Check the Footwork

Europeans refer to it as football—Americans, soccer. I just call FIFA 06: Road to FIFA World Cup® badass.

Rebuilt from the ground up to tantalize and entice Xbox 360™ owners with an enhanced presentation, sharper controls, and more emotionally-charged play, the game does an amazing job of simulating the world's biggest sport's every intricacy.

So, even if you already own a FIFA game for current console platforms, there's a still a reason (okay, several) to upgrade. I've taken the liberty of cataloguing just a few of the irresistible features in this new, next-generation rendition.

HD Performance
Peep those stunning 720p, high-resolution graphics. Like arenas, all athlete models have been given a top-to-bottom makeover. Now you can see expressions of surprise, happiness, or anger flit across their faces (and muscles flex when they pump their fists too) as matches play out.

The 5.1 surround sound is very impressive, including crisp effects and colorful play-by-play commentary delivered in prim and proper British accents. An eclectic selection of world music is also featured for your enjoyment. Have fun watching the hyperactive 3-D crowds who stand, snap pictures, and scream at the top of their lungs.

A star, or diva, is born.

If there's one thing you won't miss, it's static loading screens. While stadiums are being transferred into memory, take control of your favorite team and enjoy a little pre-game practice. Work on your passing, touch up those dribbling skills, or send a few shots flying towards the goal. You're never stuck just sitting idly by, waiting for matches to boot up.

When was the last time you saw in-game animations this fluid? Never, that's when. Watch players shift the ball between their feet, juggle it from heel to toe, and expertly weave around opponents. The action appears much more realistic and moves along at a fast and steady clip. It never feels like you're playing a videogame—just a friendly scrap between two nations who'd gladly stab each other in the back for any advantage on the road to the World Cup finals in Germany.

Trust in your teammates.

Better Sportsmanship
For anyone who's ever been burned by a knuckleheaded wingman, I'd like to assure you that it won't be the case here. Computer-controlled teammates display a shocking amount of artificial intelligence, keeping defenders off your back and setting themselves up in strategic shot-scoring positions at every possible opportunity. Passing and footwork are more important than ever, given that you've got some seriously heavy support on backup from the rest of your squad.

The game's controls respond readily to the touch. Execute fancy maneuvers using the right thumbstick, dynamically change formations and tactics with a press of the D-pad, or sprint to intercept charging strikers on command. You've always got full command over your club and a shot of leading them to victory. Don't worry about missing out on big plays because you're too busy concentrating on corner kicks—a fully-featured interface lets you rewind, pause, and fast-forward replays to your heart's content.

All your favorite athletes, all the top squads. With over 72 teams and 1700 players, you can literally bend it like Beckham for a day. Official likenesses as well as the latest and most up-to-date stats possible for individuals and clubs are included, all more true-to-life than ever.

We call this the gimpy shuffle.

An Enhanced Front End
Team lineups, offensive strategies, even music volume ... there are options for tweaking any imaginable variable. You can even quit out in the middle of a friendly game straight into a new Road to FIFA World Cup (career mode) romp. The menu system is even more polished and intuitive.

This is EA Sports™, so seamless online integration goes without saying—you're always connected to Xbox Live®. Want to visit the game lobby, check the leaderboards, or spark off a head-to-head broadband multiplayer match against anyone, anytime, anywhere? Jump onto Electronic Arts' servers with a single touch of a button.

As is obvious, there's plenty that makes FIFA 06: Road to FIFA World Cup® worth recommending. Like they say, it's a whole new ballgame.

Article by Steve Richter