A world first. A ZOO first. An exclusive invite not just to go hands-on with FIFA 10, but to also play a match against truly formidable opponents: chart-topping indie rockers The Enemy. Not only do they feature on the soundtrack, they’re also, we’re advised, “utterly amazing on FIFA”. We’ll see.

“You’ll be playing Andy, our bassist,” frontman Tom Clarke tells us as we arrive for the showdown. “He’s unbeaten on the tour bus at the last FIFA. You’ve got no chance!”

Fortunately, there’s a new practice arena in FIFA 10 allowing you to hone team and individual skills before a match. So, after some set-piece perfecting, we’re ready. Andy plumps for Man United – (“you’ll thrash me as Coventry!”) while we’ve gone with Spurs. It should be uneven, but subtle control upgrades (the 360º pivot, improved off-the-ball runs, better ’keepers) help us stay in the game.

There was no time to upload our own 3D heads on the “Virtual Pro” option, but thankfully we customised and recorded some of our better set-pieces in practice, which we now deploy via the D-pad, and it works! We’re 1-0 up.
The 360º dribbling – opening up previously unusable space – is also a sweet touch and Andy’s using it to full effect. At half-time, it’s 1-1.

With 10 minutes remaining in the second half and despite refined goalkeeping intelligence, Rooney slots one past us. We quickly counter and at 2-2, we’re going to penalties. Andy steals a glance at our controller: cheat! But we hold our nerve… and score.

It goes back and forwards until sudden death, when we finally succumb to the bass-slapper’s superior FIFA skills. “That’ll teach you for showing off,” he brags.

ZOO Verdict
Our own FIFA expertise hasn’t progressed much since the last game, but the new refinements are bang on. Get yourself a copy now! Just steer clear of Xbox Live when The Enemy are online. They’re dynamite!

FIFA 10 is out now.