A brief look at one of the most recent PSP handheld games - FIFA 09

Can football be as interesting as killing monsters and bad guys? The apparent retort should be a vigorous thumbs down. But EA have over the past 10 years proved otherwise with their enormously well-liked FIFA series. The video game has been one of the best selling games of all times. Although over time fans have whinged of patchiness in the gameplay which would be apparent in a game without a story. Although the '09 offering of the series takes care of all of the complaints.

Gameplay :
What can you demand from a game named FIFA? Precisely! Football. You can have as many mixtures as possible with pass ( X ), cross ( Square ), through-ball ( Triangle ) and shoot ( Circle ) as you try and be triumphant over your opposition. With the usual run ( R shoulder ) and skill ( L shoulder ), newer moves like scoop turns, rainbow flicks, heel-to-heel knocks and ball rolls let you've got a total of thirty two moves to play soccer like a pro.

The newer version allows you to earn points by performing match day jobs. As you accumulate further points, you have the opportunity to enhance your soccer capabilities. As you work your way through levels, scoring more points and learning new abilities, you are given the opportunity to join in in some of the top soccer arenas in the planet. The other gaming styles of FIFA 08 like "be a pro" and "Manager" are maintained in this version also. The game is offered for both solo and multi player options.

Features :
- Featuring in excess of 500 groups and thirty leagues complete with badges and colors to select from.
- Enhanced graphics engine delivers the most pragmatic, respondent and smart physical action to the gameplay. The players are now more quick and faster and move more fluidly around the playing field.
- Four new moves complement the assembly to give you a total of 32 moves to have fun with the ball.
- A new camera viewpoint permits you to track your player in the "Be a Pro" mode. The camera can be dynamically zoomed and permits you to control your moves better.
- The most recent version of Football IQ, v2.0 allows you to test your soccer knowledge in Quiz mode to open hidden content.
- Enhancements to the Be a professional mode permits you to pick a pro player and master his moves and positioning skills. You can also implant confidence in your teammates and influence their playing to boot. Monitor your performance through in depth data at every point.
- The game now features a completely revised collision detection technique. In a collision stronger players can knock down smaller players or protect them all with their body and arms.
- Boosted shooting mechanics allow you have improved influence over your shots and allow you have an enhanced strike rate.
- A very engaging attribute is the Interactive leagues. This means you can go browsing and play for your favourite club versus the hardest opponents in the Barclays Premier League, Bundesliga, Italian League, French League or Mexican first Division and Mexican 1st Division.

Verdict :
The FIFA 09 game is sure to get you sucked into the life of a football superstar. It will have you screaming in excitement, slapping air in frustration and eventually result in you gasping for more. Including terribly visible changes to the gameplay and enhancements to the technology, the FIFA 09 game is an absolute must buy for the soccer fan and the casual gamer.