Seeing as the basic recipe will always be the same (football game, duh) fans will always want to know what new features the new installment has to offer. FIFA 10 holds some new gameplay tactics as well as some modes to show off.

Kicking off, the first thing that is bound to be noticed is the smooth gameplay of FIFA 10. The game itself runs incredibly smoothly with no hint of frame rate drops, which makes for a immersive and fast paced football experience. Alongside the smooth gameplay, players will also be exposed to EA’s new “360 dribbling system” which allows for more precise player control and movement. This works really well and you’ll find that the players respond much faster and that their execution of moves is far more precise. It’s so precise that you’ll find yourself missing the goal much more as well as fouling the opponent far more than you did in 09.

Physics have also taken a step up and your player will be taken off course the minute his opponent makes a shoulder charge against him. This can also be seen with tackling as well as ball control whereby your player will lose the ball if it is kicked at him too hard. The gameplay has been polished and has taken a step closer toward the real-life game.

Although manager mode is part of the standard FIFA setup, 10 has managed to add some new details to it. Your players now have the ability to improve their skill or lose it during the course of the season. This is indicated by positive and negative performances. This is affected by the players fitness and by the amount of time that is spent on or off the bench. You’ll have to give the reserves a play to keep them happy. You will also be rated as a manager now, and have to travel your way from half a star to 5 stars as you take each team to new levels of glory.

Have you always wanted to play with yourself? Now you can with the Virtual Pro feature. Players will be able to create their own player who they can use in the ‘Be a pro’ mode or any other game mode. You will have to increase your player’s attributes by completing certain accomplishments. FIFA 10 also allows you to go to the EA website, upload photos of yourself and scan them onto your virtual pro. This is called the ‘game face’. You can also play online with other virtual pros and compete in games where each individual controls their virtual pro. That’s 20 individual players! Virtual pro and game face work quite well and add a nice new dimension to the game.

When it comes to looks, FIFA 10 has made some improvements. Graphically, 10 looks much clearer and sharper than before. The character modeling on the players has been improved and the players themselves look like lean soccer players as opposed to normal looking men who luckily got hold of some official kits. Their faces and facial expressions hold much more detail now. The animations have taken a big step forward and not only do your players have more moves up their sleeves, they look better when they’re doing them.

For the peeps who are keen to take their FIFA 10 online, EA has added Live Season 2.0. This works as a separate mode from manager mode and works according to the real time leagues. You will have to purchase the league that you wish to follow. If you choose premier league it will work with the events in that league such as injuries, bookings and transfers. You can only play as many games as the real-time team has played. This will mean you’ll be playing once a week. It lets you re-write your team’s history for the better or worse. This feature is great for the huge football fans and can be quite fun.

FIFA 10 has improved on many of its aspects. It has produced a polished and more realistic gameplay, new and interesting game modes and slightly improved its looks. Is it revolutionary? Not really, but it has taken a great game and perfected it. FIFA 10 will make you celebrate and is a must buy for all the FIFA buffs and football fans.

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With an awesome presentation and accommodating features, the FIFA 10 launch was decked out for some footie-fun and excited fingers. What we learned was, FIFA 10 is all about celebration, that of figurative and literal actions. In the spirit of celebrations, the likes of Gary Bailey and Dr. Khumalo forged two opposing teams pitted in a miniature penalty shoot-out, where each team would attempt to produce their best celebrations to win over the crowd. Bailey’s team won it hands down (with the help of GCL input) and it was off to the main event.

After a brief, yet informative introduction, eager attendees were able to get some hands-on time with one of the year’s most anticipated titles.

FIFA 10 feels fresh. It’s undoubtedly still the same ol’ FIFA we’ve all grown to love, but there’s something new about it. A ton of polish and some new beautifully fluid animations immediately made their impact on the field, while the gameplay was as slick and responsive as ever.

A great event opened for an even greater game, as FIFA 10 is sure to be on every gamer’s wish list this season, and we’re really impressed with what we’ve seen so far. Check back this week for the full review.

FIFA 10 is currently available on Xbox 360, PS3, PC, PSP, PS2, Wii and DS now.