rAge 2009 got off to a thumping start thanks to EA’s launch of the highly anticipated FIFA 10 videogame. The atmosphere was already electric with the public and media packing into the Coca-Cola Dome in Johannesburg to get their fix of the latest technology. EA cranked this up a notch, sending the crowd into a frenzy with the appearance of Dr Khumalo and Gary Bailey. These two giants of the soccer world certainly added to the authenticity of the launch and are truly fantastic ambassadors for the game.

Festivities got underway swiftly with Gary and the Doc selecting their teams of ten from the swarming contingent of press. Each team member got the opportunity to kick one soccer ball into the goals which measured the velocity of the strike. Scoring was a minor significance with the focus being on the theme of “celebration.” Gary’s team took the spoils with an outstanding display of celebration antics ranging from dropping to ones knees with a shirt pulled over ones head to hoisting players onto shoulders World Cup winning style. Whilst Gary’s team won, Dr Khumalo certainly had the better looking bunch with his carefully chosen selection of mostly ladies.

While some attendees chose to battle it out on the FIFA-themed foosball tables, others were entranced with the breakdancing which included impressive balancing acts with a soccer ball while the DJ kept the beat pumping. A large screen was set up in the middle where EA’s Kevin Fine expanded on the celebration message. EA in partnership with Telkom are going all out embarking on a five town tour around South Africa in search of a FIFA 10 champion. Individuals will get to participate in their town with the local winners facing off against each other at a final event. The ultimate victor gets an amazing prize allowing them to travel overseas to watch Chelsea vs Arsenal in February 2010. So get practicing now!

There were plenty of PS3 rigs set up to get some hands on time with FIFA 10 and all I can share with you for now is…wow! Check back for a full review shortly. We were treated to a number of grudge matches between Gary Bailey and Dr Khumalo, Johan Deadricks (FIFA Interactive World Cup Champion for 2007) and an eager participant from the crowd.

FIFA 2010 is available now in South African stores on the PS3, PS2, PSP, Xbox 360, Wii, PC and mobile platforms.