Exhibition Matches - The Best of FIFA 09

bluchampblogger · 11-11-2008, 07:10 AM

Exhibition matches - That's where you'd get the best out of FIFA 09. I have played online games, offline competitions, offline leagues, manager mode, be a pro seasons, exhibition matches - every mode that's available, all in WORDL CLASS difficulty. I can tell you with confidence that the game plays best in exhibition matches more than anything else.

I gave up on online games the very first week I had the game. All offline competition/league/MM game modes are crippled by two things (a) the AI's scripted game play (b) your tactics and tweaks won't work best. So there's something unreal about the offline game modes. I'm not saying games are fully scripted. The results are scripted. And your team is being crippled to achieve that scripted result. Before the start of the game itself, there is a result that AI fixes for this game and achieves it SOMEHOW. Ok, scripting is in every game. I should be a good enough player to overcome that. But I'm not. That's why I have made this thread.

Whereas exhibition games play such a great game of football devoid of AI scripting. So I have decided now that I would play a series of exhibition matches instead of playing a competition where I can't (not allowed to?) progress beyond the second round. I don't want to reduce my difficulty level to PROFESSIONAL because that's way too easy and the game play is realistic in WORLD CLASS only.

In every gaming session, I would play about 6 to 10 matches. I would invariably start as Chelsea in a champions league or league, and start losing and drawing big time before I call it a day. Instead of going through this pain, I have decided to play that many number of exhibition matches for various reasons:

1. Unlike the other offline modes, the AI does not play with a desired result in its mind (?). Exhibition matches are the most open, natural and unspoilt version of this beautiful game. When you're a goal up, in offline game modes, you'll see your defenders pushing up when you don't want to, you'll see your defenders messing up with two-yard passes, you'll find yourself passing to your opponent, you'll find that none of your defenders bother to jump to win the incoming cross no matter how much you mash the buttons. In exhibition matches, the game played by the numbers - the player attributes with no turbo boost by AI to any of the values.

2. AI plays a very good game of football. It just plays a natural game with the flow and ebb of the game. AI plays a better open and creative game that can keep you guessing and you'll be on your toes. Also it's nice to see the AI challenge you in a very appropriate, honest manner. The teams will play true to their strengths and weaknesses only in exhibition matches. A good team plays like a good team and a lalalala team plays like a lalalala team. May be it's not a coincidence that my best goals and my most satisfactory goals have come from exhibition matches.

3. The custom tactics and the speed/acceleration tweaks work best in exhibition matches. Try this yourself. Play team A vs team B in a competition or a manager mode or whatever offline mode. And then play the same team A vs team B in an exhibition match. See the difference. The exhibition match is much much more fluid and natural.

4. You can play as any team, instead of your favourite team. When you play in any of the game modes as one of your favourite teams, you mostly play the same formation (because that suits the team well) and the almost in a similar playing style every match because you're using the same set of players. In exhibition matches, you could play as Chelsea one match, Lyon another, Napoli in anothere and so on. The variety keeps you going and makes a great gaming session.

5. You can choose which stadium to play, whether you want to play day, night or dusk. This is a big one for me. When I kick off in a pitch that I don't like, it turns me off and shows up in my performance. Also I hate playing night matches in FIFA (be it 08 or 09). When I play exhibition matches, I can play in the choicest of stadiums in day or preferably dusk.

So it's exhibition mode for me henceforth. When I play champions league, I might play Fenerbahce in knock out round, Valencia in quarters, Liverpool in semis and Barca in final. I might as well play four exhibition matches, one each against Fener, Valencia, Liverpool and Barca. It's not that we need to win stuff to unlock anything. I just want to enjoy the game as much as I want to.

If exhibition matches are your most ignored offline game mode, please change your mind. Compare the gameplay and AI behaviour/style in exhibition matches and in other offline modes. You'll realise it and agree with me. I'm going to play exhibition matches only and enjoy the game to its fullest potential. What do you feel?

menatwork14 · 11-11-2008, 07:35 AM

i totally agree man.
have always been playin exhibition games.and i always play the round of matches from the current barclays premier league schedule.
feels so real after watchin e games on tele and den playing em after that.

u got my vote for tt mate

juggaknot · 11-11-2008, 07:59 AM

hmm. maybe i need to stay away from MM and only play exhibitions. i'm thinking of selling the game, but i don't just want to give up on it, so i'm gonna try it. see if there's a difference.

but i like MM...taking low rated teams to the top of the premiership and all that, without signing big star players, not sim'ing too many games.

