As far as the video game world is concerned, the adulation for FIFA shows no signs of abating. {} Which is why if you want to score big in the online video game community, you’d best tackle FIFA 10. If you think your dribbling, passing and kicking skills are unstoppable, then you’re ready to join the ranks. Turn on the Xbox console, and grab your controller – this is where the truly elite gamers find real online game action… and play sports games for money. What’s that you say — you say you’ve owned every Xbox FIFA rival who’s crossed your path? Them’s fighting words, boy!} Well, now is the moment to end the argument, if you truly believe that your skills are unmatched.} Boldly declaring that you are the number one FIFA player will require you to match your words with deeds. And prove it you will, by inviting any and all challengers to take you on in some Xbox soccer. A little wager can make things a bit more exciting – we’re talking serious money here. Provided you emerge victorious, this is a real opportunity for you to show the gaming community where you stand.} No doubt, you’re ready to outscore your opponent, brutally conquer him, making you the winner of the bet.} Guess you had better focus and really learn all the important tricks of the game, to ensure your victory. At this point, you’ve certainly gone through the moves – at least we hope you have – and have mastered everything from the slide tackle to the 360 Roulette.} A word to the wise: don’t start challenging and smack talking until you’ve gotten a grasp on the basics. You’ll lose money and make an ass of yourself. After you’ve conquered the basics, then it’s time to conquer your rivals.} Keep sending out challenges to players, whether they’re your buds or total strangers.} Someone is sure to bite. Your rival’s goalie will be diving into air every time. Not only will the numbers on your scoreboard increase, but your bank account as well, after you win those bets. There’s nothing like Xbox gamers battling it out for video game dominance and a chunk of change. In addition, motion is smoother this time around.} The game play is solid, just like FIFA 09, a relief to gamers who worry that any subsequent entries won’t measure up – and the latest tweaks and upgrades will be sure to please FIFA fans worldwide. Remember when you could only dribble in eight directions?} Don’t worry, that’s old hat. For all you gamers who’ve been desiring to be in command of the action, 360° dribbling will help you achieve that goal. The movement controls add a new level of realism to the FIFA experience – and as you’ll recall, FIFA 09 was already pushing the envelope of sports video game greatness. Of course, music has become a major component of the sports video game experience, and FIFA 10 doesn’t shortchange gamers with this soundtrack.} In fact, five songs — “Miss You” by Adiam Dymott, “Favela Rock” by Afrobots, “Head Straight” by Alex Metric, “Birthday Bash” by Crookers featuring The Very Best, Two Fingers, and Marina Gasolina, and “Science of Fear” by The Temper Trap — are all exclusive to Xbox and PS3, and are not on the album itself. Pongolove, “Should I Stay or Should I Blow” by The BPA featuring Ashley Beedle, “Fot i Hose” by CasioKids, “Skeleton Dance” by Children Collide, “Happy As Can Be” by Cut Off Your Hands, “Black Wax” by Dananananaykroyd, “Give It Up” by Datarock, “Be Somebody” by The Enemy, “Donna Famosa” by Fabri Fibra, “International Love” by Fidel Nadal, “La Luz del Ritmo” by Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, “Hacen Falta Dos” by Macaco, “Hold the Line” by Major Lazer featuring Mr. Lexx and Santigold, “Soul do Samba” by Mбrcio Local, “Daylight (Troublemaker Remix featuring De La Soul)” by Matt & Kim, “Gold Guns Girls” by Metric, “Alocatel” by Mexican Institute of Sound, “Kangpe” by Nneka feat. Wesley Williams, “Moth’s Wings” by Passion Pit, “Nothing to Worry About” by Peter Bjorn and John, “Not Thinking Straight” by Pint Shot Riot, “War (No More Trouble)” by Playing for Change, “Download the Revolution” by Rocky Dawuni, “It’s What I Want” by Rцyksopp, “Dorothy” by SoShy, “She’s Got Me Dancing” by Tommy Sparks, “1517″ by The Whitest Boy Alive, “MVP Kompa” by Wyclef Jean, and “Vibrations” by Zap Mama. There’s no way you won’t feel motivated to bring your best game as you listen to the music. Behavior Intelligence Improvements have brought something extra to the game, courtesy of upgrades for the system’s AI.} Now, the athletes are a bit more “on the ball,” as they say – greater intelligence, and more realistic behavior (on the field, get your mind out of the gutter).} Better programming means that the players won’t go chasing after the ball and blocking shots meant for some other teammate Improved trapping intelligence is another great stride in gaming. The athletes are just smarter, and now have a greater sense of where the best trapping position is, and as a result they have an easier time taking control of the ball. Sometimes, it may seem difficult to envision the sports video game world before the dawning of Xbox.