FIFA Soccer for the PSP gives soccer fans everything they would want in a first outing for a handheld. Superb graphics, excellent sounds, engaging game play, a wealth of options, and even Wi-Fi multiplayer action. Sure there is plenty room for improvements and additional features and options, but for a first effort on the hand held, EA has delivered in spades.

Visually FIFA is a lower poly count duplicate of the PS2 version of FIFA 2005. All the stadiums are marvelously represented with intricate details in the architecture, pitch quality, and hometown pride. Player models are richly detailed from head to toe, complete with facial expressions, fantastic animations, and even some famous faces will be recognizable. The game moves a bit slower than the PS2 version, but the frame rate does stay consistent throughout the whole match. You even get wonderful TV style replays and presentation that brings the game to life. This is a perfect example of what a PSP handheld title should look like.

Audio is just a terrific with specific stadium chants and crowds that will cheer and jeer for their home favorite. EA Pocket Trax is back, and it is a mirror of what the PS2 version supplied. You will get the few tracks by Morrissey and Flogging Molly that are familiar, but most are UK and Spanish songs that were made popular on their respective local charts. Commentary shines bright on this little handheld as you will hear spot on play by play calling in remarkable depth. All the names are called out, shots greeted with emotion, and facts explained throughout each match. Terrific audio all together, no real complaints here.

Gameplay is exactly what you are used to if you are a fan of the FIFA series. The lack of the second analog stick is missed for those on the spot dekes and special moves, but the overall control scheme works quite well. You will make every sweep, tackle, shot, pass, and header with relative ease. The slower game play does not make the game any easier either. In fact, I feel that the pacing of the PSP version and the A.I. is a touch better than the home version. FIFA is good for newbies to pick up and play, but there is enough challenge and depth that will satisfy even fickle vets.

Speaking of depth, FIFA for the PSP gives gamers just about everything you would want in a soccer title. There are exhibition matches, a season mode, tourneys, scenario modes that let you relive classic match-ups, online multiplayer, and even create a player features. The lack of a career is expected in this early stage, but at least transfers and player positions are at your disposal.

Another brilliant effort for EA, as they are proving to be a lead developer in the early stages of the PSP. I am curious what EA has in store once they have tinkered enough with this device to where they can push the limits of it.