Quote:

All offline competition/league/MM game modes are crippled by two things (a) the AI's scripted game play (b) your tactics and tweaks won't work best. So there's something unreal about the offline game modes. I'm not saying games are fully scripted. The results are scripted. And your team is being crippled to achieve that scripted result. Before the start of the game itself, there is a result that AI fixes for this game and achieves it SOMEHOW. Ok, scripting is in every game. I should be a good enough player to overcome that. But I'm not. That's why I have made this thread.

scripted? so let's say you play against...bayern munich in the ECC final and lose in word class...don't save it, reload it and try it again. you're gonna keep losing not matter how good you play? the AI is gonna want to win regardless of the game mode...isn't it?

secretcrowds · 11-11-2008, 08:38 AM

are you the fifa guru or something?

bluchampblogger · 11-11-2008, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by secretcrowds

do you think your the fifa guru or something?

LOL I didn't and I'm not. Didn't say I'm not even a good FIFA player? Just see if someone makes sense, whoever it is. If you don't agree and you want to let us know that, discuss and substantiate. Okay?

secretcrowds · 11-11-2008, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluchampblogger

LOL I didn't and I'm not. Didn't say I'm not even a good FIFA player? Just see if someone makes sense, whoever it is. If you don't agree and you want to let us know that, discuss and substantiate. Okay?

nahh dude, I agree with your views on the game anyway.

bluchampblogger · 11-11-2008, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by secretcrowds

nahh dude, I agree with your views on the game anyway.

thanks mate. no worries.

Jimmyboy34 · 11-11-2008, 06:55 PM

what a post.

To be honest I have been playing Exhibition matches since i got the game, not even tried any other mode out and like you I love it. One thing i would add is this is where the Live season can make a real difference as if you play loads of exhibitions you can really feel player levels go up and down.

I totally agree with all you have said, what are your opinions on just how scripted it is? Surely if you one on one and 1-0 down are you saying that you will never score that open goal if the script has said you will loose 1-0?

What with the ball Physics flying around the box surely its impossible for AI to get it right? what do you think?

Jimmyboy34 · 11-11-2008, 06:55 PM

By the way loving all the posts, just waiting as to what your next one will be about?

Stumain3 · 11-11-2008, 07:53 PM

I Agree, when i got the game i played many random matches all over the world and the best i came up against was the milan derby at the san siro totally real in HD what a tactical battle of football too the most realistic yet.

bluchampblogger · 11-11-2008, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stumain3

I Agree, when i got the game i played many random matches all over the world and the best i came up against was the milan derby at the san siro totally real in HD what a tactical battle of football too the most realistic yet.

Absolutely. If I look back, all my best matches have been exhibition matches. Exhibition matches + slow setting + custom tactics tweaks + speed tweaks = the purest form of FIFA 09.

DOA KappaTango · 11-11-2008, 08:10 PM

Another "I am the font of all knowledge" Thread from BCL. Only posted to increase your ego, careful or your head will get so heavy that it loll's onto the keyboard everytime you try to sit down.

Your patronising style of writing annoys me. Your "look at me I'm great" attitude just grinds to the very pit of my stomach.

Before you ask why I have posted here and even looked at your thread, it's beacuse I am fed up of the flocks of "sheep" who hang on your every word.

Sorry to pop your bubble of arrogance.

bluchampblogger · 11-11-2008, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DOA KappaTango

Another "I am the font of all knowledge" Thread from BCL. Only posted to increase your ego, careful or your head will get so heavy that it loll's onto the keyboard everytime you try to sit down.

Your patronising style of writing annoys me. Your "look at me I'm great" attitude just grinds to the very pit of my stomach.

Before you ask why I have posted here and even looked at your thread, it's beacuse I am fed up of the flocks of "sheep" who hang on your every word.

Sorry to pop your bubble of arrogance.

Okay mate, I agree. The title is yours - you're the "font of all knowledge". Things okay now?

Did I abuse you or the game or the team you support? No I didn't. Did I waste anyone's time? I don't think so. Am I adding some value? Even if there 10 people who say "Yes", I'm happy and I'll continue with my threads. So sorry that I'm not running away scared of you.

If it makes you happy, let me tell you that I use only assisted controls, I don't play online matches, I can't perform the flip-flaps and rabonas, I'm a low-skilled low levelled player, I play mostly as Chelsea etc. Have I now given enough reasons to have a go at me? Try again.

DOA KappaTango · 11-11-2008, 08:29 PM

I am not the one making pretentious Threads. I do not proclaim to be the font of all knowledge.

