In recent years, EA's FIFA series has become a regular feature on the gaming calendar, with more releases over the past couple of years than ever before, leading to criticism of the integrity of each title. Many say the series has become a cash cow for the huge developer, with each new version lacking in original features. This year's offering, FIFA 08, promises to be the best representation of soccer yet, with improved realism and ball physics.

If you played last year's edition, then the first thing you'll notice when you pop the disc in is the similarity of the menu layout. Everything is where it was last time around, with the exception of the new game modes, which are highlighted, presumably for those who haven't played a recent FIFA title. The training arena is back too, and you may need to practice in it this time, as this is truly simulation soccer. The usual features are all here, and you'll be pleased to hear that after the poor amount of teams on offer in last year's game there are now 30 leagues to choose from, including the MLS and a full complement of international squads. Some other new features include custom tournaments, where you can create your own cup for some competition among friends, among others. There's also a new mode called Be A Pro, but we'll come back to that shortly.

This version of FIFA is much harder to get into than previous entries in the series.

Of course it's nice to have lots of game modes and features, but let's get down to where soccer games are really judged: on the pitch. Here you'll realize the gameplay has been given quite an overhaul, with things moving at a much slower and more calculated pace. With the focus on realism, you'll need to think about your passing carefully, as the AI is much more aware than ever before. You won't be scoring direct from the kick-off anymore either, as shooting has become challenging for even the most seasoned player. The game does allow you to change the aim assist in the controller settings, with semi-assisted being the default, which gives you the choice of making life easier, or creating a serious challenge with full manual aim. The way players strike the ball can differ infinitely, with the resulting trajectory depending on the timing of the hit and the movement of the ball, which all adds to the challenge.

Making runs is no picnic now either, as defenders are far more aware of any attempt to break through their ranks. Strength really comes into play with the left analog stick being used to lean into your opposition and take control of the ball. This season also sees the return of the trick stick. Holding the left trigger allows you to use the right stick to perform step-overs and various other tricks. However, using these in a competitive match will usually lead to you losing possession, as there seems to be little room in a game so simulated for freestyle tricks. Overall, FIFA's new playing style is definitely better and more realistic, but this also means it takes longer to master. Picking up a couple of pads for a casual game with a friend will often result in a frustrating 0-0 draw or a match with just one goal in it. This does detract from the "pick up and play" feel of most soccer titles, which could be a problem for some fans of the series.

Be A Pro mode is EA's latest idea to put you in the boots of your favorite player. Let's say you choose to be David Beckham playing for LA Galaxy; you'll have to perform the role of the winger, learning to make space and runs, and then looking to get crosses into the box. At the end of the match, you'll be given a score out of 100, based on performance, assists, tackles and positioning. It's much harder than it sounds and is an original way to play. However, the retail copy of the game ships with just the option to play an offline training match in this mode. The full Be A Pro mode is planned as a content download through Xbox Live Marketplace. The idea of the fully working mode is for a full team to consist of 10 online players, each playing the part of their chosen player with the CPU controlling the keepers. This could work really well, but will most likely end up with 20 players just trying to hog the ball and run to goal-scoring glory. Ultimately, only time will tell, but in principle, this is an interesting idea.

In terms of other online modes, the game also includes the new Online Interactive Leagues. Here you can take control of your team and follow the actual season's fixtures against fans of your opponent each week. This is sure to go down well with true soccer fans. Lobbies are on offer again, so you can find a suitable opponent or just discuss the game, and EA's news service returns too. Now you can individually select what sports results and news you wish to receive, which is good, as there are many different feeds available. The only slight irritation is the usual connection issues in player matches that seem to be a recurring problem in a few EA Sports titles. Sometimes, the connection to your opponent is frequently lost, whilst at other times it works just fine match after match.

While the graphics are very similar to last year's FIFA, they still look good.

Despite the game looking much like last year's attempt, there are few real differences in the presentation. The menus are the same and the instant replays still need work, as they look a little jaggy at times. Also, the match highlights that play post game are just broken. They will often repeat the same shot or tackle from every possible angle over and over, sometimes not even focusing fully on the action in question. With the general graphical standard being quite good, it's disappointing not to have these small annoyances touched up. Another sore point is the player bio snaps. Instead of photos, or even the player's in-game image, you are given a cartoon like picture that only vaguely resembles the player. For a game that's embraced realism whole-heartedly, this seems most strange.

Online or off, the realism and atmosphere of live soccer is well recreated in FIFA 08, with some nice new comments thrown in from the commentators, adding to the already highly realistic crowd effects. Team specific chants can be heard, and the crowds really get behind their side when you're playing well. All the sound effects mix well with the look and feel of soccer's official game, creating a convincing simulation. The boredom of looking at last year's familiar menus is made more bearable by the good selection of songs chosen for EA Trax. There's a good variety of music with some great tracks in there too.

With so many leagues and teams available and some nice new features, FIFA 08 is the soccer fan's soccer game. Realism is everything now, and it shows in the gameplay, with practice being essential to master this year's beautiful game. If you're looking for a fun and quick soccer game, you should probably look elsewhere, but if you want a challenge and the authenticity of the real thing, you'll find it in abundance here. Gameplay-wise, this is arguably the best FIFA in years. However, it just doesn't bring enough new features to the table. Although the realism is great, there just doesn't seem to be as much fun here as in previous titles in the series.