First there was FIFA, then it produced endless sequels, now there is FIFA Street, and judging from the number that follows it, it looks as though this is the third instalment in a series endless sequels. But to be fair to the original series, it has maintained a constant quality with each release, however will its BIG cousin manage to equal that standard? Short answer, no. Let’s be honest, football isn’t the most complicated sport in the world, so questions have to be raised when it’s simplified further, that’s in essence is what FIFA Street 3 is, imagine playing football with friends, jumpers for goalposts, kicking the ball against walls and attempting those difficult tricks, that’s the premise for Pro Street, but better, in skills that is.

FIFA Street 3 handles like most football games available, pass, shoot and tackle are all there in one form or another, however what differs it from other football titles is the inclusion of the skill button that links to a skill meter. It does as the names suggest, pressing the ‘Y’ button will cause the player in control to perform a vast assortment of twists, turns and flicks, all impressive. Use it in a move and then finish it with a successful shot then the meter fills in blue, of course if the move isn’t finished with a successful shot the meter will start to fade. But there is a bit more to it than that, fill in the meter enough and a ‘Game Breaker’ is gained, the ‘Game Breaker’, which fans of NBA Street will be familiar with, acts as a über-mode where shots become more powerful and accurate. Although all this mode seems to do is serve to make a simple concept even easier. It’s Streets main feature that is also in biggest downfall, the addition of the skill button takes all the fun from figuring out and performing all the tricks and special moves, pressing one button just isn’t a challenge. As a result matches tend to descend into a two-button farce, ‘Y’ to build up skill and ‘B’ to shoot, and it doesn’t take too long before the controls have been mastered, for a game that centres on skills there’s not much skill involved.

With the emphasis on arcade action it’s obvious then that Street 3 takes a stylish approach, the menus are slick and colourful as are the players, who appear in somewhat odd but non-the-less fitting caricatures and with over 200 players featured there are more than enough to have a giggle at (that is Wayne Rooney on the front cover). The stylish approach continues onto the pitch, despite not being the most stunning looking game there is, far from it, it does make for it though providing an interesting selection of locations ranging from Tokyo rooftop’s to Liverpool dockyards. However this is provide the first in a list of annoyances that this titles processes, to be frank, the arenas to are to small, and don’t allow enough space for decent action add on top of that the fact that the movement feels sluggish at times, it doesn’t make for much excitement.

Those looking to purchase this title for a challenged will be disappointed; FIFA Street 3 has about as much depth as a paddling pool, in particular where the single player is concerned. The career mode is absent, an aspect that to be honest should be standard in all sports titles, all that’s left are the obvious exhibition and scenario modes. To be blunt single player mode far too repetitive, however there is a saving grace in the online mode, which despite the single player repetition turned out to be somewhat entertaining. In short FIFA Street 3 is a pointless concept, those looking for decent football action would be far better investing time in the football title of their choice and those looking for a fun-filled action romp would be better off investing in a Wii and Mario Strikers Charge Football.