There’s something to suit all tastes on Xbox 360 this week – the ice-bound brutality of NHL 2K8, beat ‘em up thrills from Virtua Fighter 5, heart-stopping horror in Clive Barker’s Jericho and a brilliantly updated console classic called Tomb Raider Anniversary. However, topping the pile is the only other serious contender for the next-generation football crown – Pro Evolution Soccer 2008.

With PES 2008 and FIFA 08 each offering an array of unique features choosing between them has never been harder. It all comes down to personal preference, ultimately, and pity the fool who suggests that one is inherently superior to the other. Nevertheless FIFA’s had its moment in our spotlight so let’s take a look at what its rival has in store.

Well, where to start? Ultra-realistic visuals that make Grandma think you’re watching a live game are the very least you’d expect on Xbox 360. This time they’re enhanced with facial animations too – watch your players wince as they’re cynically brought down from behind. Come on, we’ve all done it!

Pro Evo’s silken gameplay is legendary so you’d forgive Konami if they only updated the team rosters each year. Indeed there are 250 licensed sides in this outing – and you can even select the best players to create your own dream team. However Pro Evo’s best new feature is ‘Team Vision’. This clever system learns all your tricks and alters the game’s response accordingly. Thus players who use the same lazy goal-scoring routines repeatedly will find their tactics swiftly undone – and rightly so.

So excellent graphics, massive team choices and fiendish artificial intelligence. Just add a raft of single and multiplayer options and a few mates for matches made in heaven. Although the battle at the top of the gaming charts is bound to be far less angelic…!

Out this week:

NHL 2K8

Tomb Raider Anniversary

Jericho

Virtua Fighter 5

Pro Evolution Soccer 2008

By Mark Eveleigh, Xbox.com Editor, Gamertag: Making Sparks