FIFA Football 2004

When a football game goes to such lengths as recording 300 authentic crowd chants from across the world, you know you're in for something special. FIFA Football 2004 marks the latest version of the world's number one footie sim, and probably the biggest overhaul in the series so far.

Version 2004 introduces a full roster of new features plus a few tweaks to old favourites, resulting in an experience that's deep enough for footie fanatics and accessible enough for the ordinary armchair punter. As well as the finely tuned controls you've come to expect from the FIFA series, version 2004 has been created with a new animation engine that renders the players more lifelike than ever before.

Another new feature is the 'Off the Ball' system. This lets you control the player with the ball, and the ones without it, at the same time. It allows you to easily set up player positions (by jostling with the opposing team's players if necessary) and set up your runs at goal. Plus, statistics fans will love the depth of info on offer, from individual player personalities and playing styles to intelligent team play. And with 350 licensed teams and 10,000 players in the game, chances are that your favourite club or football star is available to play.

And if you think you can run the team better than in real life, then you'll love the Career Mode. You build your own dream team and take them up through the ranks. Manage budgets, buy and sell players, and be ruthless if some don't pull their weight. All it's missing is the flat cap and the endless supply of chewing gum.

Also, if you also own FIFA Football 2004 for Game Boy Advance, you can connect the two systems (using the Nintendo GameCube Game Boy Advance cable) and trade player points from GBA to GCN. Plus, connecting the two systems means you can unlock teams on your GameCube that are normally available only on Game Boy Advance, and vice versa.

Suffice to say that the unmistakable FIFA polish is present and correct too, thanks to TV-style presentation, soundtracks with the latest hits from across Europe, and commentary from Europe's top mic-wielders. And let's not forget those 300 real-life crowd chants. You never know, you may hear yourself in the game...