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(More customer reviews)FIFA 06: Road to FIFA World Cup is not a yearly FIFA title, but rather a game based on the World Cup qualifying process. It's a pretty safe assumption that the main reason this direction was chosen by EA Canada is because of limited time available to make the 360's launch. The end result is a game that loses many potential features in the online space, as well as some basic modes like Season/Franchise (only international teams). However, if you just want to play the sport in question, FIFA 06: RTFWC can provide a decent experience.
In the game, you pick an international team - there are 72 total - and go about the qualifying tournament that leads to the FIFA World Cup. A standard Tournament mode that takes place in non-World Cup style is also available, but the most interesting (and the only "meat" of the game) is the World Cup qualifying. Other than the tournament modes, the only other game types available are a Friendly Match and a Practice Session - both of which are pretty self-explanatory. One little cool addition to FIFA on the Xbox 360 is the loading screen at the start of the game. As you're waiting for a game to load (or just thinking about what you want to play), you can play around in a futuristic stadium with your preferred team. It's honestly kind of a throwaway feature, but it's still cool to mess around while you wait, nonetheless.
Overall, the game plays better than previous versions, and it provides a fairly enjoyable match of soccer. The EA Canada team was able to get the game running at 60fps, which not only looks great, but also allows for a whole new level of animation for the players. This pace translates to every aspect of a game, whether it's a frantic situation in front of the net or a dramatic corner kick.
You'll have access to the usual assortment of FIFA moves, including through passes, headers, lobs, chip shots, crosses, and volleys. On defense, you can execute slide tackles or conservative tackles, and this year there is a "mark" feature that lets you hold down the B button and pursue your defender quite vigorously; this is quite useful for not letting someone breakaway towards the net. Of course, it might be a bit cheap to have one of your players pulled back by a charging defender who tugs on your shirt and hauls you down after using this move. Either way, the move is a different addition to the series and helps change the dynamic of defense a bit.
FIFA 06: RTFWC still features the advanced moves from previous years, and as before they are performed with the right thumbstick (plus the left and right bumpers). The moves can't be exploited too heavily this year, and you will likely only be able to shake off one or two players before someone checks you. The AI on the default and higher settings is challenging and doesn't allow you to walk over them. The goalie AI has also improved, and it'll be harder to score against the computer.
Some of the previous FIFA issues unfortunately do show up in this version. It is annoying to not be able to cancel a move after it's been initiated. The passing still feels like somewhat of a crapshoot, and you'll be unsure as to why a pass only went three feet when the A button was held down for a good few seconds. None of this ruins the gameplay by any means, but it is bothersome seeing as the rest of the gameplay is strong.
The new in-game action menu lets you change options on the fly. By pressing the d-pad after play stoppages, you can execute quick substitutions, alter game strategies, and rearrange your player formations. This feature benefits online matches a great deal, seeing as there is no need to pause the game anymore.
Speaking of said online play, it is once again enabled over Xbox Live. Unfortunately, EA has opted to go for the same "server" mode from previous years, which makes for a redundant sign-in process and dramatically elongates the time necessary to join an online match (as you get thrown back to the starting logos of the game). The same "lobby" system is available to cruise for a game, but you'll also be able to set up quick matches or private matches to get directly into the action. No tournaments are supported for the game, which is a shame, and the absence of any multiplayer support (say, four players?) hurts. FIFA 06: RTFWC plays well online, and I experienced very little lag while playing with various opponents across North America.
Visually, the game looks quite strong on the Xbox 360, but not completely next-gen yet. There are all sorts of new animations, and the player models themselves are quite good, albeit a tad on the shiny side. Stadiums are somewhat of a mixed bag; on the one hand, the scope, lighting and grass look amazing, yet the crowd does not look very good.
Sound is such a key in soccer games, and this FIFA installment understands that principle well. There is the standard array of ball thump and player slide sound effects on the pitch, as well as a great deal of player and coach chatter being yelled out at any given time. The crowds get involved - as is the norm in FIFA games - and isn't afraid to yell out a chant or a song to motivate its home nation. Sky Sports stalwarts Andy Gray and Martin Tyler provide commentary, and each of them add a decent amount of material to the matches. For the most part, they keep up with the play and only repeat themselves every once in a while. The duo may sound familiar to some novice players as well, seeing as they are the usual pair doing official World Cup commentary.
If you're just looking for a fair game of soccer without the trimmings, FIFA 06: RTFWC may fit the bill. For those wanting a fully featured franchise experience (with club teams) and a better set of online options, waiting for FIFA 2007 might be the way to go.
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FIFA Soccer 06 delivers unprecedented combination of attacking gameplay, complete customization, and pure authenticity. It goes way past a game, giving you the total soccer experience. Thegameplay lets you control every move with pinpoint accuracy, enabling you to pass, shoot, and tackle with more responsiveness.Off the pitch, you'll sign sponsors, monitor the transfer market, and buy players as you discover the stars of tomorrow. Featuring the most comprehensive line-up of licensed leagues, players, and kits from around the world, FIFA Soccer 06 dominates the pitch like never before.Use the total customizing tools to shape the game -- design a star from scratch, customizing everything from passing abilities to appearance and body-type New Team Management options let you set each aspect of the game, to fit your individual playing style
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