Electronic Arts latest soccer kick about UEFA Champions League 2006-2007 comes off the success of the critically acclaimed FIFA 07. The game is an improved version of FIFA with the fine tweaks having been made in time for its release.

The game itself allows you to take on Europe’s elite clubs in the only official videogame of the actual Champions League tournament. You have the chance to collect, trade and play your way to European glory in a revolutionary new card-based tactical challenge.

Naturally the majority of fans out there will not have seen their team even close come to the Premier League, never mind the Champions League, however don’t let this little problem deter you from enjoying the greatest teams in Europe perform on the greatest stage in the club football.

In my experiences with football games (which is a long one) I have a tendency to pick a team from the start and stick with it throughout the game. Obviously when playing FIFA it is easy for me to choose my beloved Sunderland and experience their ups and downs together through the help of the controller. However UEFA Champions League poses a welcome dilemma.

I went into the game lacking love for a team and therefore took a long time to choose my allegiance. I eventually opted for Liverpool, being keen to keep it English and at the same time, avoid the southern Arsenals and Chelseas but at the same time staying away from the predictable choice of Manchester United. Therefore my only option was Liverpool, the team that has in fact performed the best in Europe out of any other English side.

I was well equipped for victory on my debut season, breezing through qualifying games and keeping the happy medium between playing enough class to win the game but at the same time not risking any of my better players, the likes of the Gerrards, the Carraghers and the Kuyts.

Before I knew it I was into the quarter finals after disposing of Lyon in the previous round. I faced a stubborn but beatable side in AC Milan with goals from John Arne Riise and Craig Bellamy ensuring I went to the San Siro with a decent lead to defend.

And I did. In typical Liverpool fashion I battled my way to the semi-finals. 0-0. I was a happy chappy and in love with the game. Then it started to go wrong, semi-final, ball in the box, Danny Agger, no, shit, Barca’s scored. 0-1. The controller hit the ground like my hopes of making it a dream debut season on the game. I don’t want to tell you the rest, it makes me look shit basically.

Anyways sorry about my little life story. However the moral of the story is buy the game, its top notch.

James Henderson

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