FIFA is back for another year, this time around with yet more improvements which EA hope will hope will help the title remain the number one football game on all formats. Now we all know how well polished the console versions are, but how does the PSP version measure up and does it have enough staying power for portable fans?

 

This year’s PSP version of FIFA certainly packs in plenty of new features, Be A Pro Club and Country is one of these and allows players to take control of a professional player, play through a season of cup games and league games and boost the players form rating, with the overall aim of getting him picked for his countries World Cup 2010 campaign. This mode works just like Be A Pro and therefore you play through the game taking control of just your player, calling for the ball, passing, defending and hopefully scoring a few as well.

 

 

Another major new features is The Season, this basically lets you play through an entire campaign as the team of your choice without having to worry about club finances or anything else other than playing the games. This is a great feature for the portable version as it means you can continue your progress anytime you are out and about. EA have also included a Practice Mode this year, allowing you to free play, practice free kicks, corners and penalties, this mode adds even more value to the overall package and although it should probably have been included before it’s great that it is here now.

 

Other additions include Scouting Reports, new team styles, meaning that every team you face will employ different tactics and finally EA have also thrown in a new legendary difficulty setting for those players who love a challenge.

 

All of the above features are great and on top of this the game also includes last year’s features such a manager mode in which you can have an entire career managing your favorite team, a challenge mode which gives you various situations to get out of such as coming from behind in a match with 30 minutes to go and also a Football IQ test.

 

As if all of these features were not enough, FIFA 10 also includes a multiplayer mode allowing you to take on other players via AD Hoc or Infrastructure mode. The online mode does work quite well although I did have a few problems connecting on occasion.

 

There is no doubt that this handheld version is packed with features, however it’s the action on the pitch that counts, so how is it? Well am happy to report that on the field the action is super smooth, pretty much lag free and a great overall experience, the graphics also seem a lot more colorful than last year. It has certainly improved a lot from even last year’s version thanks to the little tweaks here are there which really make the difference. Given that the copy I am reviewing was played on a PSPgo I am also happy to report that even with the smaller screen this game still manages to look fantastic, especially when the camera zooms in for replays and goal celebrations.

 

 

One of the most impressive parts of FIFA 10 PSP is the fact that it manages to pack in all of the extras you would expect from its bigger brother, therefore as well as having all of the leagues and squads that you would expect to be there, the game also includes the ability to unlock rewards such as new stadiums, balls and kits, which gives you even more to play for and if that is not enough there is even a PS2 link option in there.

 

FIFA 10 on PSP is very impressive game, not many titles manage to cram in this many features and still provide an experience that will keep you playing for the foreseeable future. EA have done Sony’s handheld proud with this title, over to your Konami.