'FIFA SOCCER 2005' Fans' inner hooligans get a kick out of game

The game will likely offer a better view of how the world feels about soccer.
By PHIL VILLARREAL
ARIZONA DAILY STAR
With the temporary disappearance of the National Hockey League because of labor strife, there's no better time than now for soccer to make some headway in its effort to up its profile in the United States.
"FIFA Soccer 2005," the latest in Electronic Arts' series of soccer games that play like a corner kick to the back of the net, sure does its part to spread the love of the world's favorite sport.
Other than playing the sport, there's no better way to learn and appreciate the nuances of the game than grabbing a controller and taking to the virtual pitch. Soccer-haters like to chuckle at the way riveted crowds can live and die with every slide tackle and throw-in throughout a 0-0 tie.
Play the video game a few times, get pasted 13-0 and 7-2 a few times by the Argentine squad, and you'll get goose bumps the first time you manage to slip into the second half with a scoreless tie. You'll learn that soccer -- especially the international variety -- is a game of passion, patience and rapid explosions of intense thrills. If nothing else, playing the ultra-realistic game will give you a better idea of how the rest of the world thinks.
This is coming from someone who used to be bored with soccer, but was enlightened by EA's "World Cup '98," and watches U.S. national-team games in their entirety.
It's all about fun
Forget the educational benefits, though. "FIFA 2005" is all about fun. The game is so simple, players can pick up and start free-kicking without a glance at the instruction booklet, and also intricate enough to allow players to design set plays and strategize formation shifts.
The control and authenticity of the gameplay are what lift "FIFA 2005" to its heights. Defending against a free kick, players hop around and cover their private parts. Real-life international announcers call the action, and generate a running commentary that sounds exactly like a televised match.
Players can use just about any major international squad, including, ahem, Villarreal from the Spanish League Primera Division, to battle the Irish national team or the D.C. United from Major League Soccer. They can take Manchester United up against Arsenal for a not-so-friendly friendly.
Tournament and season play are also available.
The next evolutionary step for EA in the soccer franchise should be to follow the lead of "Madden NFL" and allow gamers to design a group of fans for the camera to focus on during lulls in play. The "Madden" fans feature is one of the brighter innovations in sports games this year, and would fit perfectly in a soccer title, because few sports are as notorious for the rabid commitment of their fans.
Watch out, all ye unconverted. "FIFA 2005" may make a soccer hooligan out of you yet.
X"FIFA Soccer 2005," by Electronic Arts for GameCube, PlayStation 2 and Xbox, is rated E for everyone.