Does this game have the modern 'Ultimate Team' mode?

No. FIFA 2005 was released before Ultimate Team existed. Every team and player is unlocked from the start, and there are no packs to buy or digital cards to collect. It's a pure 'pay once, play forever' experience.

Is Ronaldinho in this game?

Yes, he’s actually the cover star! This game captures him at the absolute peak of his powers at FC Barcelona. It’s a great way for kids to 'interact' with one of the most creative players in history.

How do I even play a 2004 game on a modern TV?

It's tricky. You'll need the original hardware and a component-to-HDMI adapter, or you'll need to use an emulator on a PC. If you just plug it straight in, it will likely look very stretched and blurry.

FIFA Soccer 2005 – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

FIFA Soccer 2005

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

game2004

62%

WISE Score

78%

IGDB

A time capsule of soccer from the era before loot boxes and battle passes—pure, pixelated pitch action.

FIFA Soccer 2005

game

2004

62%

WISE Score

78%

IGDB

A time capsule of soccer from the era before loot boxes and battle passes—pure, pixelated pitch action.

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Screenwise Verdict

If you can get past the fact that the players look like they’re made of LEGO bricks compared to modern consoles, FIFA 2005 is a breath of fresh air. Why? Because it’s just a game. There are no 'Ultimate Team' packs to buy, no FOMO-inducing daily logins, and zero chance of your kid accidentally chatting with a toxic stranger. It’s soccer in its most honest digital form.

That said, let’s be real: most kids in 2026 will play this for ten minutes and ask why the grass looks like a green carpet. It’s a great pick for a retro night or for a parent who wants to show their kid what gaming was like before it became a second job, but don't expect it to replace the latest FC title in their daily rotation.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 6 and up. It's easy enough for a first-grader to grasp, yet the management depth in Career Mode keeps older kids (and nostalgic adults) engaged.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Pure sportsmanship and team cooperation. It lacks the aggressive, ego-driven 'street' vibes of later titles and focuses entirely on the professional game.

Imaginative

It's a rigid simulation of a real-world sport. While you can manage a career, there's very little room for creative expression or building outside the lines of soccer rules.

Safe

100

This is the gold standard for safety. No in-game purchases, no loot boxes, no online chat with strangers, and no data tracking. It is a fully self-contained experience.

Enriching

Teaches basic strategic thinking, sports history, and statistical management through its Career Mode. It’s a great way to learn about the global landscape of the sport circa 2004.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Zero microtransactions means your kid can't accidentally spend $500 on 'player packs'—Ultimate Team didn't exist yet.
Classic rosters allow you to play as legends like Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry, and a very young Wayne Rooney.
Simple mechanics make it much easier for younger kids to pick up and play compared to the hyper-complex controls of modern soccer sims.
Offline focus ensures a peaceful experience without toxic opponents or 'sweaty' online competition.

⚠

What to Watch For

The graphics are dated and might look blurry or 'blocky' on modern screens, which can be a turn-off for kids used to 4K visuals.
The Career Mode is deep but can be clunky to navigate; younger kids might need help managing the menus and transfers.

Conversation Starters

"Who are some of the players in this game who are now famous coaches or retired legends?"
"Why do you think modern games have so many things to buy inside the game, while this one has none?"
"How has the way we play soccer changed since 2004?"

Deep Dive

The 'Pre-Greed' Era of Sports Gaming

Playing FIFA Soccer 2005 today is a jarring experience, not because of the gameplay, but because of what's missing: the monetization. In 2026, we've become so accustomed to sports games being 'live services'—essentially digital sticker albums that require a credit card to stay competitive—that playing a title where every player is available from the jump feels like a radical act.

Why the 'Off the Ball' Control Matters

Back in 2004, EA Canada was actually innovating on gameplay rather than just menu UI. The 'Off the Ball' control was a big deal. It allowed you to control a second player to make runs while you still had the ball. For a kid, this is a great intro to spatial awareness and the tactical side of soccer. It moves the game from 'chase the ball' to 'manage the field.'

The Retro Barrier

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the graphics. On an original Xbox or PS2, this looked 'broadcast quality.' On a modern 65-inch OLED, it looks like a thumbprint. If you're going to introduce this to your kids, do it on a smaller screen or through a decent upscaler.

Ultimately, this is a 'safe' game in the truest sense. It’s a closed loop. There’s no pressure, no gambling mechanics, and no internet required. It’s the digital equivalent of a well-worn soccer ball in the backyard—simple, reliable, and exactly what it says on the tin.

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