FIFA 07

Will EA's FIFA 07 have the legs to challenge Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer 6 this time around? The answer to that question looks like being a firm yes.

Of course, this version of the FIFA series is the most extensive to date with 27 leagues from 20 nations, which include the FA Premier League, Bundesliga, French League, MLS (America), J- League (Japan) and K-League (Korea). The biggest attraction of FIFA has always been the official licenses and FIFA 07 is certainly the most authentic football game on the market, with over 510 teams accurately represented with correct kits and badges, not to mention a host of real stadiums from around the world.

There is also a new intelligent AI that ensures your team on the pitch makes realistic decisions, like finding space and passing like professionals. The game engine has been completely overhauled, meaning that you now have to make decisions, employ real-world tactics and think like an actual footballer in order to win matches. The gameplay has been vastly improved. For example, players jostle and collide realistically while trying to win balls. The game's new ball physics accurately recreate bouncing, skidding and topspin. It is also possible to apply topspin or backspin to the ball for more creative set plays and shots. There is a much more sophisticated shooting mechanic present in FIFA 07 than in its predecessor. This gives you greater control for pinpoint accuracy. Goalkeeper intelligence is authentic, with a far greater variety of saves and deflections present than ever before. EA have even authentically captured the playing styles and signature moves of world superstars, including Ronaldinho, David Beckham and Thierry Henry.

FIFA 07 offers gamers an updated and improved Manager Mode. New to this version of FIFA is the ability to create your own club. Player values and wages have also been updated to be more realistic than ever before. It is vital to remember that each decision you make as a manager will have a profound effect on both player performance and welfare. Enhanced CPU decisions now mean that rival managers are even more strategic in their own pursuit of trophies.