FIFA 10 vs. PES 2010

Our national sport is as fiercely contested on games consoles as it is every weekend on grass across the land. This season the battle between the league leaders is closer than ever, so which do you think gets closest to the beautiful game?

We're focusing on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 editions of EA's FIFA 10 and Konami's PES 2010 as both are claiming to be the future of the modern game. To keep things simple we'll do a quick for and against with each title, then throw open the discussion to the experts... i.e. you.

The Case for FIFA 10
All the official Premier League, Scottish Premier League and League of Ireland teams are present in FIFA 10. In addition fully licensed squads from the rest of the world, and these include US Major League Soccer if you're keen on following Beckham. This has been the case for many years however with FIFA. The difference this season is that EA Sports has nailed the gameplay.

FIFA 10 introduces true 360 degree control of players, which straightaway feels like a true next-generation experience compared to PES and its 16-direction movement. It is a subtle change but allows matches to feel less like a videogame running on rails. You'll also feel more like Andre Arshavin or Fernando Torres when dribbling around defenders, or weaving through the midfield to create space.

The passing game of FIFA 10 is now superb, and you can push your own personal skills to the limits by adjusting settings that remove all assistance from passing and receiving - it'll be you responsible for slide-rule through-balls or expertly aimed switches to open up the opposing team's defence.

New animations combined with improved physics technology allow players to behave more true to life. For example defenders lean into their man and win the ball cleanly using their legs instead of weirdly acquiring possession depending on invisible variables. Broadly speaking we feel that FIFA 10 plays a much more open build-up game than PES this year, and certainly the midfield is more involved.

Chances on goal can be electric in FIFA 10, again thanks to new animation and physics combined. Skilled players will leap to volley opportune balls past a stunned keeper, or scissor kick awkward crosses into touch. Realism brings its own drama.

Online it can only be said that FIFA 10 is way beyond reach of PES this year. Quite apart from the superb EA Sports website that allows players to upload goals, YouTube style, for the appraisal of fellow fans, the in-game options themselves are magnificent. 10 vs. 10 matches allow you to make a name for yourself and be head hunted for club teams across the world. Live Season 2.0 lets you follow your real-world club's progress in real league fixtures, and replay them for better (or worse) results. There are regular squad updates for all teams, including injuries, cards and so on if you want your game to play as authentically as possible.

But that's if you can get it working! The biggest problem with FIFA 10 this year relates to bugs - bizarre problems that can affect both game set-up and in-game action. Manager Mode has been highlighted as especially ‘buggy' but EA says it is addressing all problems with download patches... okay if you're online.

The Case for PES 2010
This year's PES (Pro Evolution Soccer) is a balancing act between maintaining the fun of a fast and fluid kick-about while ramping up the authenticity.

On the plus side the momentum of the ball and improved team A.I. allows for some of the most beautifully worked goals in series history. Goals resulting from a series of well-worked passes with a top team are especially glorious. Add to this a smoother 16-directional control that allows for better dribbling and precision passing and you have potential for a superb attacking game.

Konami has also introduced a ‘slider' menu that affects overall team style in several categories that include the Defensive Line and Player Support. This adds to the series' unchallenged domination on the customisation front. PES fans spend hours refining the game to play the way it suits their strategy. If you have the patience to fully understand the benefits of the tactical tweaks this is a huge plus.

On the down side we've noticed this year that non-active players seem to stutter into life at crucial moments such as goal mouth scrambles. Also that there seem to be dramatic elements forced onto the action, such as goalkeepers that often spill the ball instead of catching fairly lightweight shots. We've also voiced the opinion in our review that the PES gameplay is beginning to feel almost too familiar, perhaps old.

And then, of course you have the age-old issue of licensed teams or rather the lack thereof. This year the Premier League is represented by Man Utd and Liverpool, our lower Leagues are not even included. No Newcastle, no Leeds, no historic Notts County (sorry Sven). This also means that there are fewer authentic British stadiums than FIFA 10 other than Anfield, Old Trafford and Wembley.

Fans of European football are very well catered for however, with most top tier teams from Holland, Spain, France, Germany and Italy represented. We'd also argue that the likenesses of well-known players are more realistic than FIFA 10.

Online has been patchy for PES until now, but our experience is that it feels much smoother this year. However the match options are weak compared to FIFA 10 that allows for 10 vs. 10 online and much more (see FIFA 10 summary).

This could be a make or break season then for PES now that FIFA has caught up in control feel, and some would say surpassed.

Which do you prefer?
Let us know which of the console football games you're supporting this season, and why. We're also keen to hear of any further pros and cons you feel will help others in their buying decisions.