I'm glad that all those Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 graphical comparison videos silently dropped off the map. Microsoft and Sony are obviously on a level when it comes to stunning visuals. End of discussion. The real differences become apparent when shifting focus onto the PC, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, Sony PSP, PlayStation 2, and mobile. And that's exactly what EA Sports wants to focus on in FIFA Soccer 09. With "over 250" additions and enhancements to core gameplay, the 360 and PS3 versions deliver an "authentic" soccer simulation -- as opposed to the over-the-top, Mii-populated FIFA Soccer 09 All-Play version for the Wii; the PC version will be the graphical leader, and so on and so forth. Every fanboy will have his expected arguments well in hand. EA Sports will enunciate the differences further as the multi-platform futbol title reaches launch this fall.
PLAYSTATION 3 and Xbox 360 Feature More Than 250 Core Gameplay Enhancements
That Deliver Most Responsive, Intelligent and Realistic Action Ever.
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - July 1, 2008 - Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:
ERTS) today revealed it has created platform specific experiences for its
best-selling* FIFA Soccer 09 franchise from EA SPORTST. FIFA Soccer
09 has been designed and customized to deliver a unique gameplay experience
that takes advantage of the hardware specifications of each available
platform- the PLAYSTATIONR3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360T video
game and entertainment system, WiiT home video game system, PC,
PlayStationR2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DST, PSPR
(PlayStationRPortable) system and mobile-when it is released worldwide this
autumn.
"We have listened and responded to gamers and soccer fans around the world
by building customized gameplay experiences for FIFA Soccer 09 on each
platform," said Andrew Wilson, Vice President & Executive Producer for the
franchise. "Everyone wants to play a soccer game that is customized to their
system and delivers a unique and enjoyable experience. We understand that
and have innovated features, created new modes and designed controls that
are tailored to each specific platform."
With over 250 additions and enhancements to core gameplay, FIFA Soccer
09 on the PLAYSTATION 3 system and Xbox 360 deliver an authentic soccer
simulation that enables you to customize the game to suit your style and
ability. 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.
"We listened to our consumers to make the changes that they wanted,"
said David Rutter, Producer of FIFA Soccer 09 on the PLAYSTATION 3 system
and Xbox 360. "No other game has over 250 feature changes and additions
focused on improving core gameplay. We have an absolutely authentic
recreation of the real sport through attention to detail."
For the first time, go inside the game engine to customize the strategy and
positioning of your teammates to decide exactly how your team will play in
any situation. With new Custom Team Tactics you have all the tools to
become a first-team coach. Adjust and customize tactical settings so CPU
players and your team perform just like the real-world team plays and make
strategic decisions to exploit your opponent's weaknesses, all on-the-fly.
The popular feature innovation Be A Pro has expanded to a career mode called
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.
On the Wii, enjoy FIFA Soccer 09 All-Play one of two ways-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 MiiT versions of your
favorite superstars, like Ronaldinho and Wayne Rooney. Refined motion and
point-and-play controls make playing FIFA Soccer 09 All-Play even more
intuitive and perfectly balanced for gamers of any ability to enjoy fun,
soccer action. Choose to play the style that best suits your skills from
advanced controls for experienced players to new EA SPORTST All-Play
controls that enables novice players to focus on fun using simplified
controls with AI assistance.
"You've never played soccer like this before," said Kaz Makita, Producer of
FIFA Soccer 09 All-Play. "Our new '8 vs. 8' Footii Match enables you to play
an exaggerated style of soccer 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 soccer experience tailored specifically for
the Wii version of FIFA Soccer 09."
FIFA Soccer 09 on PC now features leading-edge visuals that deliver graphics
that exploit the power of hi-spec gaming PCs, as requested by PC gamers.
Star players are featured in photorealistic quality with remodeled
likenesses for ultra-realistic gameplay. FIFA Soccer 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 soccer
so you stay connected while playing FIFA Soccer 09.
"We are committed to investing and innovating to create a PC specific
experience," said Producer Paul Hossack. "Gamers want a gameplay experience
exclusively for PC and FIFA Soccer 09 on PC delivers this."
With 500 new animation sequences and all-new collision and shielding
systems-representing the biggest innovations to the multiplatform EA SPORTS
soccer engine in four years- FIFA Soccer 09 delivers more responsive,
intelligent and realistic physical action on the PlayStation
2 system. The 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. Changes to the animation
system reward the skillful gamer during one-on-one situations between
attackers and defenders. Tuned acceleration attributes enable swifter
virtual players to possess quicker first steps and gain advantage in
sprints. Plus, 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.
FIFA Soccer 09 on the PSP system and Nintendo DS now include the innovative
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.
Additional major feature innovations for PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360 and PC will
be revealed later this month and announced at the Leipzig Games Convention
in August.
To learn more about specific features on each platform visit
www.FIFA.ea.com.
FIFA Soccer 09, scheduled for worldwide release this autumn, is developed by
EA Canada in Vancouver, B.C. It has not yet been rated by ESRB or PEGI.
* Based on total franchise sales in 2007 according to the NPD Group, Inc.
