2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil lets you play against 200 teams

I was disheartened and maybe even a tear rolled down my cheek when England could not make it to round two of the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament and the number 10 England jersey could not sprinkle its magic on the pitch. If you too have cried your heart out since your favourite team got kicked out, you can stop being a wuss. With the new FIFA 2014 from EA not only can you avenge the loss to your team but take the trophy home too.

The 2014 FIFA WORLD CUP BRAZIL (FWCB) from EA lets you play as or against more than 200 real teams from the countries of your choice. Matches take place in a dozen authentically modeled stadiums and the sense of raw excitement, cheering and chants is surreal.
Along with 10 new modes that can be played solo or with a friend, or even online, FWCB features new crowds, including fresh painted faces, banners, flags, seat cards, and chants. Adding even more drama are fireworks, confetti, and streamers.

Amid the celebrations, prompt cutaway shots to flamboyantly dressed fans in the stands during a goal score and key events, or celebrating amongst multitude of crowd watching the game on giant screens, the players have better agility and they move more fluidly. The ball handling feels great, and there are many modes to choose from to keep things fresh.

Other pleasing touches include opening ceremonies and the choice of two pre-recorded radio stations as you navigate menus, which adds wonderful colour to proceedings. You could choose between Andy Goldstein and Ian Darke, or Michael Davies and Roger Bennett to discuss the tournaments between matches in the offline World Cup and Captain Your Country modes, with the EA Sports Talk Radio feature.

With the Road to World Cup mode you can use training and pre-competition friendly matches to add depth to your squad by boosting the player stats or try to give a confidence booster to your biggest stars. The Captain Your Country mode lets you assume control of just one player during the qualifying matches and allows you to work your way through the ranks of the national team throughout the qualifying stages and the tournament itself.

Scoring a goal is easier in comparison to the game's predecessor but it certainly is a lot of fun. There isn't much to complain apart from an occasion jarring animation or crowd glitch. Since the time I got my hands on this, England has lifted the trophy twice, and I am quite content and pleased with the results. I can now watch the actual finals in peace!

Game: EA's 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil

Console: Microsoft Xbox 360