FIFA 09

It has a fan base most titles can only dream of and it never drops out of the UK Top 40. Now the time has come for FIFA to kick off a brand new season. Ben Parfitt laces his boots and prepares for kick-off…

Some of us pick up new games nearly every week, often forcing our families to the point of financial ruin. Others pick up the odd game here and there. There are those, however, whose sole interest throughout the gaming year is picking up the latest edition of their preferred football franchise.

There are few genres in the gaming landscape that enjoy such devotion. And whether you fall into the former or the latter bracket, if you’re British and you’re male then there’s a good chance that FIFA is on your to buy list.

“FIFA 09, more than any other sports title, has an amazingly split audience,” EA’s senior PR manager Shaun White states. “On the one hand you have a hardcore gaming audience who will be looking for game innovations and on the other you have a hardcore football fan audience that will be looking for FIFA’s authentic use of players, kits and stadiums.”

Most have acknowledged last year’s iteration of the FIFA franchise to be the best in many years, and arguably the best ever. Obviously the game has always enjoyed a plethora of licences leading to unparalleled authenticity, but it’s the strides the series has made in the gameplay stakes that has impressed the most.

“We’ve made over 250 improvements from last year and we wanted to give the team the time they needed to make FIFA 09 the best game possible,” EA’s senior product manager Trevor Uzice states. “We’re continuing to build on the solid foundation from last year which saw us create the most successful game, both in terms of sales and game quality.

“Pre-orders have doubled from last year and we expect them to treble for launch. Similarly the PS3 demo received over 100,000 downloads in four days and we have been delighted with the feedback on the forums from hardcore gamers who have been very receptive to this year’s game.”

One feature that’s captured the imagination of many is the staggering prospect of ten-on-ten online multiplayer. It’s a benchmark that football titles have aspired to since the dawn of online gaming. And as the first title to deliver it, FIFA could well capture a whole new audience thanks to this aspect alone. Other improvements include a more responsive shooting system, upgraded goalkeeper AI and a brand new Wii-only arcade mode.

As always, FIFA remains the most licensed and authentic football title on the market. EA has nailed official partnerships with Premiership clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham, though it still offers a comprehensively authentic recreation of all four of England’s major leagues, in addition to many continental and global leagues.

“We are continuing to work closely with Arsenal on marketing initiatives and we are pleased to announce a three-year deal with Chelsea, which sees us become their exclusive video games partner,” Uzice adds.

“We’re working with several Premier League clubs on programmes which will allow us to build a closer relationship with fans around the country. Just as important to us is our commitment to the Football League and we will be working with all clubs from the Championship, Division One and Division Two.”

Another advantage FIFA holds against much of its chart opposition is that come this stage next year when we’re all preparing for the release of FIFA 2010, it’s a safe bet to say that FIFA 09 will still be lingering in the charts. It remains, as it has been for many years, arguably the most important release on the UK’s gaming calendar, and one that’s likely to remain in the top ten well into the New Year.