If there's anything gamers can rely on without reservations, it's that there will always be a new 'FIFA' game out every year.

The annual pumping out of sequels has become something of a running joke in gaming circles, but it doesn't change the fact that 'FIFA' is still one of the best football franchises.

And with good reason. While a convincing argument could be made that there are superior soccer simulators out there, it is difficult to deny that as a series 'FIFA' has offered a quality gameplay experience.

Sure, there may have been a misstep here and there, but overall, 'FIFA' has been good to us. And right now 'FIFA 08' is being very good to us.

'FIFA 08' comes crammed with a whole host of new play modes, with the new "Be a Pro" mode being the highlight. This mode immediately illustrates EA's willingness to experiment with the franchise.

It puts you in control of a single player in a team of eleven. The aerial camera view you may have expected is supplanted by an over-the-shoulder view (ala 'Gears of War' style — weird, I know), with the mode's purpose being not so much to score goals, but rather to be an asset to your team in the position you are playing.

For example, defenders need to stay in their half and prevent goals, not abandon their position to run up the field. The thing to keep in mind is to know what your purpose in the team is and to fulfil that purpose. So, defenders defend and strikers go for goals.

Controlling only one player in a team of eleven goes against everything previous soccer games have ingrained in us, but it's an interesting prospect and really gives you an idea of what it must be like to play the game for real. The downside is there can be long stretches of time where you see very little of the ball, depending on the overall playing style of your chosen team.

Adding more depth to the proceedings is the ability to perform tricks. While not nearly as over the top as 'FIFA Street', the tricks here are more functional and more likely to be performed in the actual game, such as flicking the ball up for a volleyed strike at goal or really quick dribbles to avoid tackles. Depending on the character you're playing as, these moves can be easier or harder. Playing as Ronaldinho, for example, makes it easier to launch a volleyed shot at goal than say, Rio Ferdinand.

Besides the centrepiece Be a Pro mode, 'FIFA 08' has a few other modes to entice a purchase out of you. The Kick-off mode is a quick play mode, so you and a few friends can just jump in. 'FIFA 08' also features every major international and domestic tournament, with the notable exception of the World Cup, although you could recreate that experience yourself.

Thanks to Sony offering its online services for free, anyone with a broadband connection can take 'FIFA 08' online. Playing as your favourite team in the interactive leagues against real players across the globe adds another layer of intense competitiveness to an already competition driven game. Custom leagues can also be made and the online mode supports up to 31 players.

Even though there is a separate 'FIFA Manager' game, 'FIFA 08' includes a simpler management mode, which is a really bare bones affair, adding little to the game's overall appeal. It boils down to simply coaching a few players and making sure they get enough time on the pitch to improve their game.

Complimenting the game's playability is its visuals. Generally speaking, characters resemble their real life counterparts right down to individual facial details and signature haircuts. There are a few that seem like odd caricatures, but for the most part everyone looks like they, well, look.

All the featured stadia are impressive thanks to a high level of scale and detail. A really cool visual effect is how the characters' kit bends, folds and stretches as the characters move. It doesn't improve playability in any way, but the attention to detail in this area is highly commendable. Beyond deforming fabric, the basic character animation is of a really high standard too. Everyone moves in a very realistic, human manner. It is actually kind of eerie.

The sound in 'FIFA' is the usual rigmarole. It features a nice, but forgettable pop soundtrack during the menu screens, but that's about it for music. Commentary is OK, I guess, but there is nothing in the game's auditory repertoire that particularly stands out.

The final verdict? As of 'FIFA 08', the game of soccer has finally gone next-gen. With its superior graphics, great control and excellent selection of options, the game distinguishes itself from its peers.

If, like me, you have been avoiding this series, 'FIFA 08' may just be able to revive your interest in the beautiful game. It may be a bit tougher than in previous years, but like the real thing your practice and effort will be rewarded.

No doubt, 'FIFA 08' is a good place to start preparing for 2010.