FIFA 2005 was probably the removal off all the trash from 2004 and all the good stuff from 2003, all packaged into one
User Rating: 10 | FIFA Soccer 2005 PS2
OK, all I have for this game is three words, WOW. Has EA outdone themselves yet again. FIFA 2004 was really disappointing, but 2005 was probably the removal off all the trash from the 2004, and all the good stuff from 2003, all packaged into one. FIFA 2005 is a rich soccer game, with tons of teams, a variety of different modes, and most importantly, loads of fun. Graphically, FIFA 2005 is very impressive. The player models are displayed to perfection, as are the animations and moves done by the players. Add in the lighting and look of the pitch, mixed in with the different types of arenas, and you have a very graphically solid soccer game. What I really liked was how the weather system was integrated within the gameplay. For example, if it was raining, the pitch would look wet and moist, as if it was sunny, where the pitch would look dry and crisp. Another graphical feature I really liked was the noticeable dirt and grass stains on the player. At the beginning, each player would be wearing fresh, clean jerseys, but as the game progresses, you start to see dirt and grass stains on the player’s clothing, really displaying the intensity of a soccer game. Audibly, FIFA 2005 contains a superb blend of sounds and music, that’ll keep your ears ringing for hours. The soundtrack is very catchy, as it has something in it for any kind of music fan. Add in the sound effects heard during the game, such as the yells and screams from fellow players and the chants of the crowd; this will suck anyone right into the soccer environment. What really blew me away was the play-by-play commentary, which felt like the announcers were calling your match as if they were witnessing it live. One thing people can rely on with EA as they have Grade A quality. Any team within a soccer league and chances are you’ll find it. Hell, your kids little league soccer team is probably in this somewhere. Add in the lengthy 20 year dynasty mode, which will leave you playing for hours, and right there you have value for your money. But no, that’s not all. The beloved create-a-player, which features hundreds of different customizable features is back, which allows you to hit the pitch with your favorite soccer players. FIFA 05 also features solid online play, with a variety of things to do, such as set up your own league, tournament, or go head to head with anybody. Also the ability to host your very own tournament or league offline will leave you and your buddies fighting over made up cups you created in your living room. These tournaments and leagues really create a fun multiplayer experience, giving you and your buddies something to do after soccer season. Although FIFA 2005 is superb the majority of the time, every game does come with their faults. The only problem I had with FIFA 05 was the AI would sometimes screw up and do weird things (ex: goalie hit ball in net, defense just standing around) which would sometimes screw me over when I’m playing with the boys. Other than that, FIFA 2005 is a very solid soccer game, and I only await what EA has in store next year for FIFA 2006. 
