Game on ... in your living room
By Stephen Ryan
CNN Headline News
(CNN) -- EA Sports' "UEFA Euro 2004: Portugal" is bringing tournament-style soccer gaming to PS2, X-Box and PC. It's the official soccer game of UEFA Euro 2004, going on now, which is the championship series of UEFA, the governing body of European football (soccer in America).
Although the game says Portugal, you have your choice of every European national team. And for all you die-hard soccer fans, an especially nice part of the game is that each teams' skill level is comparable to what it is in real life. For example, Italy is strong on defense and offense in real life, which is reflected in the game.
The skills of each team's star players also vary, as does their morale throughout matches.
During a match, you play from an elevated camera position, giving you a wide-shot view of the field. The width of view provides a nice tactical shot of the most active part of the field, allowing for better, more coordinated passing. However, I found the players to be a little on the small side, even on a big television.
Passing is absolutely key in soccer. There are several ways to pass in UEFA, as there are in real life. You accomplish a regular pass by pressing the X button and the left analog stick accordingly, or the corresponding directional key. There also are lobs, crosses and through passes.
Another tactic EA has incorporated into UEFA is the fake shot. This is especially useful after making your way past the defense to go one-on-one with the goalie. I found that in several do-or-die instances when the goalie is rushing my player, a simple fake shot would disorient him, leaving the goal open.
Your shooting force is displayed via a power meter at the bottom of the screen. If the meter crosses into the red zone, it is the less likely your shot will be on target. Like passing, you aim with either the directional buttons or left analog stick.
Never underestimate the value of defense in soccer. In fact, it is invaluable.
UEFA incorporates the tackle, keeper charge and slide tackle. Playing defense can be tricky, especially given the small view of the players. I found the problem occurs mostly when players bunch up and you can't distinctly identify your man's footwork.
For example, a regular defensive tackle is accomplished with the circle button. The same button is used for taking an offensive shot. Sometimes when I wasn't sure whether my player had achieved the tackle, I would press the circle button a second time. If he had in fact made tackle, pressing the circle button again caused the player to shoot for the opposition's goal, regardless of his position on the field.
This can be cumbersome given that players do tend to swarm, but if you are aware of your controls it does not detract from game play.
UEFA incorporates every element of soccer for your gaming pleasure, except the rowdy fans and riot police.
The game's advanced control methods put a new "spin" on soccer games, as do the close-ups for penalty kicks and throw-ins.
