Reviews

In the war to be crowned king of the football games it's pretty much a straight battle between FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) every year, with the occasional half year entry for EA in the form of a Euro or World Cup tournament game. This Euro 2008 incarnation should provide a half step up from FIFA 08, without quite reaching the heights of FIFA 09, if history is any indicator of the future. Setting itself firmly in the trench of Euro 2008, this game makes no apologies for its lack of broader tournament or league options.

As usual, the gloss on an EA Sports title is immense, so much of the front-end is glitz and glamour, capturing the real feel of a football tournament, while all the stadia, teams, logos and kits are as you'd expect them. There's also a rather neat menu system to boot. Of course, I'm sure what all the football fans among you really want to know, though, is how it plays.

Choose from a host of celebrations

Euro 2008 is a definite improvement on the somewhat slow and defensively minded FIFA 08, perhaps reflecting the tempo found in such a high profile tournament, or perhaps just reacting to feedback from players of the earlier game. There's much more chance of a lung-bursting run right through the heart of the defence paying off and giving you a free shot on goal. I, for one, am pleased we've returned to a slightly more arcade feel of football game.

The other big change from FIFA 08 is the transformation of Be A Pro mode into Captain Your Country mode. Essentially the same control one player method of game-play, instead of an individual game you find yourself on a campaign to prove your worth to the gaffer, making your way from b-team frequenter to mainstay of the senior squad and the chance to lead your team out on matchday.

A German tournament win must be getting Klose