It’s October which means it's FIFA time and after last year's great effort surely it can’t get any better?

In fact I believe it’s gotten better in every department! You might not realise by looking at the main menu (which looks exactly the same as it has for the last few years) but there are tons of new features. Gameplay tweaks include better goalkeeper responses, neat animation additions, last-ditch lunges that allow your defenders to make amazing clearances, a better balance on lofted through balls, a more realistic shooting mechanic, a practice arena, quick free kicks and the biggie, 360 degree dribbling.

You’re now able to move in more than just 8 directions, you can move into any area of the pitch and make slight adjustments to your run direction. It might not be immediately apparent but it definitely comes through in tight spots or high speed events on the pitch. Shooting has been slightly tweaked also, making finesse shots a little trickier. ‘Be a Pro’ mode has been improved even more this year. As with several other EA Sports titles, you can now put your face in the game using EA Sports ‘Gameface’ found on the EA Football World website. So you’ve made your pro, now what? Unlike last year’s experience-based system where you could upgrade what you wanted to make an über player, this year what you do on the pitch effects your ability upgrading. For example, score a goal from outside the area and you’ll receive an accomplishment.

Live Season is back this time in 2.0 style which not only allows you to download new player ratings determined by real life player form, but also lets you to rewrite your team’s (if they are in the 5 best leagues!) history by replaying the fixtures already played this season. Obviously being FIFA all the transfers are up to date as are the kits. Even the Netherlands make an appearance this year, but where are nations like Egypt, Columbia and Japan? Some nations are also here without licenced kits.

All online modes play fantastically, with no lag issues to report. You’ll no doubt eventually find yourself in a laggy game or get disconnected if you play long enough but it’s all about player's connection speed and stability, not EA's servers (at last.)

The commentary sounds about 50% new stuff and 50% recycled from 09, Which if you play a ton of FIFA then you’ll probably get bored of quickly. Crowds sound good and seem to react more realistically than last year.

Overall, it’s the best football game around. FIFA has managed to improve, piling on features and game modes when rivals are just standing still. It just plays a great game of footie and that’s all we want.