From the off, it's fair to concede that the world's best-selling action football game, FIFA 2005, hasn't changed an awful lot in the past twelve months. Those who bought the last version will be entirely familiar with the game's look and feel, and could rightly argue that once more this new version is an evolution at best. But it's still quite a good one. The FIFA series has, in recent times, got into the habit of adding one big new feature each year, with middling successes. Last year's, if you remember, was the impressive-but-tricky off the ball control. This year we get a simpler addition, but a far more effective one. It's the first touch option, and it genuinely can open the game up, whether you choose to use it for a quick pass or tighter control. And it works because it's straightforward--there's no endless messing around with buttons to get it moving. The rest of the game attracts the usual annual pros and cons. Its presentation is second-to-none, and for a more attacking-focused game, you need look no further. What's more, the single player mode is substantial, and very long lasting. The downside is the Pro Evolution Soccer franchise which is, and remains, the choice of the hardcore gamer. Yet that doesn't mean there's not fun to be had with FIFA 2005. Quite the contrary, in fact. Every year, FIFA can be relied on to provide an entertaining, engrossing and long-lasting football game. Thus, whilst it might be in second place, and this latest release doesn't change that, it remains a strong and worthwhile runner-up.--Simon Brew
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