FIFA Soccer 2005

"FIFA vs Pro Evo: The match is on"

Each year a new FIFA is released and up until now, none have really made great changes to the previous. That is up until now. For a couple of years now the Pro Evolution series has set the benchmark for soccer titles. But finally there is a game to rival the series and it comes in the shape of FIFA 2005.

The main addition to 2005 is the first touch feature. This allows you to plan your first move when you make contact with the ball, before you receive it. This is done with a tap of the right joystick in the direction you would like the ball to go. This adds a great dimension to planning your moves and builds upon the off the ball control introduced in 2004.

The controls no longer feel clunky and unresponsive and you will find your player doing (most of the time) what you want him to be doing. The tried and accepted control scheme of past year's versions has been maintained and those of you new to the series won't find it hard to get used to it.

Passing plays a more dominant role in 2005. Goals are harder to come by and creating build up play through the use of accurate passing is need to find that vital piece of space. There are now more things you can do with the ball once you have recieved it. These include more tricks and passing and lobbing options. You can now do chip shots in a one on one situation with the keeper. Scoring with one of these chip shots is absolutely magical and you will be brimming with pride after you see the ball in the back of the net.

The one aspect of the game where FIFA rules over Pro Evo is the set plays and free kicks. There is a great targeting system and it is easy to kick the ball with as much power and curve that you wish.

The graphics in this game are quite a problem. The visuals don't improve upon 2004 in any way and you will be staring at the screen wondering why the two games look EXACTLY the same. The player animations have improved but overall the graphics are nowhere near Pro Evolution's standards (even if the players look identical to their real life counterparts).

When it comes down to it, you won't find yourself playing this game anywhere near as much as Pro Evo. The animations and game scenarios are quite repetitive. Whereas in Pro Evo each goal you score is unique and you wont score one like it again, FIFA's goals will repeat themselves. After a few weeks of play you probably won't play it again because the matches do not show enough variation.

The commentary is better than previous attempts and is no doubt better than Pro Evo's. One problem with the sound is the crowds. They seem to cheer and get roudy at the wrong times. Sometimes when you score you wont hear a murmur but when the ball goes out for a throw in, they go crazy like you have just won the World Cup. That is rather strange if you ask me. The soundtrack is terrific though, it features songs by artists from all around the world and the songs are all really catchy (especially the song by INXS).

When it comes down to it, FIFA 2005 is a big step for the series but is just outplayed by Pro Evolution. If only FIFA existed in a world without Pro Evo.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/04/05