Euro 2004 features seven modes for gamers to fill time in with aside from the main Euro 2004 championship. The friendly options allows gamers to play around with any team of there choice, in any stadium. Home and away allows a home match to take place as well as an away match. Also included is a fantasy option and a situation option. (where gamers are placed in varying situations and must win the game) Tournament, practice and penalty kick shootout make up the remaining modes. There are plenty of side diversions to keep gamers entertained. Euro 2004 is a hit with multiplayer but will be one of EA’s last multiplayer games on Xbox not to have full Xbox Live support.
Other additions to the game include a “morale” meter. If a player’s morale decreases you will notice a decline in his performance. However, if things are going well then the morale of the player will be high. All other additions from previous FIFA titles such as fatigue levels and star players are present. Unlike Pro Evolution Soccer Euro 2004 features entire player lists and names which add to the authenticity of the title.
As mentioned earlier the main drawcard of Euro 2004 is the UEFA Euro 2004 championship. The UEFA Euro 2004 championship allows gamers to wage a successful qualifying campaign, to reach the Euro 2004 finals and play against the best teams in Europe. This is the most extensive option of Euro 2004 and is where the lastiblity in the title remains. If the prospect of playing through the Euro 2004 championship is not enticing then don’t even consider this game.
Not many enhancements have been made to the overall FIFA gameplay however. The camera is fixed back a bit so players can see a lot of the field and where the players are. The camera can be changed to focus closer in on the action if required. The days of running up the middle of a pitch and scoring a goal from a distance are gone making a more realistic soccer game.
The character models look brilliant. There has been an upgrade in detail to the game since FIFA 2004.. Players are so realistic they are easily distinguishable. Stadiums are highly detailed, The crowds are lively and the gamer can become easily immersed in Euro 2004. At times the atmosphere of a soccer game can really be felt and this is a great asset to the game as it captures the excitement and anticipation of a real soccer match.
As per usual with EA titles the presentation of Euro 2004 is slick. Menus are easily navigated, there are hundreds of team management options and replay options. Gamers can play a realistic simulation of soccer or play a quick game if they prefer. The music in the game helps to set the scene as it is spot on for a soccer game. The commentary is some of the best in any sports update yet with genuinely detailed commentary which is not a bore to listen to.
Euro 2004 is a minor upgrade to FIFA 2004. The FIFA series is improving every year (and in this instance after only eight months) and we’re looking forward to seeing the next installment. However, for this to be a necessary purchase you either need to be a huge fan of soccer games or a huge fan of the Euro 2004 tournament. Euro 2004 retails for $89.95 and this is to expensive just for the bonus of have the Euro 2004 fixture.Gamers need to consider that FIFA 2005 will be out soon with full club teams, more options, even better graphics and more enhancements. Euro 2004 feels very much like a dumbed down version of FIFA 2004 as well. Euro 2004 is still not good enough to rival Pro Evolution Soccer but it is a step in the right direction.
Loading...
