Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5168 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Electronic Arts
• Released on: 2004-10-08
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Platform: PlayStation2

Amazon.co.uk Review
From the off, it's fair to concede that the world's best-selling action football game, FIFA 2005, hasn't changed an awful lot in the past twelve months. Those who bought the last version will be entirely familiar with the game's look and feel, and could rightly argue that once more this new version is an evolution at best. But it's still quite a good one. The FIFA series has, in recent times, got into the habit of adding one big new feature each year, with middling successes. Last year's, if you remember, was the impressive-but-tricky off the ball control. This year we get a simpler addition, but a far more effective one. It's the first touch option, and it genuinely can open the game up, whether you choose to use it for a quick pass or tighter control. And it works because it's straightforward--there's no endless messing around with buttons to get it moving.

The rest of the game attracts the usual annual pros and cons. Its presentation is second-to-none, and for a more attacking-focused game, you need look no further. What's more, the single player mode is substantial, and very long lasting. The downside is the Pro Evolution Soccer franchise which is, and remains, the choice of the hardcore gamer. Yet that doesn't mean there's not fun to be had with FIFA 2005. Quite the contrary, in fact. Every year, FIFA can be relied on to provide an entertaining, engrossing and long-lasting football game. Thus, whilst it might be in second place, and this latest release doesn't change that, it remains a strong and worthwhile runner-up.--Simon Brew

Manufacturer's Description
All great players have a great first touch and, thanks to EA Sports’ all-new fluid player kinetic system, the same is now true for FIFA Football 2005 users. This year, a player’s first touch becomes the ultimate gift to those who can think quickly and act fast to outsmart the opposition. A brand new animation system ensures that every button press is directly mirrored on the pitch, accurately reflecting the speed and vision of the world’s greatest players. Featuring more official team and league licenses than any other football game (including lower leagues from the most competitive European countries), an enhanced and extended Career Mode, EA Sports Online play for and an all-new Creation Zone that lets you customise new tournaments or even put yourself into the game, FIFA Football 2005 is the only complete, authentic and intelligent football experience.

Customer Reviews

It's getting better
Having bought FIFA 2005 on the day of release, I have played it 5 hours a day until Pro Evo 4 was released (I work nights so it's easy). It is deffinetly a step up from last years version. The career mode is very addictive and all the usual EA glossy presentation and official licensing is very nice. But the game play, though slightly improved is still not a match for Pro Evo 1 let alone 2 and 3. It just does not quite feel like you are in a real football match in the same way that Pro Evo does. It feels more like an arcade game than it's rival and goals are to easy to come by for both teams. The extremely satisfying feeling of hanging on to a 0-0 draw to go through on away goals is just not there. That said, it is a very good football game and it is bridging the gap to it's Konami rival little by little each year. The good news for FIFA fans is that I have now played about 15 matches on the new Pro Evo and my first thoughts are that it seems to have taken a slight backwards step for the first time ever. For the record I would not give Pro Evo full marks for the first time ever and I would only give it 4 stars.

brilliant, buy it
I got a ps2 earlier this year and one of the first games i bought was FIFA football 2005. I used to have Fifa 2004 for PS1 and it was ok for the first 5 minutes but after a while you get fed up with winning every game 8-0 but on 2005 winning is a challenge. However I advise you start using the Amateur difficulty level before moving on to Semi-pro, the new first touch control is brilliant, its simple and easy but very effective. I suggest you put some time in on the practice pitch first to get used to the game. So buy it.

Leaps and Bounds
I have played both the new editions of fifa and pro evo and can't really decide between the two. I know pro evo cult fanatics will get upset when i say this but fifa has sorted itself out. Pro evo has to win on ball physics and variants. but what fifa lacks in this department it makes up in others. I can finally see where they are going with all of their new features. Off the ball control and first touch have become useful functions and the fluidity of the game has vastly improved. Fifa 2004 had a number of problems with crossing the ball for headers and other aspects of the gameplay. These have all been ironed out. But the best thing about fifa is that it is compeletely submersive. It has totally updated commentary, chants, players and stadiums. If your are a soccer fan and actually want to go to your stadium and play with your players then this is your game (like playing with rooney at old trafford). I found it particularly fun playing with friends in a custom made knockout tournament. The game commentary is very in depth and follows home and away goals in knock out tournaments and really builds up the tension. This game is well worth a look and all pro evo snobs who think they know it all can no longer just turn their noses up and ignore it.