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Near 200 national teams. All the stadiums, carnival atmosphere and glamour of the world’s biggest sporting event. A refined, sexier version of the most sophisticated footie engine ever. Yup, it’s safe to say EA’s latest World Cup game is shaping up to be pretty tasty. We got hands-on with the game recently and can confidently state its set to become this generation’s finest footie title yet. Read on to find out why.

It’s got 199 international sides

Just let that sink in for a minute. That’s every team that took part in the qualifying rounds for the World Cup. By comparison FIFA 10 had 41.

Oh sure, you can recreate international tournaments in the last game. But with such a paltry selection, it’s hardly going to be an authentic World Cup experience. Hell, according to FIFA 10 most of Africa doesn’t exist. Thankfully, that’s something the new title rectifies with all the big African nations like Ghana, Ivory Coast and Togo in the mixer.

The presentation is incredible

EA say it wants to recreate the carnival atmosphere of the world’s most popular sporting tournament. And with pre-match confetti, full 3D crowds for all the teams (which includes supporters with face paint, hats and banners) and all 10 stadia that’ll be used in South Africa, the game’s atmosphere is easily more authentic than FIFA 10.

Commentary is also up to the series’ usual high standards. As hateful as grating ITV commentator Clive Tyldesley normally is, paired with Andy Townsend in the UK version, the pair’s banter is winningly believable.

Above: Amazingly, Tyldesley (on the left) and his mate aren’t as annoying as they look in 2010 FIFA World Cup

They even provide insight into each side’s manager, which is handy because the gaffers of all the biggest nations feature in the game’s cutscenes. We see two impressively rendered coaches before one of our matches as England’s Fabio Capello (who’s as scary and stern as ever) and Spain’s Vicente del Bosque shake hands.

It’s better than FIFA 10 on the pitch

Alright, so this is a bit of an obvious one. Naturally, a game built on a more robust engine of last year’s title means World Cup is technically more impressive than its predecessor.The key here is evolution, not revolution. Seeing as FIFA 10 already plays the most balanced, addictive game of footie you can find, sweeping changes just aren’t necessary. That said, the small tweaks that have been made are welcome. Players now feel weightier, while build up play is also a little quicker, so it’s now easier to play a tight passing game as you ping the ball about.

Chip shots are less effective too, while keepers no longer charge off their line like demented Kamikaze pilots every time a player enters their box. It’s all pretty subtle stuff, but the alterations, although minor, are definitely welcome.

The graphics are mega polished

Aside from the fact all the players look like they’re emotionally deadened zombies, FIFA 10 is a real looker. The World Cup game easily has it beat, though.For starters player likenesses are loads better. When we go through the England line-up it’s a relief to see a digital Rio Ferdinand finally look like his commanding real life counterpart, rather than some potato-headed lump. Everyone’s favourite slightly rubbish, lanky striker Peter Crouch is also loads better, and finally looks y’know, human. Likenesses for less high profile players is still patchy, mind. The entire Scotland squad seem to have come off the generic face 101 production line.

Richer textures also mean all the pitches have a more realistic, weathered look. Even from the default tele cam, which makes all the players appear as tiny Subbuteo men, the extra detail strikes your attention. In comparison, FIFA 10’s fields now look like a bunch of carpets with some green paint on them.

The game hits stores in April. And with the World Cup in June, this looks set to be the only title that’ll satisfy that inevitable three week footie itch you’ll get this summer. Make sure you check back over the coming months for more coverage of 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Source: Gamesradar