Most frugal sports gamers know that when the new edition of their favorite video game sports franchise is released, last year's version gets a deep discount. The wisest gamers are only interested in getting last year's great game at a great price; they feel one should rarely, if ever, pay full price for a brand new video game.
EA Sports has a reputation for releasing new versions of their games that contain little more than updated player rosters, as supposed to highly refined gameplay. Since last year's versions of their FIFA and NHL game franchises (FIFA 09, NHL 09) were actually highly-rated and provided many gameplay enhancements, the recent release of the 2010 editions of those franchises for the PS3 means that FIFA 09 and NHL 09 are now available for a great price.
FIFA 09 Features
- Game Modes: Exhibition, Manager Mode, Be a Pro, Online leagues
- Brilliant HD Graphics and Animation
- Most of the world's soccer leagues and teams
NHL 09 Features
- Game Modes: Exhibition, Dynasty, Be a Pro, International Tournament, Online
- Brilliant HD Graphics and Animation
- All NHL and AHL teams plus many top European Leagues
Gameplay Always Beats out Graphics
Both FIFA 09 and NHL 09 not surprisingly feature state of the art graphics on the PlayStation 3. After a few years of next generation video game releases that sizzled with little substance, EA's gameplay has finally caught up to their graphics. NHL 09's Skill Stick is a great enhancement, allowing the user to use the right stick to deke the goalie before putting a wrist shot past his glove hand. On defense, the right stick also allows the user to sweep their virtual hockey stick back and forth to break up passes and block shots.
In a similar manner, FIFA 09 uses the right stick to allow the user to perform a ton of cool and useful dribbling tricks to help get the ball towards the goal. These skills are especially important as, unlike previous versions of the FIFA series, FIFA 09 actually plays like soccer as supposed to a strange version of grass pinball. Both smart passing and the occasional bit of dribbling skill are important to score in FIFA 09.
These gameplay enhancements in the 2009 editions in both series were truly revolutionary for EA, and thus both games are universally highly-rated by both game critics and the general gaming community. While the reviews for both FIFA 2010 and NHL 2010 are decent, neither game provides enough game play enhancements to warrant paying full price for them when the superior 2009 versions of the games are available for less than one-third of the price.
Online Gaming Modes for the Social Gamer
The online modes in both games feature online teams and leagues for social gamers. Pay close attention to the fine print about EA shutting down these online services after a period of time. Game companies have a vested interest in getting folks to buy the brand new versions of their games, so locking down an online mode in an older game right before the new version is released is one way to accomplish that. One would think that paying $60 for a sports game entitles one to the perpetual availability of every feature in that game, but the game companies don't share that opinion.
For the solitary gamer with little interest in online gaming, patience is key. The wise sports gamer that waited for FIFA 2010 and NHL 2010 to be released now are rewarded with two brilliant games for almost half the price of either of the this year's editions. FIFA 09 and NHL 09 are both highly recommended for all sports gamers. Here's another Suite 101 article for PS3 owners interested in finding great gaming deals on the PlayStation Network, and one about the free Gran Turismo 5 download for the PS3.
Paul Williams - Paul Williams' unique set of experiences allow him to communicate complex issues in a clear manner, yet still be an entertaining read.
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