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Best soccer game I've ever played..."

Fifa 2005 is EA's latest soccer game, and with the addition of online play, the titles in their series are getting closer and closer to perfection. While there may not be a very healthful selection of international teams (Canada is missing, for example), the countless clubs and league teams found in this game make for a great time to be had in Career Mode. Play through a 15-year career as a head coach and try to go from a humble beginning to legendary status. The gameplay is very refined and quick-paced, and the diverse soundtrack of this game is just another fine addition that makes Fifa 2005 a memorable soccer title.

Gameplay-8.5/10
As said before, the gameplay very fine tuned and quicker this time around. The new first touch system will keep you on your toes and the boosted AI no longer allows for one-sided, 10-routs, even on the easiest difficulty. The AI will react to your formation; they'll even keep you in an offside trap. Corner kicks are harder this time around and, most of the time, the ball will end up in the goalkeeper's hands if you didn't have a challenge trying to get a header off in the first place. The free kick system implemented in this game is very in-depth and you'll be amazed at some of the goals you'll score. For better or worse though, the gameplay of Fifa 2005 is simplified. The lack of an elaborate lobbing system results in the ball staying on the ground most of the time. You can't curve the ball; the game does it for you. Shooting this time around is, again, simplified. You don't have much control over how you shoot the ball, only where it will end up. Nonetheless, however, shooting in this game remains easy and fun and the awesome crowd reaction for when the home team scores will keep you coming back for more and more. The automatic instant replay is done well. In some cases, such as in corner kicks, if you scored an amazing header the announcers will draw lines on the replay clip just as they would do in a replay in an NFL game. The only missing feature I can think of is not being able to focus on players during a replay, when you do it yourself from the pause menu. You can only focus on where the ball was during the clip. Tournaments in this game are ok; they're not the best. The only flaw keeping them back is that you have to play every single game in the tourney--there's no option to sim. Create-a-player mode is enjoyable and you can customize a lot of things. This has its drawbacks too, though--you can't create a team. There is a practice mode, and this option is fairly easy to use. You can practice with any team and sharpen your free kick taking skills if need be. The best game mode, though, that Fifa 2005 has to offer is Career Mode. You start out with a less than average team and work your way up the ranks over a course of 15 years, tending to your reputation as a manager. In the end you can be a legend and boast of your high status. Overall, the gameplay of Fifa 2005 smooth and very user-friendly. You won't get tired of it soon.

Graphics-9/10
This is an area of the game where a lot of attention was spent. The players' faces are very accurate: you'll like seeing them disappointed after a missed shot, or celebrating after scoring a tremendous goal. Either way, they look good. The crowd is too simplified for my tastes, though. EA could've varied them up a bit and made them more alive, but I guess the beautiful player character models make up for this loss. The stadiums look great and the pitches looking amazing too. Overall the graphics are great. 'Nuff said.

Sound-10/10
This is where I believe the game excels. The sound is just perfect in this game. While you're playing, the crowd will be alive and chanting, and you'll feel like you're actually there at the game. When you score a goal for the home team, the crowd will go crazy and, as you watch the players celebrate and the crowd wave their flags, you'll live right as if you were there and it will just be a very memorable experience. While the crowd sings, the two announcers give their very believable and casual comments. At times, the announcers will even speak on a subject for nearly a minute without being interrupted by another audio cue. This, again, helps the game tremendously and makes it feel real. The soundtrack is very diverse and sports tracks from all around the world. You'll definitely like the tracks; they're smooth and easy to get into. Overall, the sound is perfect and really is the best feature that Fifa 2005 has to offer.

Online-8.5/10
Playing online is pretty fun. Pick Real Madrid for example and go against Barcelona with someone from across the world. This feature is great and competing online is a fun experience.There is rarely lag during the game and, for the most part, games go by real smoothly. There is some slowdown at the menus, however. But who cares? We can finally play soccer online!

Overall-9/10
EA is nearing perfection with their soccer titles. I really liked this year's game. The gameplay is easy to learn and makes for a lot of fun to be had when you face off against friends. The sound of this game is alone worth purchasing this game, and if you like soccer, this title is a must have. It's definitely worth the few bucks or so that's tagged onto this title. Do yourself a favor and get it.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/06/06