Champions League 2004-2005is a continuation of the FIFA franchise and, like the other titles in the series, it's well presented, with smooth animation, lifelike player models, and fantastic-looking stadiums. In a nice touch, the official tournament anthem features heavily, and its uplifting vocals immediately tingle the spine and ready you for the world's premier club competition.

But despite these lavish flourishes and a few neat match additions 'borrowed' from Pro Evolution Soccer (such as the referee playing advantage when you retain possession after a foul and the amount of injury time appearing on screen ensuring a tense climax) UEFA Champions League still doesn't feel quite right.

The artificial intelligence of your opponents isn't tight enough, with players doing idiotic moves at key moments. In addition, matches appear to be rather repetitive, unlike Pro Evolution Soccer, where contests remain unpredictable.

But one thing we commend EA for is its innovation, as it never fails to bring something new to the table. One of the most intriguing new options is the improved season mode, which introduces a Roman Abramovich-style moneybags owner to meddle in team affairs.

While this is an interesting concept, it seems out of place here. Basic management elements are more than welcome - in fact, it's an area in which FIFA is far better than Pro Evolution Soccer - but in Champions League, it's a rather confusing mess.

Adding external affairs to affect the action has become a fashionable concept in recent games, with several racing titles utilising similar features. But almost without fail it doesn't work, and often appears to be a simple sales gimmick to hide the sub-standard gameplay.

However, one of the other new additions is fantastic: the radio talkshow where frustrated punters air their views in no uncertain terms. It's not going to help you become a better player, but it is hugely entertaining.

UEFA Champions League is enjoyable but, ultimately, we football fans will always take the chance to control our sporting heroes and emulate their audacious skills over daft quirks that do little to improve the beautiful game.

It looks good and it feels authentic, but in the end it lacks the dynamic, intuitive gameplay of its rival, which still offers the most flowing recreation of our beloved pastime. And, unfortunately, we suspect this will always be the curse that prevents EA's franchise from becoming the real fans' choice.

Contact:
EA
www.uefachampionsleaguegame.ea.com/uk

PEGI age rating:
3+