This review for FIFA 2009 PS3 is based primarily on the European game (the PAL version), although I am lead to believe that the game is extremely similar worldwide. What FIFA and every football game ever made is all about is the game play - how realistic is it, and how fun is it? Striking a balance seems to be the holy grail for some developers, and none have ever come as close as E.A. Sports have with the FIFA 2009 PS3 version. The PS3's graphics obviously help a lot with the realism of the game, as you can now recognise players just from their in-game faces, and the in-game animations are clearly making the most of the latest motion capture technology. In addition to this, the game's commentary is once again done brilliantly by Martin Tyler and Andy Gray - giving the game a very realistic feel.

So is the game actually fun to play? Well if you're at all interested in football, then it's an resounding 'yes'. One of the most fun things about the game is the way they have incorporated skills and tricks seamlessly into the play. For instance, a highly skilled player such as Cristiano Ronaldo can easily go on a mazing run whilst pulling off step-overs and faints; just like in real life.

One of the best additions to FIFA 2009 PS3 is the online mode, which is flawless. You can now play an amazing 10 vs. 10 game, whereby each person controls just one player, and you really have to work as a team to do well. This obviously doesn't always happen, but it's a nice idea. In addition to this you can also play 1 vs. 1 and 2 vs. 2 games online with zero lag. They really have made a terrific effort, and the online mode is one of the best I've ever seen (baring Call of Duty).