FIFA 09: Your Wii Mii Versus Wayne Rooney

Electronic Arts has sent more information regarding FIFA 09 onto the pitch at Marketing Stadium. We've picked our way through the usual CorproBalls to discover some facts.

Firstly, according to Kaz Makita, line producer of FIFA 09 All-Play on Wii, "Our new ‘8 vs. 8’ Footii Match enables you to play an exaggerated style of football where the personality of your Mii comes to life.

"You can play with your Mii characters against or alongside some of the biggest stars in a truly unique football experience tailored specifically for the Wii version of FIFA 09."

'Footii Match' - do you see what EA did there?

Relying on the tried and tested 'authentic' formation, we are told that it is a "Wii-specific take on the authentic ‘11 vs. 11’ simulation or over-the-top ‘8 vs. 8’ arcade action within a stylized environment with Mii versions of your favourite superstars, like Ronaldinho and Wayne Rooney."

(Ronaldinho? Superstar? Has-been? Discuss in the Forum.)

It uses two modes with "advanced controls for experienced players" and "All-Play controls that enables (sic) novice players to focus on fun using simplified controls with AI assistance."

So, what of the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions? Over to producer David Rutter. What have you got to say Dave?

"We have an absolutely authentic recreation of the real sport through attention to detail".

We would query just how absolutely authentic it can be. Is there, for example, the opportunity to tear your anterior cruciate ligament? After playing a game of FIFA 09, do you have to put your shorts through a warm wash to get the blood and grass stains out?

Then David flies in over the top of the ball at Konami's PES with, "No other game has over 250 feature changes and additions focused on improving core gameplay". No, David, there is no point in looking all innocent with the praying hands and the pretence that you didn't mean PES.

So, what of these "250 additions and enhancements to core gameplay"? We're told about a few of them, and we're telling you.

* "New animation technology creates more responsive first-time shooting and passing, faster and more controlled dribbling, and improved trapping."

* "New player momentum physics, which exploits the power of these platform engines, delivers realistic player collisions, authentic jostling for the ball, and more variation in tackling."

* Custom Team Tactics: "Adjust and customize tactical settings so CPU players and your team perform just like the real-world team plays and make strategic decisions... on-the-fly".

* Be A Pro: Seasons where you can choose or create a professional player and then develop his skills at a single outfield position over four years with the ultimate goal of becoming a national legend.

* "The matchday experience is now true-to-life with a referee and linesmen on the pitch. Plus, crowds, stadium atmosphere and commentary have all been regionalized in exact detail."

Hold on! linesmen 'on the pitch'? For a start, if we're getting all authentic, they are called 'referee's assistants' - and if they are on the pitch it will be because there's a fight.

EA hasn't forgotten the PC either. Ready for the pep talk? "Star players are featured in photorealistic quality with remodeled likenesses for ultra-realistic gameplay.

"FIFA 09 on PC also features customizable mouse gameplay controls that deliver deeper, more intuitive command over your squad. Plus, customizable widgets are now integrated into the menu system to connect you to the FIFA community and real-world football so you stay connected while playing FIFA 09."

Producer Paul Hossack apparently wasn't at the 'authentic' briefing. He comments, "Gamers want a gameplay experience exclusively for PC and FIFA 09 on PC delivers this", so there.

What's the PC got then?

* "500 new animation sequences and all-new collision and shielding systems."

Let's look at that again in slow motion... we reckon it should be:

* 500 new animation sequences.

* All-new collision and shielding systems.

Goodness, even the PlayStation 2 is included (surely, the CorproBalls version is, "included in"). The PS2 gets:

* A new collision detection system "with 360 degree coverage enables players to behave according to their physical attributes where player speed, direction and strength determine everything from the severity of the collision to the outcome of possession."

* Changed animation system.

* Tuned acceleration attributes.

* "Four new skill moves: scoop turns, rainbow flicks, heel-to-heel knocks and ball rolls give you a total of 32 tricks in your arsenal to perform just like Ronaldinho".

The PSP and Nintendo DS get the Be A Pro feature, "including the unique Be A Pro camera that re-creates the rush and excitement of racing in on goal, designed exclusively for each system."