A major event such as the Euro 2008 couldn't go unnoticed at EA Sports so the latest addition to the famous franchise is of course dedicated to the most expected competition this year. Sure enough, soccer didn't change too much since 2007 so nobody can argue that the latest title is not a breakthrough in the genre industry, but does it have enough new features to endure the test of time...well at least to hang in there until 2009 when another installment will emerge?

Some people insist that realism is the cornerstone of any successful sports simulator, while others claim that it is paramount to make the computer game a bit faster than the real thing to insure the adrenaline rush. While it is virtually impossible to please both types, UEFA Euro 2008 presents slight improvements in both areas, as this game is a bit faster while the background and animations are more realistic than before.

For most of the soccer enthusiasts the chances for their national team to win a major trophy are minimal so the "Battle of the Nations" mode allows them to fulfill their dreams, despite facing the very best European teams. Interesting enough, the weaker opponents will deliberately deploy defensive tactics that will eventually make your job much more difficult than if you'd be facing a strong team.

The game itself runs smoothly and there are plenty of options to choose from each game to make those minutes spent trying to outmaneuver the opponent, quite entertaining. Of course, there are some awkward situations when players are always facing the ball, like they wait for the decisive pass and run the entire pitch sideways but somehow manage to advance at the same speed. If you choose the amateur or semipro it's most likely that one player will find it easy to cruise to the opponent's goal without losing possession of the ball despite sprinting before players with defensive attributes.

Another element that grants extra speed to the game but has a deterring effect on those who demand realism at all costs is the way the referee decides to deal with those players who resort to violent tackles. You can remain unpunished if you allow the opponent to take control of the ball after a harsh foul, and no yellow card will be shown to the offender as the advantage is given to the opposite team.  On the other hand Uefa Euro 2008 leaves you with no chance of breaching the regulations if you think of technical issues, such as the 9 meters legal distance that a player must keep when the opponents have a free kick. It seems like an imaginary circle is surrounding the player in charge of delivering the free kick and you can only move around that area, with no possibility of interfering.