FIFA 07 is the latest in the line of any FIFA titles - 16 in total according to Wikipedia! Since its debut release in late 1993 on the megadrive, it has been one of the most profitable and well known video game franchises.
It has evolved into more than just a game of footy. But last years title (FIFA 06 if you were wondering!) was in most peoples opinion, the best to date. It was going to be a hard act to follow, so have EA managed it?

It certainly looks just as good - although according to EA, there have been thousands of tweaks and changes to the players moves. The players - who incidentally, are a remarkable likeliness to the real ones - can handle the ball in a more much realistic way than before, even making mistakes by having the odd stumble or trip. The ball dynamics have also had a make over. The ball can be affected by its spin, and consequently, behaves more 'naturally' when kicked or bounces.

When it comes to special moves on the ball, the number of trick moves is daunting - and pulling them off isn't easy either. If I'm honest, I found it pretty much impossible to perform some of the moves as they are far less forgiving now (Or maybe my fingers are getting slower!).

Passing the ball has a much bigger emphasis as, according to the spin from EA, "sprinting players will not be able to turn as quickly as before" although i'm not sure if I really noticed any difference. Taking possession of the ball can be tricky with the standard 'tackle' manouvre but with the use of the 'B' button, you can call in a second man to put pressure on the opponent. Whilst it tends to be far more successful, it can entail some "fair shoving" between the players. This can result is a notable delay on your player - almost as if he is shell-shocked from the move - and, frustratingly, will often see the opposing player reposes the ball. (grr) or worst - a given free kick for a fowl tackle.

If I haven't already, nows the time that I show how really bad I am at this game. After having possession for most of the game, I found it really hard to score a goal. Yep, I admit it....getting in the box without a swarm of defenders surrounding me was next to impossible for me. And the shots I did manage - even using the "finesse" shots for increased accuracy - ended up sailing inches from the posts or firmly into the keepers hands. But maybe this is what we want. If I could score a dozen goals in a match, it wouldn't be realistic. It makes the goals so much more rewarding!

The main game in FIFA07 is the management mode where you take your team into the battle and you can either play each match or choose to simulate it. It has the usual football-management stuff such as finding sponsors and keeping the fans - and the directors - happy. But if you want a pure football management game, there are far better, dedicated games out there. In FIFA07, it is purely superfluous to the actual playing.

For those of you who are not regular players of previous FIFA titles, don't expect any surprises here. Its rare that you get a major step forward with a new FIFA title (although the same could be said about many of the top series'....Tiger Woods, Madden, Need for Speed etc etc) and seeing as we've already had world cup related games this year, you know its not going to be a revelation....and not much evolution for that matter. When you're on the pitch, FIFA07 is pretty much the same game so if you just want a kick around and you don't care about the colour of your shirt, there's not much to justify the purchase from an older game.

But if you take your football seriously - and lets face it, true football fans are EA's target audience - then you hardly need me to tell you why you should or shouldn't buy it! Some of the subtle improvements will only be noticeable to the regular player but whether you prefer the changes or not is subject to your own opinion. If you didn't get FIFA06, or you've simply finished it and gagging for more, then FIFA 07 will not dissappoint.

The final comment to say is that Konami's regular outing of Pro Evolution Soccer is also available and a quick glimpse of that really does give you a dilemma. I've not had enough hours of both to judge, so if you know what makes one better than the other, let me know!!