FIFA 06 - PlayStation 2

The lowdown:
With Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer series snapping at its heels with ever more voracity, suddenly it’s FIFA that’s got something to prove. The answer for this year’s edition is a new emphasis on attacking play, with a suite of new tackling, dribbling and shielding controls. Naturally, it’s got all the new stats for the 05/06 season, but with the new create-a-player option you can change the facts to fit you. Also new is a 15 year career manager mode to prove your footballing skills don’t end when you’re off the pitch.

Most exciting moment:
Winning the treble after 15 years of hard graft in the all new career mode.

Since you ask:
According to cover star Wayne Rooney, the FIFA series is popular with many other premiership players, especially when travelling together for away matches.

The bottom line:
The best FIFA game, if not the best football game, ever.
Harrison Dent Wayne didn't realise falling asleep in a nuclear reactor would have side effects EA were keen to show they were on the ball More Rooney, here having an existential crisis Wayne to go! I only have eyes for Roo! etc. etc.