} However permit me enlighten you something, it was not a good-looking visual at all.} We’re being kind, it was downright fugly.} But brace yourselves – what you’re about to see is very real.} Not definite if this can be dubbed “hardcore gaming,” but as far as soccer video games were concerned, this was the only video game cartridge in town back in the good old days – they didn’t at all times have it so uncomplicated in days gone by: What are you, kidding me? Are those meant to be people, or only anonymous, ill-defined doodads? You’re living in a fool’s paradise if you think the characters have much in the way of animation. They remain in that unappealing, triangular pattern for the whole game. In the good old days, the significant visual event was some unsightly animated fireworks exhibition.} We look at this and think it’s some sort of joke – it’s nearly impossible to contemplate a time when this passed for a sports video game. And yet it did. Sure, you get a scrolling screen, but little else – no changing camera angles or anything. And it’s not like you had stadiums to select from, or international teams to choose from.} But people loved it – in the early 80s, gamers needed a sports fix, and game cartridges like this one, no matter how primitive they were, filled the void.} For hardcore gamers who wanted to stay up all night and play soccer video games, this was their first and last pick, if you can swallow that one.} The scrolling screen was all that it had to have to stimulate those video game admirers, because of the low-tech gaming that they were accustomed to. We seriously hope you’re not suffering from any long-term damage after exposing yourself to those video game relics. It’s even more pronounced, after you realize just how many of FIFA 10′s features just were not even remotely feasible during those early sports video games.} There was no Manager Mode, no Total Football Experience, no Virtual Pro. And most importantly, back then, if you dared to dream of connecting with players around the world online?} Go on visualizing, friend.} And while you were dreaming, try to dream of a more fully realized game, because in the 1980s, a sports game consisted of some spotty visuals, tinny sound, a minimal attempt to accurately portray a soccer game, and even the box cover art kind of sucked.} But FIFA 10 is, as they say, a whole new ballgame, taking video soccer to new heights.} Like the FIFA games of the past, this one is a populist hit, its first week selling 1.7 million copies, making it Europe’s fastest selling sports game ever.} No big news there.} Just like the hardcore gamers who came out in full force to purchase this one, the reviewers are equally psyched about FIFA 10.} The FIFA reviews all come to the same conclusion, using sentences like “FIFA’s best ever game play” and “greatest soccer game ever made.”} Although once you compete in FIFA 10, you will be pressed to conflict with their assessment.} The way the soccer players run around the field, dribble the ball, and interact with each other, you’ll think you’re watching an actual soccer game on the TV, not just a video game. Once again, a big shout-out to the company who made this one happen – EA, who outdid themselves yet again, raising the standard by which video sports games will be judged for an entire generation.} And additional praise to Xbox FIFA 10 for really upping the players’ intelligence level – they’re paying attention to the game like never before – they’re probably smarter than at least one of the guys in your group of friends. With the improved goalie intelligence, the goalkeepers are now a force to be reckoned with.} Again, they’re like the pros – they chase after the loose balls quicker, and more effectively.} AI has been fine-tuned, akin to all the other teammates, giving them the newfound skills like swatting the ball from the goal line.} The days of your goalie screwing things up and causing you to have an aneurism are ancient history, my friend.} There are practice arenas, real stadiums, fake stadiums, and plenty of weather conditions to choose from.} Let’s simply say there are heaps of selections, delivering a new plane of realism, along with the ability to keep things novel and to keep on video game fans eager until at least… well, FIFA 11.} The Xbox FIFA phenomenon is running at full speed, not unlike your soccer players speeding across the playing field. FIFA 10 has quickly earned a top spot in the game libraries of hardcore players and fans of sports video games alike. Now, when you play video games for money and demonstrate your soccer expertise, you will go home with more than just the World Cup.
