What should we care about such things? Well, for starters soccer is undoubtedly worthy of its tag as the beautiful game, and it's no secret soccer video games sell rather well even here where the sport has a small following and even smaller local presence.

Gameplanet's news on Friday that Pro Evolution Soccer 4 still looks unlikely to feature online play means there is still a reason to consider alternatives such as the Fifa series. And while Euro 2004 does not work online, it offers the most up-to-date version of that engine at a competitive price.

The tournament structure is all here, but what's relevant to this region is gameplay. Fortunately the game has stepped up another level from the very good Fifa 2004 and represents more than just a worthy title for Xbox-only owners who can't yet play the PES series. For all other formats there is still the better series to consider, but for those after a more casual experience Gameplanet recommends Euro 2004 simply because while it also retains a slightly stronger feel of occasion in terms of the tournament it is licensed from, player and shot control is far less complex but still rather intuitive.

Gameplanet likens the difference between Top Spin and Smash Court Tennis 2, where the former has more computer input to your shots and is less reliant on your player's movement and timing but allows you to do things you could only dream of doing on a real court. The latter provides the more realistic emulation of the real thing, but may frustrate novices.

We've seen many a football game novice perplexed at the ineffectiveness of his Pro Evolution Soccer team, and in this regard Euro 2004 will look after your intentions for you. Shot power is determined situationally, while aiming is very well implemented and executing a host of realistic passing manoeuvres comes somewhat easily. If you have the vision to do it, Euro 2004 allows it to be done. In fact, it goes as far as to assist you on the assumption that you and it are two great football minds. If you think alike, the results will be spectacular.

And spectacular is what big events like the Championship are all about. Aided by the banter of John Motson and his dithering colleague's not-so-sharp dialogue, full-on crowd effects and all those licenses, you can't argue against the appeal of a title like this. If you were hoping for a depth beyond the Fifa series you may be disappointed but the reason Pro Evolution Soccer sells so well is due to the size of the market for sims. It's anyone's guess which will shift the most units this year as PES covers one more of Fifa's exclusive formats, but that's the nature of the game.