FRUSTRATED with your team's performance? That new signing not hitting the back of the net? Then maybe it's time you donned your team's colours and took them to the top of the league. Just a fantasy? Yes, but buying a copy of Fifa 2005 could be the next best thing.

EA's latest release in the popular Fifa series is a steady improvement on its predecessors. Whether you want to play as the new Spanish-themed Liverpool, Rooney's new look Manchester United or League One's AFC Bournemouth you'll find them all - right down to Conference teams.

And if you think you'd make a welcome addition to your team, EA has included a 'Create Player' function where you can design a player in your own likeness.

Pick your team, pick your squad then choose your challenge. League glory, the pursuit of silverware or even a mind-boggling 15-year career mode - all are here to test your skills on the pitch.

Newcomers to the Fifa series may find scoring goals tricky at first. Even when familiar with the control system a 1-0 victory is often a good result. This is because Fifa doesn't play like traditional arcade interpretations, it plays like the real game. But once you learn it's more about creating chances, placing through balls and retaining possession the results will start to go your way.

Whether you want to relive Euro 2004 and send England back to face Portugal or just hammer it out in the lower leagues this release will give you hours of fun. For any football fan Fifa 2005 is an essential buy.

Back of the net! 9/10

Review by Paul Currie