I have increased the difficulty level from these group of fixtures to World Class due to storming into a 18 point lead and unbeaten in the league. Although the majority of games were close, I was dominating the majority of these games. I like a real challenge in my football games, I don’t mind losing or 0-0 affairs. I would rather have this than winning every game. That’s my preference.
I read on various forums that people found the jump from Professional to World Class is a big leap in FIFA 09. That the AI performs their famous dribbling and possession skills. I don’t mind this as the way I see it, is that I must find a way of combating it. Like real football.
It was interesting from the first game. No longer could I run with David Villa past the defenders at will as I could on Professional. No longer press A/X and win the ball from the AI at every tackle. I was glad of this as I thought that maybe it was a weakness in 09. Instead of attack, attack, attack as I was doing in matches recently, I now had to revert back to maintaining possession (more often than not losing possession) and await openings. I love how FIFA requires you to do this. Many people don’t, but we all get different kicks from computer games.
There was a dramatic increase in the AI, they are now tighter in defence, more of a threat in attack and take ALL of their opportunities one-on-one with the goalkeeper rather than running the ball straight at them and just like I read they do indeed keep possession now for LONG periods. I have definitely found my level with 09 against the AI, from these games it WILL be a while before I crack World Class difficulty. That, there is no doubt.
Disappointingly in the first match against Almeira I threw away a 2 goal lead to draw 2-2. The next 2 matches also ended in draws 1-1 (Recreativo) and 2-2 (Malaga). I won the next fixture luckily against Villarreal 1-0 who had the lions share of possession and chances.
Crazily in a way I was glad that the next 2 fixtures seen my long unbeaten run in the league come to an end. Losing 2-0 to Deportivo and 1-0 to Majorca. It has proven that World Class is the correct level I should be playing at with one win in 6 games.
With my unbeaten run coming to an end and no longer can I run past defenders at will with David VILLA. I am now playing the type of football that made me switch to the FIFA series in 08 after a 10 year absence. Slow, methodical build up. Real football emulated in a computer game. Happy days.
It highlights that I have been kidding myself on playing on Professional, thinking that I was a decent player. My early impressions of World Class on FIFA 09 is that it is a BIGGER step up than the same level on FIFA 08. I finished FIFA 08 on Legendary level and I would say that World Class on FIFA 09 is on a par with that.
Could I lose the league from an impossible situation? Now that would be funny. It could happen 6 games remaining and holding a 10 point lead.
Interesting comments there heraldo. Lots of food for thought. The A+X possession thing leapt out at me, as I’ve thought it a huge weakness in the game almost from day 1.
I’m feeling disenchanted with FIFA09 at teh moment. Most of it is to do with simply overplaying it. Familiarity breeds contempt and all that. But a lot of it is to do with the frantic gameplay that results from A+X (Square+X on PS3) being such an easy method to get possession on Professional. You never really fear losing the ball, so tend to play at 100mph.
After reading this post I might bite the bullet and move to WC, even though I’m not really ready yet.
Greg
The tackling with A/X mate has made the game unplayable for me on Professional. I know Valencia are a top team but I seen the achievement for beating a 5 star with a 1 star team. I beat Chelsea using Shamrock Rovers winning every tackle. It’s poor to be honest.
World Class you will see the post tomorrow is a different ball game in every department. I can’t buy a result. I played a few friendlies with the passing put to SEMI, it makes it a little easier although it feels like cheating with the passes going to players feet. When you try it, trust me you need any assistance.
p.s. it’s hard getting online at work, usually 1-3pm and anytime after 8pm.