For many years, the last week of September has been as good as a second Christmas for me.

For the last few years I have written articles about this games release and the joy it brings me and many fans far too untalented to ever achieve anything on a real football field. With FIFA I have won cups, local derby’s and even last season managed them to Champions League success, so why wouldn’t I prefer that too real life low table, mid-table and runner up finishes (besides the fitness and social aspects!).

This year’s instalment is the best yet, especially on my shiny new Playstation 3 which makes the players look, react and play more like the real life footballers they are modelled. The fact you can become your team, your favourite player or even create yourself to play for the mighty Ram’s, makes it a mouth watering prospect for any football fan. The developers even found a way to make the time while the game loads less boring with a ‘while you wait’ challenge featuring Ronaldhino one on one with the keeper!  

The other thing that has become so very popular with football gaming is being able to log into online gaming to match your abilities against other players from all over the world. The fact that within minutes of firing the game up I was playing a Manchester United fan in England who gave me a false sense of security by succumbing to Derby 1-0, only to be followed by being handed crippling defeats by two German fans who tore the Rams to pieces as AC Milan and FC Shalke.

Last year when I wrote this corresponding column I received feedback from some older fans who just did not fathom why gaming as a whole has become so popular amongst sports fans. I suppose my answer is that as I mentioned earlier you suddenly become part of a team you would never have dreamed you could take the field for. The other reason is it also serves to feed the football addiction most of you out there experience on a daily basis. 

Between matches there is nothing better than being able to steer Derby to a victory and battle to help them move up the league. The fact that the team are now back in the Premiership just adds to the appeal with seemingly more time spent on likenesses of players and the overall setup of formations etc which seem to lack for lower leagues.

The game includes exact squads, kits, everything down to genuine chants from the stands. The nice garnishing aside it is also by far the best version of the game to date with increased realism in game play and more little bells and whistles which make the game so near addictive, I considered a week off work with a mystery virus.

For those 'Pro Evolution Football' die hards, FIFA finally should compete on all the levels you say it has never been able to. For those who do not know what Pro Evolution is, just to clear things up, it is not some type of book that supports Darwin’s theory of Evolution but instead the greatest rival of the FIFA franchise. 

I recommend anyone who wants to live and breath the Rams between weekend clashes or frankly just wants a cracking good interactive experience then FIFA 08 delivers on every level and then builds some more on top of them.

That extra level for me and any Aussie football fan is the addition of the A-League. For the first time ever the Australian league has been included and is testament to the success of our new professional league as it makes the leap into the FIFA world. Take a look if you have a minute as pitting Adelaide United against Juventus may give you as much of a thrill as it did me (I doubt it but you never know!).

There was a moment I realised that this form of entertainment has gone past a simple game designed to grab fans hard earned cash was when I selected the ultimate battle and matched Derby up against Fo#@#*t. The teams lined up in the tunnel and John Motson's commentary filled my speakers with references of Brian Clough and his legacy to both clubs, suddenly it made the game personal. You will be pleased to know I didn’t let Cloughie down. It will never replace the real thing but it fills the gap between matches just nicely!

This Saturday let’s keep Bolton bottom and see if we can’t find some daylight to put between us and them! 

Go Ewe Rams!! :0)

Photo: Action Images

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