UEFA Euro 2008

UEFA Euro 2008 - (Multi-format)
Developer: in-house
Format: Multi-format
Genre: Football

It's like FIFA but better

England may be out of the European tournament in this cruel world we live in but don't let that put you off this cracking footy game! Strap up your boots and take on the challenge of leading one of over 50 European national teams to glory as UEFA Euro 2008 recreates all the drama and excitement of the official tournament.

If you were a fan of FIFA 08 then pull up a chair and listen closely. You're going to love this game; largely because it's quite a lot like FIFA 08 but with subtle yet important improvements.

Battle of the Nations is one of two major new twists to the FIFA tale. Players have to select a country they wish to permanently represent .You can choose whichever country you like, but once you've chosen your country you can't change, ever. It doesn't matter which team you select when playing (you often get more points for picking a lowly team to beat a giant) all the points go towards your national side and are adjusted daily online in a competitive league with other players. It's like a digital passport and we think it'll be a key feature in giving this title much needed longevity.

Another improved game mode is Captain Your Country which adds a level of depth to the soccer action as players will need to earn and retain the captaincy and respect of their team-mates to succeed. For the vain amongst us, players are also able to celebrate their success on-field through interactive celebrations (random button pressing results in a Shearer salute or airplane impression). It's a simple gimmick but an element of player control in the after-goal glow is a treasure to behold.

Having played both the PS3 and Xbox 360 builds we think the PS3 edges it over Microsoft's console. Our 360 copy liked to hang regularly on replays forcing us to activate the start menu to get the game to kick back in. It also failed to shine quite as much on the visual front with too many of the players sporting the kind of grey pallor normally associated to the Undead in House of the Dead games.