FIFA 2005 (Game Boy Advance) - Review by Andrew

Introduction

Another year, another FIFA and as with most Electronic Arts sports titles our expectations grow with each installment. To be fair EA usually deliver and they actually listen to gamers. There is, of course, something of a worldwide divide on football (or soccer). Although it's generally the most important sport in most European countries, the same can't be said in the USA where it's American football (or NHL) not soccer that brings the country to a halt every weekend. There's no questioning just how popular the EA Sports series is, although the GBA versions have always been pushed into the shadows by its more powerful console brothers. Product descriptions and press releases usually refer to the PS2, X-Box and GameCube versions with the GBA falling into the 'we'll get as much of this in as we can' department. This year however EA promised to address some of the previous years' shortfalls so without further delay let's stop pretending to be an 'all knowing' pundit and get on with the game.

Gameplay

One thing every sports fan wants is a quick fix but whatever sport you're into it's not always possible to play a full game, round or bout in its entirety. Fortunately (as with the other FIFA titles) EA have retained the 'Friendly' Mode, which from your point of view is a quick match. Simply select two teams and you're off. This is also an ideal way to practice your skills before entering one of the bigger tournaments. It's pretty important here too because, even if you have sampled the other FIFAs, 2005 has a range a subtle new moves giving you greater control so rather than simply lobbing the ball up the pitch in order to reach the opponents goal the whole experience now feels more immersive thanks mainly to the players improved intelligence. As the manual states the Career and Competition are self-explanatory and you can play up to 5 consecutive seasons now with the threat of relegation always hanging over you. These are clearly deeper and more varied gaming experiences allowing you to change almost every aspect of your team even mid game.

I have to say that one of my favorite modes in 2005 is the Challenge section and rather than choosing your followed team (something you'll almost always do in the other modes) here you must try to finish off other games, preferably with a win. From a fans viewpoint this is something of a history lesson and pulling back a match in the final 30 minutes or so is incredibly exciting. You're informed of the final score in the real match so anything less than this will clearly not be tolerated by the coach and fans for that matter. The Challenges themselves are split into Comeback and Rout with a Custom mode remaining locked until you start winning some games. In addition there is a Multi-player mode which again is self explanatory and as usual is the most enjoyable because as good as football games get (and they are getting exceptionally good) there's nothing quite like screaming at your friend and dancing around the room as you manage to get a ball past his feeble defense and in the back of the net. Need we say more?

Controls

Much the same as in previous years but if you do happen to be new to the series I can assure you that the whole thing is very intuitive. EA even indicate this in the tiny 11-page manual stating that most of the game modes are 'self explanatory' and therefore not covered and to be honest they're completely right. I'm not sure how you'd find this with no prior knowledge of 'the beautiful game' although if that were the case you probably wouldn't be playing it anyway. Most importantly though it's both simple and responsive where it matters - on the pitch - allowing you to manipulate your team with a real feeing of strategy and purpose meaning that if you do find yourself on a losing streak there's a good chance it's your fault. I'm sorry but it's true.

Graphics

Everything in this latest edition seems to be brighter and bolder and, what's more, well suited to the GBA's screen. There's also a slightly different approach in the way the games are presented with the whole thing more akin to a TV broadcast as opposed to watching a 'live' match. This includes flashing team logos at the game start and half time and also instant replays, which are viewed from around the half way line, and pointing directly at the goal. The games themselves are played out in the now familiar 'three quarter' perspective keeping with the TV theme. This is obviously the best way to view an entire match and it's from here that you start to notice the other cosmetic enhancements that have made it into this latest edition. The footballers in particular are more realistic, better animated and generally better looking. Everything else (menu systems, front end, etc) has pretty much been left as it was but hey; if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Sound

Initially it's the audio, which really separates this latest FIFA from previous release. No sooner have you switched your GBA than you're treated to one of the many tunes picked from the EA archives. This is sampled at an incredibly high rate making it very crisp and clear. The downside, of course, is that audio like this is incredibly memory-intensive so expect short looped clips as opposed to the whole track. The crowds are also a lot better chanting and cheering throughout the game with the volume and excitement raised significantly when a goal's scored. As expected there's little outside of this other than the ball being kicked and the ref tooting on his whistle at every opportunity. Clearly commentary would have been the crowning feature but given the wealth of audio on the cart already it's likely it just wasn't possible.

Final comments

This GBA series really does improve every year and even if you own the 2004 edition there's enough new here to warrant an upgrade. Most notable is the improved sound and graphics supplying the type of atmosphere that makes live football so in the first place. It's also incredibly accessible and you can be playing one of the many friendly games in a matter of button presses so you can have a casual game if you're pressed for time. In fact, overall, the gameplay is possibly FIFA 2005's greatest strength whether you choose the full-on arcade experience or see yourself in more of a managerial role. This alone should push it right up on your 'must have' list and in a year of mediocre releases EA have gone back to basics reminding us all of just why handheld gaming is such fun. As I mentioned earlier this is definitely a great excuse for an upgrade but for all you other football/soccer fans who've yet to sample the joys of the FIFA series this should be an essential part of your GBA collection. Get it now!

Pro: Wonderful Atmosphere
Con: Repetitive Music
Final score: 9.1

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