"As good as Football is likely to get on a handheld system"

Fifa 08 is by my reckoning the 3rd instalment on the DS and without doubt the best version so far. The question is with Pro Evolution 2008 on the horizon for DS, how long will it keep its crown?

The commentary by Clive Tyldsley is fun and usually relevant to the action on the pitch although understandably it starts to repeat after a while. The player models look ok; their faces look pretty accurate in the team selection screen although they look much less good in the matches. The replays on the top screen are fun as are the highlights packages at the end of each half.

The gameplay is fun for short bursts, everything works as it should and it won't be long before you're smashing in 30-yard screamers into the top corner. The problems come when defending where you are restricted to either pressing the "pressure" button which is almost useless, or going for a sliding tackle which often results in a foul and card. I have had a few bizarre and comedy goals which isn't quite realistic to real life, and the ball seems to hit the crossbar or post at least twice a game which is more than it should be.

The main attraction to most people is the real players and teams, which Pro Evo usually lacks. The problem with even licensed games comes when players transfer and this game doesn't have any player edit or transfer modes (that I can find, anyway!) so for example Tevez is not on Manchester United. This is I guess due to lack of memory on the cartridge, but it is an area where the DS can't hope to compete against it's PS2 & 3 big brothers.

The season mode is quite a good long term challenge which will take a long time to complete but other than that the number of modes is a little light, although obviously you can play online if you have the equipment (I sadly don't).

The touch screen is used to display formations and tactics, but trying to change them on the fly while playing can be a bit awkward! The stylus is also used more originally on set pieces, such as free kicks and penalties and although it is more of a gimmick than anything else, it helps make the game seem more fun.

Overall this is a good little game for DS and if you want football on the go, it's probably your best option for now, but don't expect it to compare to any of the console editions, especially the next-gen!

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 11/21/07

Game Release: FIFA 08 (EU, 09/28/07)