FIFA Soccer 10 Demo Available in Europe (17th for US), Post Impressions Here

[TheArsenologist]

Downloaded both FIFA and PES demos for XBox 360. Got to the FIFA one first and have played 2 games, both 1-0 wins on World Class (Barca v. Munich and OM v. Juve).

Thoughts:

360 is noticeable. I felt like I could make my players run at angles previously unavailable to them. This was nice.

The through ball to the striker is not nearly as effective as it was on '09. Defenders actually stay with their man and make this play very difficult. This forces the user to be more creative with their build-up, which is a big plus.

Game still has the same annoying stadium cutaway for subs, but I understand that this is an old build of FIFA '10 and hopefully that will be gone.

I did not experience any quick free kicks, but did get a non-cutscene yellow card, which was a nice change of pace.

Free kicks are MUCH better. You won't blast everything over the bar if you use any power like in past FIFA's.

Opposing defenders do a much better job of closing down. It forces the player to pass and move. There's still nice flank play, but you won't be able to carve through the middle as much as past versions.

I was a little annoyed that I had to hold the Y button to make my keeper come claim balls in the box that the AI should have just made him charge naturally. I know Victor Valdes has his issues, but he's not that dumb (right, right????)

Through 2 games, there are certainly nice subtle improvements from last year's game, while some annoying things remain (passes going to the wrong player/no one at all) and clearances out of your own box never seem to go as far as you'd like, sometimes going only to the edge of the 18. Time to fire up PES and see what it has to offer.

[mebby]

I downloaded FIFA and PES while home for lunch today and here are my impressions.

PES still sucks (and this is coming from a guy that LOVED PES back in 2004 or so).

FIFA seems to have made some decent strides. I wouldn't say that the game is revolutionary but it's definitely improved and worth the $60. Here is what I noticed most (although it's hard to tell much in a 3 minutes demo)

• As mentioned by others, the ball physics seem to be improved. This may translate into improved free kicks as well where you won't always send your ball flying over the cross bar with even the smallest amount of power.
• The 360 degree player movement is nice. It will take some getting used to but is whole heartedly welcome.
• The players now have some momentum. I noticed this mainly in going from a stand still to a run. They make realistic movements in this transition so that they don't just go from standing to sprinting automatically.
• The game speed has been slowed a bit.
• The off-the-ball runs are improved and more realistic. This opens up the options for build-up play and I like it.
• There's a new camera angle on corner kicks which is (IMHO) much improved.

[Tomasperez9]

Quote: Originally Posted by mebby

The off-the-ball runs are improved and more realistic. This opens up the options for build-up play and I like it. There's a new camera angle on corner kicks which is (IMHO) much improved.

I love the off-the-ball runs. It allows you to actually make smart passes onto runs instead of just holding LB+Y if you wanted to pass through the defense. The corner kick camera is a huge improvement. You can now, pretty much, aim for the head of player, instead of last year where you aimed to a part of the box because you couldn't distinguish one player from another (unless of course they were like Jo or Fellaini or Zigic).

[Molarmite]

I am loving the demo so far, much improved over 09 IMO. Especially in the overall feel of the game, the players just feel like they move so much more realistically. I think 360 degree dribbling plays a huge part in it, but ball physics is also huge.

My only problem with the game is that it's still too fast. I played on the default setting and I felt that it was even faster than 09. I could still run full speed at a guy, knock him over and steal the ball although it happened a lot less.

Another thing, how is Buffon only a 66?!

[BrianFifaFan]

Finally got it! Love it so far. Much more footie feeling. I really like the new physical nature of the game. I'm liking that it's harder to get break-aways. Barca ate me alive with Chelsea. Had to step down to Pro, WC was just too much. My beloved Pro-Cam has been tweaked. It's smooth all the way around the pitch, no herky-jerk pans anymore. Just beat Marseille 2-1 at Wembley. It was a nice pass fest. Both goals came from beautiful passes to set up the shot. It's just so much more smooth and controlled to me from 09. Even positioning seems more intelligent. So far, so good. Will get footage tomorrow night!

[Hunkerdown]

I have played both demos, FIFA and PES; while FIFA definitely better in many ways as been mentioned before; why does playing the PES AI seem more realistic. Actual midfield play in PES, FIFA seems always the same? Anyone else play both demos and see difference?

[Whitesox]

I have a question, how do you play at wembly?

I can only play at the FIWC stadium.

[Altimus]

Just played it and I am pretty impressed from what I have seen so far.

Disappointed that there are no cut scenes/camera cuts in the game. I was hoping the intro presentation would be much better.

Loved that the AI makes mistakes in the passing game. They lead too far or completely miss the run which I love. No more super passing.

Also like the more control part. I was able to bring in the ball and felt like I had much more control after a trick then past editions.