FIFA 06

By Teljam

Each year EA get closer and closer, and each yearwe still want a little bit more. The FIFA series of games is one of the most frustrating games to review. Each game shows us a glimpse of brilliance, and each also leaves us a little frustrated with missed opportunities.

So, does the 06 version finally fulfill our expectations?

Probably yes for a lot of folks, but still not quite there for the virtual football experts among us. Whilst the PES series has offered the most realistic gameplay from a pure footballing perspective, I'm going to try and avoid comparisons with this game, as FIFA is really aimed at a more general audience.

FIFA 06 offers a number of game play options including the following:

• Easy quick-play mode
• Full career mode
• Customisable cup competitions
• Practice mode
• All the teams, all the players (As per usual)
• Classic teams
• Multiplayer lounge
• Extras

This year represents the most content in terms of modes and extras that I have ever witnessed in a FIFA game. I've played this series since the original version in 1995 and looking at this year's version really shows how far the series has come. Speaking of the older versions - You can view a special video which shows the history of the series since its inception - For me this was a wonderful inclusion and brought back a lot of fond memories.

In addition the various game play modes gives the player a number of options to play the game, from a quick one-off game, excellent multiplayer, through to a full blown career mode.

Let's now have a closer look at some key elements in FIFA 06...

Game play
The biggest surprise I witnessed when starting my game was the option of choosing the control method. There are 4 options altogether, but essentially come down to 2 options - The classic FIFA control set, and a new alternate set which allows you to essentially replicate the control scheme used by PES.

Playing the game itself, I found this year's version the most realistic of every FIFA game I've played to date. New this year id the option of holding and shielding which allows you to slow the game down. For me, this is one of the most important inclusions as it moves FIFA away from the traditional pin-pong type of game play we've 'enjoyed' in all previous versions.

Whilst PES is still better, FIFA is now much closer, and game scores are pretty realistic once you master the harder difficulty levels.

I've been playing this game for a few months now, and can still score goals which I have not seen before - For me, this is an indication of how good the game play is. There's nothing like scoring a goal which you have not seen before. And to add to that we can now save those moments to disk and look at them later.

Commencing a career is awesome - You generally have the choice of weaker teams to start with, and have to spend and choose wisely to ensure you have a balanced team with a good sponsor. As you progress, and if you are successful you will get offered better teams to manage. This year the career mode includes real-time incidents in which you have to choose responses - the outcome of which affects your team morale which is an important factor with your team. Essentially you’re getting a fairly good management sum, along with an action football game in one package - and it all works very well together.

Graphics and Atmosphere
As per usual the graphics in FIFA are fantastic, and animations VERY realistic. The whole stadium atmosphere is excellent and really enjoyable. I really feel part of the game.

I've read other reviews salting some slowdown issues, but I've played over 1,000 games now and have never had any slowdown which affected my enjoyment of the game.

The menus are EA's normal slick and pretty stuff and adds to your overall enjoyment of the title.

Sound & Commentary
Again great soundtracks, and this year we no longer have John Motson commentating, but the replacements are still very good, and much better than any other title out there.

Multiplayer
This year introduces the FIFA Lounge which allows you to set up a multiplayer competition. This works really well and encourages a late night mate’s session.

Again, the live option works wonderfully well and it’s really easy to connect and usually you can find an opponent within a few seconds.

Fun Factor
Overall FIFA is great fun, and combined with EA's awesome presentation and atmosphere, you have a title that will provide many months of enjoyment.

Extras
This year EA has given an excellent amount of interesting unlockables, including new stadiums, shirts and balls. But this year they have thrown season highlights from a number of leagues which provide video highlights from the 2004/05 season, and classic teams including full player bios. ++ The FIFA series history video is a classic piece of memorabilia.

Summary
FIFA 06 is easily the best FIFA to date, and is immensely enjoyable to play. It might not satisfy the virtual football experts who enjoy the PES style of game play, but this year FIFA has very good game play, excellent atmosphere, a great Career mode, and heaps of interesting unlock able extras. Well done EA, and finally - Thank you - This is the FIFA I have been waiting for.