Electronic Arts' FIFA Soccer franchise was – for a while – in second place in the soccer game market. FIFA 2009 put an end to that, and the 2010 version looks very much as if it's going to maintain the high standards.

Key additions to the latest version are much improved goal-keeper AI and reactions. No longer does your keeper simply lie forlornly on the deck if a chip goes over him, now he will attempt to get back to the goal line and tip the ball away. The additional AI also means that ... more >>

Electronic Arts' FIFA Soccer franchise was – for a while – in second place in the soccer game market. FIFA 2009 put an end to that, and the 2010 version looks very much as if it's going to maintain the high standards.

Key additions to the latest version are much improved goal-keeper AI and reactions. No longer does your keeper simply lie forlornly on the deck if a chip goes over him, now he will attempt to get back to the goal line and tip the ball away. The additional AI also means that the keeper will look to narrow angles and generally cause the strikers more mental stress than has been available in the past.

And he'll need to. Outfield players are now armed with a new 'Urgency' system to complement the 360-degree dribbling that how adorns the game. These are all helped out by the ability to actually muscle other players (legally but firmly) off the ball. 360-degree dribbling? Yes, no longer do you have to track around in huge circles in order to go in a straight line. There is far more – and far tighter - control than ever before. The fluidity of this means that the game flows more as you have to remember fewer button presses.

Pre-game training has also been improved with the addition of a new set-piece creator that enables you to plan several multi-player moves that can be quickly incorporated in a real-game situation; strategy and real footballing knowledge will be at a premium to get the most out of the game.

Another addition to training is the ability to train with your real-life mates (up to four of them at a time) locally as you prepare to take you team into the global game of multi-player, ranked FIFA 2010. Online FIFA is thrilling, testing and could see you recruited into international teams. Oh, you'll also get to map your very own face onto a virtual player to really rule the world. << less