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.

{pagebreak}

As everyone is aware, in the real world the defender has plenty of options to deal with the strikers and his main advantage over him is the extra speed, as he doesn't have to control the ball while advancing.  Strange enough in this latest installment he is crippled by the fact that the player without the ball can't sprint so the defenders are merely sitting ducks that can be fairly easy to evade. Once you manage to pass the ball to a free striker inside the box he will easily sprint his way to a scoring position leaving no chance to the helpless goalkeeper.

When the striker manages to penetrate the stiff defense he will constantly try to score with the exterior of the foot, no matter of his position towards the goalkeeper. Spectacular as it may seem at first glance it's unrealistic and simply defies logic, but then again goals scored like this make it worth watching the replay. Uefa Euro 2008 shines in this department as each goal will be celebrated with numerous replays from various angles that allow you to enjoy every successful incursion.

The animation of public cheering after a goal though is nothing short of horrendous, and the resemblance to most of the real players is minimal, but certain coaches and strikers will be easy to recognize. While these pleasant surprises are quite rare, most players are so poorly designed that stun you, and though you'd think it would be physically impossible, because they consistently set the bar so high, these guys just get exponentially creepier each time.

One of the most annoying aspects of this game is the complete lack of control when you have to deliver a corner or a free kick, as there is no "target" to assist you and make your mission easier in front of the net.  This leaves you pretty much guessing where the ball will go as you shoot blindly, and the controls are not even remotely accurate so these "chances" will be frequently wasted. If you already felt like heaving yourself repeatedly onto a rusty pile of sharp nails than prepare for the potential "penalty lottery" which determines the winner if the match goes to overtime and it is still undecided. Just like the free kicks you have no real control and if the striker won't shoot wide, than most likely the ball will be virtually passed to the goaltender.

"Captain your country" mode presents you with the unique chance of cruising your way to the top, and eventually become the captain of your national team. Starting as an average player in the second squad you earn the trust of your coach and promote from reserve status to undisputed regular after completing certain achievements. This addition will greatly improve UEFA Euro 2008's lasting appeal and give this game a chance, once the main event in soccer this year will come to an end.

{pagebreak}

Conclusion:

Uefa Euro 2008 is by no means a bad game, but it doesn't bring up enough new features to help it endure and it will most likely become obsolete short after the European championship will conclude. Overall this game's "life expectancy" is around 3-4 months at best and it has a snowflake's chance in hell to outlast the summer, so its success will be ultimately measured by the impact it produces until July.

 
Gameplay: 72

Soccer has remained virtually unchanged since it was born, more than a century ago so those who expect dramatic changes in the gameplay shouldn't hold their breath as this is not going to happen very soon. On the other hand except for the slight improvement in terms of speed UEFA Euro 2008 is so similar to the precedent title that it hardly makes any difference, while the price is as high as before despite buying a replica.

Graphics: 69

It is only fair to say that overall this game appears to be better than the previous releases from EA with the stadiums being the most impressive elements, and even the players look well from a certain distance. If you take a closer look at those models though it is impossible not to notice the major flaws in their design and to be honest, most of them are nothing more than a walking advertisement for misery.

Sounds: 78

The commentary is indeed very good and even if you'll only hear the names of a few players each game it is well coordinated and creates an appropriate atmosphere, especially when you are in the position to score.  Furthermore the crowd is constantly chanting and supporting the hosts, while their attitude is quite hostile towards the visitors, which is in the benefit of the game as it accurately recreates the atmosphere present on the major European arenas.

Multiplayer: 76

While the single player campaign is downright short and won't keep the gamer interested too long after he finally wins the trophy with his national team, the multiplayer is the best asset in Uefa Euro 2008. Just like in any soccer simulator the satisfaction of defeating a human opponent is the greatest thrill and it is in fact the only chance for this latest title to be played once the European championship is over.

Hardware: 75