'Master the first touch, create the space and turn defences inside out' (FIFA Football 2005 (PS2))

Member Name: simonh7

Product:	FIFA Football 2005 (PS2)
Date:	16/09/09 (7 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great gameplay, loads of teams to play as

Disadvantages: Few and far between

Whilst the Fifa - Pro Evolution Soccer debate rages on, with some fans preferring the former and seemingly a greater recent shift of fans towards the latter, an oldie, but goodie, Fifa 2005 still reigns superior in the memory. Whilst of course, bigger and better (supposedly) versions have been released since, this game still has it all.

Firstly, the graphics were a drastic improvement on any previous Fifa instalments, but it is the sheer gameplay genius that makes this game a great. With a superb first touch feature, using the right analog stick to trap or flick incoming passes, allowing yourself to gain extra space, is a move that even eludes the most recent Pro Evo games. Not to mention the 'make a run' feature either, which yet again cannot be found in the latest Pro Evo releases; allowing a team-mate to make a run, whereby you can then feed the ball into his path.

The career mode is astonishing too; starting at the bottom and working your way up through up to a maximum of 15 seasons, is pure entertainment, especially when you begin to get the chance to take over the bigger teams and start spending the transfer budget. The points allocation system is also sensible, transferring wins into points where which you can allocate to improving the training, youth system, medical staff or transfer budget.

The gameplay itself is endless enjoyment and although after a while you may find yourself scoring the same goal time and time again, it never gets old. The free kick setup is also first class, allowing both accuracy and power, as well as spin on the ball.

Anoher superb feature is the authenticity of the players and teams, all officially registered, so there is none of this 'Man Red' for Manchester United ala the old Pro Evo's or even 'Num Azul/Rojo' for Numancia another such names in the newest of Pro Evo's.

Whilst I love a bit of Pro Evo, and the latest Fifa offerings are all class, Fifa 2005, whilst old in terms of the database eg. cover star Shevchenko still plays for AC Milan rather than his current employers Chelsea etc, the game is an absolute classic and given its age it will be going on the cheap; so I urge you to purchase and enjoy hours of endless footballing fun!

Summary: Superb football simulation for PS2