It is often referred to as the beautiful sport, and when it comes to the grace, the sheer athleticism and the strategic elements, few sports can match soccer. Ok, that may be some prejudice creeping in, but you consider the way that teams battle, probe and then use speed, precision passing and deadly velocity on shot, the world’s most popular sport has a lot going for it.

So, too, does FIFA Soccer 2005, the PlayStation 2 release from EA Sports. This title has a little ways to go to catch Winning Eleven 7 International in the fluidity and athletic representation, but when it comes to actualizing the game, FIFA 05 does an excellent job.

This is a game loaded with options. There are four modes of play – Career, Tournament, Create Tournament and Practice. Of course this has online play as well, and create-a-player as well. The game also has 18 leagues, 38 national teams and 11,000 players represented. From the Bundeslige to the MLS, this had so many teams you can choose from that there should be no lack of challenge.

You can set your formation and the game also allows players to set up ball spin on free kicks. The game also has a few new elements like the first touch control. Before a pass arrives at the target, you hit the right thumbstick to take control and move the ball. You don’t have to wait for the ball to play you, you play the ball – which is always advisable.

The game has a few breakdowns when it comes to AI. While players generally will play intuitively, sliding the ball and coming up with it on their feet, for the most part, you really have to snap the X button to switch players in order to take better control of the game defensively. Sprinting does not happen often and amount to short bursts of speed rather than a gas-eating fly down the field. Defensive players do not close particularly well on the player with the ball. But once you do get within range, you can steal the ball with any number of skills, including just plain out-muscling the other player.

The game has a few breakdowns, especially in the rules department. In one instance, the keeper took a step outside the 18 before dropping the ball down for a punt. That is a handball, and should have resulted in a free kick. A slide tackle clearly from behind had the announcers (John Motson and Ally McCoist) up in arms at the no-call, but that was short-lived when a player was carded moments later for a clean tackle and a free kick (which resulted in a goal) was awarded.

The keepers are not consistent and will make a stellar save one moment, then stand flat-footed the next and watch the ball sail into a corner.

You can adjust the camera prior or during a match, to zoom down onto the field, or to zoom way out and enjoy a wider shot of the field.

FIFA Soccer 2005 is a good game, there is no doubt about it. It just comes up a little short when comparing it to the latest Winning Eleven 7 title. Still EA Sports has captured the artistry of the sport, combined with the athleticism for a winning experience.

This game is rated for Everyone.

Gameplay: 9

Some of the players are not that intuitive, and you may have your goalie standing flat-footed on a floater to the far corner one moment, then making a terrific dive the next. The game flow is interrupted to show replays or for carding, but generally the game moves quickly from opening whistle to the end of the match. The clock moves very quickly as well.

Graphics: 9.3

The camera is placed too far away from the action in default mode, and while it reveals a great view of the field, it fails to show just how wonderful the animation can be. Getting into a game, and then adjusting the camera reveals the wonderful movement and animation of this game.

Sound: 8.3

While the musical score has a nice international flavor, the game does not exactly have the pulse-pumping jamfest of tunes that will lift you up and have you rocking and ready to touch it off. The effects are consistent – like the sound of the ball hitting the netting – no matter where the ball strikes. The on-field sounds are good though, and while the commentary may not always reflect what is happening on the field (like saying the offensive player with the ball is breaking free for a shot when in fact he is surrounded by defensive players, moving the ball backwards and near midfield), still the commentary is very pleasant on the ears.

Difficulty: Medium/Hard

Each team is rated, but even if you take on a lower-ranked team, that does not mean you will win. You must strategically work the ball, striving for open field passes and run-ons, and taking intelligent shots.

Concept: 8.8

This game has a great number of teams as well as enabling you to create your own player. The AI is a little suspect at times and some of the rules are fudged as well.

Multiplayer: 9.0

Solid online support with cheat prevention. The game also will support two players to go head-to-head on the same machine.

Overall: 9.0

The action is solid, and graphically the game looks great. The player movement is very good, and ball physics are excellent. The game stumbles a little in terms of AI but delivers a sound soccer experience.