I am not in this for an argument or to scare you away. This is a forum for discussion and opinion. Sorry that I am not going to sit at your feet like Princess Leia to Jabba. Sorry that my opinion doesn't rub your ego enough.

No need to try again, it's not a battle of words or intelligence, meerly one voice making an alternative and honest comment.

Continue doing your thing, your fans are waiting.

bluchampblogger · 11-11-2008, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DOA KappaTango

I am not in this for an argument or to scare you away. This is a forum for discussion and opinion. Sorry that I am not going to sit at your feet like Princess Leia to Jabba. Sorry that my opinion doesn't rub your ego enough.

No need to try again, it's not a battle of words or intelligence, meerly one voice making an alternative and honest comment.

Continue doing your thing, your fans are waiting.

Thank you.

bluchampblogger · 12-11-2008, 04:03 AM

Bump

joshbotelho1994 · 12-11-2008, 04:41 AM

yeah i think that is the best feature too, i just don't like how there isn't any real prize, but then tournaments get boring. I ussually just check online what the next team my favorite is versing and play it in the game, but what sucks is that some of the ratings are very inaccurate, and that bugs me, some are very overrated and some very underrated. i wish they were more accurate.

bluchampblogger · 12-11-2008, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshbotelho1994

yeah i think that is the best feature too, i just don't like how there isn't any real prize, but then tournaments get boring. I ussually just check online what the next team my favorite is versing and play it in the game, but what sucks is that some of the ratings are very inaccurate, and that bugs me, some are very overrated and some very underrated. i wish they were more accurate.

Yup, same here. Tournaments get boring because of the AI and also that the stadiums that we need to play in, may not really be liked by us. That's a big factor!

Buckie2k8 · 12-11-2008, 11:20 PM

ai is exactly the same in exhibition as MM etc. u guys got too much time on your hands

BoulDvd · 12-11-2008, 11:24 PM

Agreed

I always have only played exhibition games i tend to do my own tourny via a excel spreadsheet with all the teams randomly selected and drawn like the FA cup, i then play every game and pick which team i fancy playing as, draws are put down to replays winning teams are moved on to the next round and so on, until the end stages where i have two groups with the top two teams going into the semi finals.

i enjoy this and find like you say a more unscripted gameplay with more options to use in stadiums and night and the ball to use, usually takes me till July to finish this, then i will go and have a go at the International games and maybe a in game tourney till next FIFA is released

DA11EN47 · 13-11-2008, 12:21 AM

I have a hard time believing that things are scripted in this game. The smallest touches, passes, shots, etc. can change the outcome of this game and half of it is how you control your team. It's a sports game, I've never heard of a sports game being scripted. I'll test some things out though. I think your analyzing this way too much.

PanPeter · 13-11-2008, 02:39 PM

Well yeap i agree, and i totally thing that the sole problem of the game is the AI. Im a bit tired after the release date with the way MM works, and i started a custom tournament with International teams for starters. Do you thing that the scripted thing happens there too?...Cause in my opinion it happens everywhere. If the game wants you to lose theres no turning back...hehe....Anyways the strange feeling that you get that 1 game feels heavenly and another a total mess bothered me too.
Finally since i play football games since 1986, i must say that when Pro Evo was at its best noone ever bothered about gameplay bugs, balance was everywhere....and even after a heavy defeat you never felt that the game cheated to get the result. That always was a FIFA previlledge, but....things have changed now....PES feels tired, and i feel like we are back to the start with FIFA if you know what i mean. What i cant forgive to Electronic Arts, rhetorically speakin is that it took them so long to make their game accessible....but not totally balanced and playable....thats all..:

bluchampblogger · 15-11-2008, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanPeter

i started a custom tournament with International teams for starters. Do you thing that the scripted thing happens there too?...Cause in my opinion it happens everywhere.

Yup, you're right. It happens there too. Exhibition matches are the way to go. May be we should resort to spreadsheets and all that to make tournaments out of exhibition matches but I'd prefer that if I get a good game of football.

Konoha7 · 15-11-2008, 04:50 AM

I like overcast

Ash82773 · 16-11-2008, 02:42 PM

I've tried Exhibition matches and they are amazing! It feels like you're playing a totally different game. You also get to be different teams instead of playing 38 boring league games with the same team in the same few stadiums with the same sunny day. The league is unrealistic anyway, with the the highest computer team still losing about 8 matches.

