FIFA 06

Following a long line of successful soccer games, FIFA 06 shines as a fresh take on an old, well-known game. Released in the fall of 2005, FIFA 06 has new gameplay modes, improved gameplay and maneuverability and authentic teams, stadiums and players. Soccer fans will instantly find themselves absorbed into a world of genuine soccer chants and realistic gameplay.

Listed below are some of the pros and cons of this videogame.

Pros

• FIFA 06 features improved dribbling, shielding and tackling moves. The game feels more real than previous soccer games.
• Passing and shooting have become much more accurate in this game. Players will need to carefully position and plan their shots and passes in order to be successful.
• FIFA 06 features over 20 leagues and over 10,000 players. The game attempts to be much more authentic than its predecessors.
• The game is entirely customizable. Users can create players to their liking, choosing passing and shooting styles, body type and other essential features.
• The game features a mode called “Manager Mode.” This mode allows players to strategize and plan to help make their team as successful as possible. Users will be asked to control rosters, budgets and coaching staffs.
• The artificial intelligence in this game is better than in previous FIFA games. Matches will be more challenging, and opposing teams’ players will possess more intelligence than in past games.
• The game can be played in single player mode or in an online multiplayer mode. Players can play with each other from opposite locations on the globe.
• The broadcasting is entertaining, making the matches feel like the “real thing.”
• FIFA 06 has dazzling menus and sound. This can be a small, overlooked feature, but it adds to the overall shine of the game.

Cons

• Graphics are somewhat poor, particularly in “Manager Mode.” The faces of the players are not well defined.
• Some users report the game as being “choppy.” This depends on the level of graphics card that the computer has.
• Online play has some issues. Users have complained about glitches when attempting to use the online mode.
• Players have complained about the characteristics of the goalies. Whether playing as the goalie or letting the AI play as goalie, the goalies seem to be one of the weaker points of the game.
• Some of the animations look somewhat cartoonish. Players’ actions do not necessarily look like the actions of real-life soccer players.
• It is recommended that players purchase a controller pad for this game. It is difficult to play using the keyboard only.

Overall, avid soccer fans will want to try FIFA 06. It features authentic teams, players and venues and has multiple modes for prolonged gameplay. It clearly has a few drawbacks, but for the most part, the game lives up to the quality and polish for which FIFA games have come to be known. FIFA 06 is definitely worth trying.