It's a brave game-maker that enters the fray of footie sims. With the all-triumphant Pro Evolution Soccer and EA's FIFA series, you had better make sure that what you've got to offer is top dollar.
The licence for the Champions League is no small fry, either, so what do we have 'ere then? This looks fantastic, down to the sponsors' logo on the players' kit, and the gameplay is reasonably easy. There are plenty of natty touches too, but the animation is very stop-start. When it's good, it's utterly brilliant, but when it's bad (such as your goalie bothering to move only when the ball is a couple inches away from him), it's infuriating.
All the players seem to play the same, with no real individuality, and don't even barely resemble their real-life counterparts. These gripes are a shame because I think there's a seriously good game trying to break free. With a little more effort it just might have. (NP)