What a difference an ocean makes. A PlayStation 3 running the newest installment of FIFA Soccer 09 sat lonely here in the US at the EA Showcase, but you can bet that the same console playing across the pond would be at the bottom of a dog pile. There's no accounting for differences in taste between cultures, although it's hard to deny the lengthy list of improvements underway for EA Sports' seminal soccer game. FIFA 09 makes big strides this year with new weekly player updates, refined options and controls, and mind-blowing multiplayer modes.

Part of a larger push by EA Sports to incorporate real player data in a more dynamic way within its portfolio of games, FIFA will offer updates to player and team stats. It's without question the biggest change to the series this year, adding an exciting new dimension to the game. The Adidas Live Season takes real player metrics and applies them in weekly updates to adjust your game. Six leagues are being supported right out the gate: Barclay's Premier, La Liga BBVA, Ligue 1, Bundesliga, Serie A, and Mexican Primera Division. Updates run through the course of the season, with your choice of one league when you pick up a copy of the game. Access to data for the other leagues comes at an additional cost, which hasn't been announced.

Adidas Live Season is part of a huge effort to fine tune the game. EA Sports is quick to boast over 250 changes to gameplay over last year's installment, many of which have come as a direct response to community complaints and requests. For example, new controller configuration options have been added based on user feedback. Now, you're able to set specific button configurations, such as using the directional pad instead of left analog stick to move players on the pitch, and save them to your hard drive.

Custom team tactics can also be saved on your hard drive, a new feature that allows you to craft original plays. Even better is the ability to upload these plays online and share them with friends. You're able to even download team tactics and practice against a buddy's plays. Considering the advent of 10 on 10 online games, you'll want to hone your skills as often as possible. While the team didn't have enough time to implement goalkeeper controls, it's still incredibly impressive that the game will be breaking new ground with its 20-player online games.

Outside of multiplayer, the game includes a number of key improvements to controls and alterations to its slate of single player modes. Be a Pro Season mode now lets you run through four seasons as an original footballer, which is a distinct upgrade from the single game pro mode offered last year. Similar to a career mode, you earn experience for action on the pitch, which then goes toward improving your player.