FIFA 10

Last year in the office, we ran a comparison test between FIFA and Pro Evo Soccer, with the outcome being an eagerly contested 3-3 draw. Those stubborn Pro Evo diehards were still reluctant to admit that not only had FIFA caught up with its hallowed series, in some cases, it had actually overtaken it with a silky passing game and composed on-the-ball trickery

The Pro Evo makers won't like FIFA 10 one bit. They won't like it because it's bloody brilliant, and their forthcoming PES will have to play a blinder just to keep snapping at its heels. The biggest (and only major) 'revolution' in FIFA 10 is the 360-degree control (it worked on 'diagonals' last year), which means passing, running, dribbling - basically the whole shernazzle - benefits from greater freedom and realism.

And there are other sweet little touches of glistening polish, such as just because a player is a lanky beanpole it won't mean he'll definitely win a header (he may have defenders breathing down his neck), and there's greater emphasis on skill and tactics rather than just blistering pace.

It may be a tad naive to suggest 10 is hugely different to FIFA 9, but the 360-degree control is implemented superbly, and makes an instant impression. We just can't help but feel EA's long-running series has finally cemented its place as the king of footy sims. Let's see what you've got in your locker now eh, PES...

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