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.

EA has gone back to basics this year, tweaking and enhancing fundamentals of play. Increasing the fluidity of play are short corners, quick free kicks and fewer yellow cards, meaning you should find the game flows better. Your attacking will be improved by smarter player run ... 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.

EA has gone back to basics this year, tweaking and enhancing fundamentals of play. Increasing the fluidity of play are short corners, quick free kicks and fewer yellow cards, meaning you should find the game flows better. Your attacking will be improved by smarter player runs and improved passing physics, giving you more options. On the defensive front, the positioning has been improved to ensure your team won't chase the ball or sink too deep into your own third of the pitch.

The graphics have had an overhaul, too, with updated player portraits, 30 new star head models and improved pitch details complementing a new look to the front end that brings it more into line with the Wii outings of FIFA.

Helping you get the best out of yourself and your players is the coach feedback system, which will offer up information and advice before and throughout the game.

Futhermore, there's a new set-piece creator that enables you to plan several multi-player moves using the DS stylus and touch screen 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. << less