FIFA 09 officially announced for Xbox 360, Wii, PC, PS2, PS3, DS, PSP and Mobile

EA has officially announced FIFA 09 for every system under the Sun; Including Wii, Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, PC, DS, PSP and cell phones. This year each version will be catered to fit that specific platform.

With 500 new animation sequences and all-new collision and shielding systems—representing “the biggest innovations to the multiplatform EA SPORTS football engine in four years”— FIFA 09 delivers “more responsive, intelligent and realistic physical action than ever before”, according to EA. 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.

According to EA, the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions have “over 250 additions and enhancements” to the core gameplay, allowing you to customize the game to suit your style and ability and providing for the most accurate soccer experience EA has ever delivered (no doubt trying to capitalize on the weak showing from the Pro Evo series the last couple installments). Improvements include new animation technology that allows for more responsive first-time shooting and passing, better controlled and faster dribbling, and improved tapping. There is also new player momentum physics for even more realistic player collisions, more authentic-looking ball jostling and more tackle variation than before.

There is also a new “Custom Team Tactics” system that gives you all the tools you need to “become a first-team coach”. You can adjust and customize tactical settings so the computer players and your team perform “just like the real-world team plays and make strategic decisions to exploit your opponents weaknesses, all on-the-fly.” The Be A Pro mode has also been expanded to a career mode known as 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 has also been enhanced to be more “true-to-life” with a referee and linesmen on the pitch. Plus, crowds, stadium atmosphere and commentary have all been regionalized in “exact detail”.

The PS3 version will also feature an exclusive mode, although no details on that mode were given.

The Wii version adopts EA’s “All-Play” subtitle, which means it’s more suited for first-timers or casual players, to better fit the Wii’s demographic. FIFA 09: All Play for the Wii features two ways to play, simulation or arcade. The Simulation side features 11 vs 11 while the arcade has 8 vs 8. The Arcade side also features Mii versions of your favorite soccer superstars, like Ronaldinho and Wayne Rooney. EA has also tightened up the motion and point-and-click control for the Wii Remote and Nunchuck to make the controls “even more intuitive and perfectly balanced for gamers of any ability to enjoy fun, soccer action.” Advanced control options will still be available for the more hardcore players, in addition to new simplified controls that enable novice players to focus on fun, also giving them AI assistance.

“Our new ‘8 vs. 8’ Footii Match enables you to play an exaggerated style of football 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 football experience tailored specifically for the Wii version of FIFA 09,” says EA.

The PC version of FIFA 09 will be the most impressive version graphically, as long as you have a high-spec PC to run it. On the PC star players are featured in “photorealistic quality with remodeled likenesses for ultra-realistic gameplay”. FIFA 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 football so you stay connected while playing FIFA 09.

As far as the PS2, PSP and DS versions are concerned, no solid details were given on new features or system-specific changes. Except for the fact that the handheld versions will feature “the unique Be A Pro camera that re-creates the rush and excitement of racing in on goal.” And that apparently the PS2 version will do it’s best to match the graphics of the next-gen systems.

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