I have a fair chance to actually win a ball one on one, especially if the player is good at that. I don't feel the need to always bring in a 2nd player every single time. Also the CPU doesn't seem to just try to run though you every time. It still seems that your teammate AI is better at stealing the ball away than my human player is, which always seems strange. In Fifa 08, you are better off to back your player off and let the CPU try to take the ball.

I'm playing on pro I think and feel I'm getting a fair game. Things could get more difficult in the final version just like the NHL demo did, but it feels much improved over last year.