FIFA Football 2003 (GameCube)

FIFA Football 2003 may well be approached with scepticism: will the gameplay changes and revamp really be something new and dynamic, or just another yearly upgrade? Well, this edition is a surprise--not only are the animation and presentation top notch as usual, but it is really playable and the ball and player physics seem 100 times better than before.

EA have done their homework. The 10th year of FIFA doesn't just see the player names updated and few tweaks here and there--it's more of a mini revolution. There are two new modes of play, simulation and arcade play--one for the more tactical player who likes the fancy approach to play and the other for those more frenetic matches.

As usual, vast numbers of teams and players are included (still no Oxford Utd, though--Oxford Ed); all the big name players are instantly recognisable, Edgar Davids being one fantastic example. The tons of extra features include a new European tournament and loads of DVD clips. --Laurent S Hall

"It's great to see FIFA back on Nintendo, and this version sits proudly on top of the league. 8.5/10."

FIFA Football 2003 introduces a reworked AI engine that focuses on three new enhancements: team play, team tactics and real-player attributes. Use the advantage of playing as a team to break down the opposition with precision passing and quality finishing, face the onslaught of an opposing team 1-0 down in the 80th minute as they throw all their players upfront, and experience the challenge provided by the individual strengths and skills of European football's top stars.

A fundamental change in the control of the ball results in more natural gameplay, with deflections, missed headers and scrambled goals reflecting the real nature of football. Dead ball situations are a pivotal part of the real game; FIFA Football 2003 incorporates a new interface that requires the level of skill and strategy that has allowed stars such as Roberto Carlos to shine in the real world. A new set-piece dynamic provides complete control over the power and swerve of free kicks.

All the great players look and behave as they do in real life, competing in all the top leagues and all the greatest national teams from around the world; FIFA offers you total licensed football with 16 leagues, 450 teams and 10,000 players.

In Club Championship Mode you'll be in competition with 18 of the greatest European teams. Feel the intense big-match atmosphere with all the star players, real stadia, real stats and your favourite club-specific crowd chants. Also, FIFA Football 2003's TV-style presentation features some of Europe's greatest commentary teams calling the action. All new half-time and end-of-match highlights let you relive every key moment.