View Poll Results: Do agree to my views on exhibition matches?
Yes, I do!	42	61.76%
No, I don't think so!	26	38.24%
Voters: 68. You may not vote on this poll

11-11-2008, 07:10 AM	#1 (permalink)
bluchampblogger Forum Regular Join Date: Nov 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 565 Blog Entries: 5	Exhibition Matches - The Best of FIFA 09 Exhibition matches - That's where you'd get the best out of FIFA 09. I have played online games, offline competitions, offline leagues, manager mode, be a pro seasons, exhibition matches - every mode that's available, all in WORDL CLASS difficulty. I can tell you with confidence that the game plays best in exhibition matches more than anything else. I gave up on online games the very first week I had the game. All offline competition/league/MM game modes are crippled by two things (a) the AI's scripted game play (b) your tactics and tweaks won't work best. So there's something unreal about the offline game modes. I'm not saying games are fully scripted. The results are scripted. And your team is being crippled to achieve that scripted result. Before the start of the game itself, there is a result that AI fixes for this game and achieves it SOMEHOW. Ok, scripting is in every game. I should be a good enough player to overcome that. But I'm not. That's why I have made this thread. Whereas exhibition games play such a great game of football devoid of AI scripting. So I have decided now that I would play a series of exhibition matches instead of playing a competition where I can't (not allowed to?) progress beyond the second round. I don't want to reduce my difficulty level to PROFESSIONAL because that's way too easy and the game play is realistic in WORLD CLASS only. In every gaming session, I would play about 6 to 10 matches. I would invariably start as Chelsea in a champions league or league, and start losing and drawing big time before I call it a day. Instead of going through this pain, I have decided to play that many number of exhibition matches for various reasons: 1. Unlike the other offline modes, the AI does not play with a desired result in its mind (?). Exhibition matches are the most open, natural and unspoilt version of this beautiful game. When you're a goal up, in offline game modes, you'll see your defenders pushing up when you don't want to, you'll see your defenders messing up with two-yard passes, you'll find yourself passing to your opponent, you'll find that none of your defenders bother to jump to win the incoming cross no matter how much you mash the buttons. In exhibition matches, the game played by the numbers - the player attributes with no turbo boost by AI to any of the values. 2. AI plays a very good game of football. It just plays a natural game with the flow and ebb of the game. AI plays a better open and creative game that can keep you guessing and you'll be on your toes. Also it's nice to see the AI challenge you in a very appropriate, honest manner. The teams will play true to their strengths and weaknesses only in exhibition matches. A good team plays like a good team and a lalalala team plays like a lalalala team. May be it's not a coincidence that my best goals and my most satisfactory goals have come from exhibition matches. 3. The custom tactics and the speed/acceleration tweaks work best in exhibition matches. Try this yourself. Play team A vs team B in a competition or a manager mode or whatever offline mode. And then play the same team A vs team B in an exhibition match. See the difference. The exhibition match is much much more fluid and natural. 4. You can play as any team, instead of your favourite team. When you play in any of the game modes as one of your favourite teams, you mostly play the same formation (because that suits the team well) and the almost in a similar playing style every match because you're using the same set of players. In exhibition matches, you could play as Chelsea one match, Lyon another, Napoli in anothere and so on. The variety keeps you going and makes a great gaming session. 5. You can choose which stadium to play, whether you want to play day, night or dusk. This is a big one for me. When I kick off in a pitch that I don't like, it turns me off and shows up in my performance. Also I hate playing night matches in FIFA (be it 08 or 09). When I play exhibition matches, I can play in the choicest of stadiums in day or preferably dusk. So it's exhibition mode for me henceforth. When I play champions league, I might play Fenerbahce in knock out round, Valencia in quarters, Liverpool in semis and Barca in final. I might as well play four exhibition matches, one each against Fener, Valencia, Liverpool and Barca. It's not that we need to win stuff to unlock anything. I just want to enjoy the game as much as I want to. If exhibition matches are your most ignored offline game mode, please change your mind. Compare the gameplay and AI behaviour/style in exhibition matches and in other offline modes. You'll realise it and agree with me. I'm going to play exhibition matches only and enjoy the game to its fullest potential. What do you feel? __________________

11-11-2008, 08:38 AM	#4 (permalink)
secretcrowds Banned Join Date: Sep 2008 Gender: Private Posts: 2,484	are you the fifa guru or something? Last edited by secretcrowds; 11-11-2008 at 12:57 PM..

