FIFA Soccer 2005 (2004)

Developer: EA Canada
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Platforms: Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 2
Genres: Sport
Rating: 3.9 of 5, 89 player ratings
Where to get it: Nintendo eShop

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

A competent and officially licensed soccer simulation that feels controlled and deliberate, rewarding tactical awareness and careful team management over frantic action.

competitiveauthenticmethodicalaccessiblepolishedteam-orientedsimulationstructured

About

FIFA Football 2005 gives you more control than ever with improved button and control sensitivity and an intuitive Off the Ball Control. Now you can take command of players not in possession of the ball by calling in tackles, jostling for space, and sending your teammates on runs as you control the pitch. With more than 350 official team and league licenses from around the world, an enhanced Career mode, and an improved broadcast, FIFA Football 2005 gives you a complete and authentic soccer experience.

What players say

Seen as a strong comeback for the series, blending arcade fun with simulation in a smooth, accessible package and the new first-touch control. Well-liked, though many felt it still played second fiddle to Pro Evolution Soccer that year.

Screenshots

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This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.