Not since being able to press A, B or C after goals has the inevitable series delivered such a thrilling individual moment – after all, who wouldn’t enjoy making it sound like the stadium was under some sort of mortar attack. Funnily enough, this second coming of EA’s series has been achieved with a little old-school style, for whenever your overpaid superstar thrusts his legs out of the quagmire, slotting it into the old onion bag, custom celebrations allow you to take a little more part in it all, waving your arms about like you’ve just seen your mum in the crowd. It’s just a shame they’ve omitted the Sammy McIlroy ‘falling over in your best suit’ routine. We suppose that just wouldn’t be FIFA.

Feeling as though you’re part of the game is a theme that runs through the piece. Taking time out to tweak FIFA 08’s newcomers (after all, without England at this summer’s tournament it’ll probably sell about half a copy) EA has added some role-playing depth to Be A Pro mode. Like many an organ grinder and their monkey, the sideshow soon proves preferable to our main event. You see, this time it isn’t some professional’s diamond-encrusted shoes you’re stepping into, but a virtual pair all your own. While the mechanics of progression are paper thin – play a series of B internationals until you score highly enough to be promoted – the slower, tactical game that results suits EA’s engine down to the ground. In short, prepare to punch the air when playing that crucial pass, never mind when actually scoring.

As for problems, well there’s the inevitable one relating to its similarity with FIFA. Added to this, there’s still an undeniable feeling that there’s some third party between your actions on the pad and what’s on screen. It’s the football game equivalent of reversing the Y axis and trying to play on regardless. While this means that Pro Evo’s greatest achievement is mastered – making the ball seem like a wet bar of soap that must be carefully caressed – those moments of obscene skill are sadly lacking. As we’ve mentioned before, the meticulous simulation and all-out thriller mantles in videogame football have switched sides, leaving the public still waiting for a next-gen kickabout of great quality.

Dave Shaw