12-11-2008, 04:03 AM	#16 (permalink)
bluchampblogger Forum Regular Join Date: Nov 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 565 Blog Entries: 5	Bump __________________

12-11-2008, 04:41 AM	#17 (permalink)
joshbotelho1994 Forum Guru Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: United States Gender: Male Posts: 2,061	yeah i think that is the best feature too, i just don't like how there isn't any real prize, but then tournaments get boring. I ussually just check online what the next team my favorite is versing and play it in the game, but what sucks is that some of the ratings are very inaccurate, and that bugs me, some are very overrated and some very underrated. i wish they were more accurate. __________________ FIFA10, GLITCHESAGAIN

11-11-2008, 07:35 AM	#2 (permalink)
menatwork14 Rookie Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 12	i totally agree man. have always been playin exhibition games.and i always play the round of matches from the current barclays premier league schedule. feels so real after watchin e games on tele and den playing em after that. u got my vote for tt mate

11-11-2008, 06:55 PM	#8 (permalink)
Jimmyboy34 Forum Guru Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1,278	what a post. To be honest I have been playing Exhibition matches since i got the game, not even tried any other mode out and like you I love it. One thing i would add is this is where the Live season can make a real difference as if you play loads of exhibitions you can really feel player levels go up and down. I totally agree with all you have said, what are your opinions on just how scripted it is? Surely if you one on one and 1-0 down are you saying that you will never score that open goal if the script has said you will loose 1-0? What with the ball Physics flying around the box surely its impossible for AI to get it right? what do you think?

11-11-2008, 06:55 PM	#9 (permalink)
Jimmyboy34 Forum Guru Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1,278	By the way loving all the posts, just waiting as to what your next one will be about?

11-11-2008, 07:53 PM	#10 (permalink)
Stumain3 Rookie Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 390	I Agree, when i got the game i played many random matches all over the world and the best i came up against was the milan derby at the san siro totally real in HD what a tactical battle of football too the most realistic yet.

12-11-2008, 11:20 PM	#19 (permalink)
Buckie2k8 Rookie Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Scotland Posts: 149	ai is exactly the same in exhibition as MM etc. u guys got too much time on your hands __________________ PS3 Online: Buckie2k7

12-11-2008, 11:24 PM	#20 (permalink)
BoulDvd Forum Regular Join Date: Mar 2006 Age: 45 Gender: Male Posts: 757	Agreed I always have only played exhibition games i tend to do my own tourny via a excel spreadsheet with all the teams randomly selected and drawn like the FA cup, i then play every game and pick which team i fancy playing as, draws are put down to replays winning teams are moved on to the next round and so on, until the end stages where i have two groups with the top two teams going into the semi finals. i enjoy this and find like you say a more unscripted gameplay with more options to use in stadiums and night and the ball to use, usually takes me till July to finish this, then i will go and have a go at the International games and maybe a in game tourney till next FIFA is released

13-11-2008, 12:21 AM	#21 (permalink)
DA11EN47 Rookie Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: San Clemente, CA, USA Posts: 261	I have a hard time believing that things are scripted in this game. The smallest touches, passes, shots, etc. can change the outcome of this game and half of it is how you control your team. It's a sports game, I've never heard of a sports game being scripted. I'll test some things out though. I think your analyzing this way too much.

13-11-2008, 02:39 PM	#22 (permalink)
PanPeter Rookie Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 30	Well yeap i agree, and i totally thing that the sole problem of the game is the AI. Im a bit tired after the release date with the way MM works, and i started a custom tournament with International teams for starters. Do you thing that the scripted thing happens there too?...Cause in my opinion it happens everywhere. If the game wants you to lose theres no turning back...hehe....Anyways the strange feeling that you get that 1 game feels heavenly and another a total mess bothered me too. Finally since i play football games since 1986, i must say that when Pro Evo was at its best noone ever bothered about gameplay bugs, balance was everywhere....and even after a heavy defeat you never felt that the game cheated to get the result. That always was a FIFA previlledge, but....things have changed now....PES feels tired, and i feel like we are back to the start with FIFA if you know what i mean. What i cant forgive to Electronic Arts, rhetorically speakin is that it took them so long to make their game accessible....but not totally balanced and playable....thats all..: __________________ Just play! Last edited by PanPeter; 13-11-2008 at 02:51 PM..

15-11-2008, 04:50 AM	#24 (permalink)
Konoha7 Forum Guru Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Maryland, United States Age: 16 Posts: 1,417	I like overcast __________________

16-11-2008, 02:42 PM	#25 (permalink)
Ash82773 Rookie Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 373	I've tried Exhibition matches and they are amazing! It feels like you're playing a totally different game. You also get to be different teams instead of playing 38 boring league games with the same team in the same few stadiums with the same sunny day. The league is unrealistic anyway, with the the highest computer team still losing about 8 matches.