Captures the sport of soccer but has a few things that need to be fixed
Good:
Game really captures the soccer feel, from the commentators to the crowd reactions from the player doing tricks. Its easily one of the best FIFA games (personally I like FIFA 07 equally). A special piece of this game really caught my attention. Its the virtual pro aspect and pro view that they offer while playing matches. The camera follows the player, and makes you feel like your really in control. Its always been something I've wanted in a soccer game however i only recommend using this if your using your virtual pro because its a little confusing using the pro view if your switching amongst players all over the field. The camera then zooms in and shakes a bit as your sprint towards the goal to take a shot into the back of the net. Then on top of this, they give you celebration moves. I know this all may seem very small and unimportant, but to any soccer player or fan this is extremely important and a vital part to the feel of the sport.
Most of the other things in the game are a repeat but improved upon, from previous FIFA games, one of which being AI defense (which has definitely been improved to be more realistic).
Bad:
Its really small, but annoying, things that make this game a 9 instead of 9.5 One is the difficulty. I started out as Amateur because I hadnt played in a while; soon enough I was making 11 goals in a game and ripping the other teams apart so I thought I would bump up one difficulty to semi-pro. What I was anticipating was still winning, but only by a couple goals. Instead I found it much more difficult, and many times losing games with Arsenal (top team) versus the bottom team! Sure I'd win once and a while or draw but it was a big struggle. They need to fix this. There are many difficulty levels, semi-pro shouldnt be that huge of a leap.
Controls are also a slight but minor issue. In time hopefully I can adjust, but I find it difficult to switch to ball control mode (doing tricks or out-maneuvering) in time before the opponent gets to you. Its an integral part of a game to keep the ball from opponents stealing it. Which brings up defense. They are a little too hard -- since when can defenders completely out run and overtake strikers?!?!?
Then there is auto-save...yeah you dont get to turn it off. So if you make a mistake then it sucks for you because the game saved it. No going back.
Hopefully though these issues will be fixed? They arent detrimental to the enjoyment of a game, but need to be addressed -- afteral this is a game its supposed to be fun not stressfull.