EA UEFA Euro 2008 – the battle is on!

We regret to inform that EA’s virtual football (soccer) stars still lack the positioning and ball anticipation found in Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer (PES). The Good News: EA is getting closer with every new release.

UEFA Euro 2008 is essentially a more polished version of FIFA 08. No doubt – this game is a must have for the committed European football fan, however I also recommend the game for the curious American. Considering that ESPN will show all Euro Cup 2008 games played in Switzerland and Austria this summer, either live or tape delayed, tells me that football is getting more and more popular in a country dominated by Football (the one with all the interruptions and funny scoring).

Players will be able to captain their own team from B-league to National Team Captain status, as well as re-live and re-play scenarios from the qualifier matches. As we come to expect from EA football games, the disc contains all major UEFA stadiums and teams. Needless to say the main focus of this EA’08.5 game is the actual EURO CUP. Players can expect some of the best atmosphere, commentary and (virtual) fan behavior/sound found in any sports game to date.

My favorite feature however is “Battle of the Nation”. Upon first booting up the game, players are asked to register their home nation, and after any game in EA’s EURO 2008, be it on or offline, points are acquired that are then accredited to that country, with the eventual top nation being declared at the end of the real-world tournament.