UEFA Euro 2004 Portugal (PC)

It's the perfect start, the menus and presentation oozes class. Configuration and options are simple to comprehend. The number of different game types and options are simply inspiring and draw the player(s) into the atmosphere of the big tournament. I'm immersed in football joy as I navigate my way to the first qualifying game in the tournament.

The match is introduced and the graphics are quite impressive player likenesses are quite exceptional.
Sadly that’s the last of the good stuff…

The game-play stutters, unlike the previous pass-pass-shoot-goal! scenarios of the past, however EA have not quite nailed it yet. There can be brief moments of enjoyable passing that are sadly compromised by an over elaborate control system. The player morale system is too intense and ruins enjoyable game-play with player’s becoming too downcast too quickly and seeming to lack any fight.
The set pieces though have obviously been thought about – the direct free kicks were a refreshing difference from previous incarnations. Unfortunately any good work that was done here is ruined, particularly on indirect set pieces and corners by what is quite simply shocking camera angles. You thinking you’re heading at goal (or away if your defending) when you’re actually, when the camera catches up, doing exactly the opposite action.

The goalkeepers are either magnificent or appalling depending on their mood. Scoring becomes incredibly difficult if you’re losing - but we love those tap-ins. There seems to be little discernible gap when it comes to speed either, for example Owen and Nesta (we know one can skin the other) but not in this game.

The commentary though entertaining for the first few fixtures is eventually sorrowful, it sounds like a rush job with a few genuine “Allie McCoist Moments” thrown in for good measure. I particularly liked the one about Scotland’s performances in recent tournaments, though I’m not that sure my friends North of the Border would agree.

The in-play graphics (I’ve only played the PC version of this game) are nice but miss the fluidity that Pro Evolution Soccer 3 (PES3) delivers. The playability again is not in the same league – I’ve been playing PES3 for a very long time now and I’m still not bored – in fact loving every game.

Once again I feel let down and disappointed. For something that wears the Licence so well it doesn’t, when it gets to the crunch, compare to a game that I’ve been playing since November. One day the boys at Konami will realise that the licence sell the game – then more people can be converted to the beautiful game.

Verbose yet now stuck for words, possibly uninspired, worn down from all the 0-0s. I’ll leave my departing gambit now…

Once again the boys at Konami knock the proverbial teeth from competition and leave EA Sports chomping at the bit with just their gums and quite simply there's no bite with the bark.

Anecdotal? Naturally but that's football.

If you want to actually experience footie get down the park. If you're lazy or fat, navigate yourself to the PS2 page here and buy Pro Evolution 3 it's much better (if you’ve not got a PS2 get one of those as well – I can’t be responsible for people trying to play PS2 games on their PC.)

I’m just off to beat Brazil now (on PES3)… it’s Samba time in the Town.

I've been playing it for weeks already and I am not bored of it. Besides Euro 2004, there are custom leagues, cups and knockouts that you can create, adding to the games longevity. The good thing about Euro 2004 is that you can randomise the groups in the qualifying stages, so that you do not have to play the default Euro 2004 groups every time. Again, this increases the enjoyment of the game.

Personally, I prefer Euro 2004 to Fifa 2004, although Fifa 2004 is also a good game and has alot more teams and options. I find the gameplay easier and more enjoyable, mainly because it is easier to do a through-ball on Euro 2004, whereas on Fifa 2004 you have a power bar which indicates how hard you pass the through-ball.
You have to be very accurate, otherwise it either falls short or runs past the player at 100mph.

I would definately recommend this game to those who like football games (I like playing with national teams more than club sides, maybe that's why I also like it better than Fifa 2004)

This is an excellent way to prepare for the stress and strains of E04. Excellent range of options await you when you start the game - good fluid movement from menu to menu.

As for the gameplay - providing your PC can handle it, then it is fantastic. And the players are true to form - why not miss a penalty with Southgate, get James to throw the ball to Zidane who then scores, hack down the French with Rooney (until he gets sent off, suffer another injury with Owen or pass to Phil Neville so he can miss kick it. Alternatively, you could just get Beckham to take a free kick........

Actually a dem fine game. Just take my advice, play as France - you might actually win.