FIFA Soccer [PSP]

Hooligans and hardcore Manchester United fans alike will want to rally around FIFA Soccer. Simulating the sport's every intricacy, and flush with gorgeous graphics and sizzling sound effects, the game -- which boasts over 350 official team and league licenses -- reaches unparalleled heights. Although not entirely perfect, no competitor on any other handheld system can touch it.

Bridging the gap between last year's home console release and its upcoming sequel, the title starts off strong, offering audiences a unique mid-season option. The kicker: you can either play using last year's team and player stats, or access the most up-to-date data from the real world season currently in progress. Wireless multiplayer support is also tacked on. However, unlike other EA Sports games for the PSP, you're provided the opportunity to go head-to-head with a friend in any play mode. Given that custom tournaments, challenges and more are available, the sum total's an excursion that's every bit as compelling as its award-winning set-top counterparts.

The on-field action's no less commendable, as instead of the stick figures mobile gaming enthusiasts are used to, you'll find yourself controlling lifelike athletes. Maneuvering around with the joystick while passing, kicking, and sprinting via quick button presses, one can't help but be struck by how atmospheric the experience is. While adding first touch techniques using the D-pad is cumbersome and thus a little distracting, the presentation is captivating. Despite the panoramic overhead view from which matches take place and low-res audience textures, you'll feel as if you're right on the sidelines.

Tearing your way up the ranks of international organizations such as the FA Premier League or German Bundesliga, it's easy to become enthralled. No matter if you're an Arsenal or AC Milan supporter, the wealth of information, management features (gamers can set formations, tactics, and team lineups), and possibilities for overall entertainment value are endless. Granted, simulating matches isn't as pleasing as storming realistically rendered stadium grounds firsthand, but it's still a compelling alternative.

In fact, slick as the game handles, even those who aren't fans of footie will feel compelled to give it a go. Trust us... one look at the animation on pixel-perfect pros who head the ball in, slide tackle and swerve around opponents without missing a beat, and there's an instant attraction. You'd never guess the title was a publisher's initial attempt at taking an existing franchise onto a new platform; it fits the PSP like a glove.

Unfortunately, the fantastic visuals do come at a cost -- the speed the game plays at is about two-thirds that of its console brethren. It's almost as if the developers surprised themselves with how great they could make the game look on a handheld that they were loathe to drop some of the detail for a speedier pace.

Still, we can't help but recommend you snag a copy at the earliest possible convenience. You'll want to link up and leave friends screaming with rage post-haste. We're floored by the effort; if EA Sports can fix a few minor niggles and implement ongoing audiovisual upgrades, we expect big things from the series.