Anything really innovative in UEFA Striker?
Aha. Yes. One of the sections is called 'Training and Certification Mode', in which you can improve your skills and take a number of tests. In the Certification Mode you're challenged to complete a number of tasks, such as scoring a set amount of goals in a limited period of time. If you successfully complete the tasks, you get to take on the best teams in bonus competitions. It's pretty neat, all told.

What about gameplay innovations?
Rage reckon that UEFA Striker is a 'real-time' game, which means that if you take a corner quickly, your players may not have arrived in the box in time to meet the ball. Also, you can control every aspect of the play, such as bringing out the goalie to act as a sweeper, should the need arise. And you can put all manner of dip and swerve on the ball when shooting and at dead ball situations. It's complex but not confusing and there's a pleasing pace to the thing. You can even customise the speed of the game, as well as the strength of the opposing team. All in all, Rage have done a terrific job with the game engine, and even at its preview stage, UEFA Striker has cemented its place as our number two favourite football game (after Actua Soccer 3, of course).

What about the verbals?
Jonathan Pearce and Big Ron take on the commentary and punditry duties, while Ruud Gullit offers analysis before international fixtures. It's okay, as opposed to slick, at the moment.

Anything else?
There's a 'Scenarios' section where you take hold of a team at an important point of a famous game. Bizarrely, one of them features Wolves and Spurs in 1973, but it's viewed in flickery black and white.


* Great engine and fluid gameplay
* Wealth of real teams and players
* Innovative 'Certification' section
* So-so commentary
* Another blessed football game