For years, Electronic Arts has had a strangle hold on the market for soccer games in America. That dominance continued with the release of "FIFA 2006," the latest installment of the highly successful soccer franchise.
While "FIFA" has had its detractors in the past — those who favored alternatives such as Konami's Winning Eleven franchise or the Championship Manager series — the EA product has easily elevated itself above the competition by adopting those same great features that made its competitors popular.
As it is common for video game developers to steal ideas from each other, "FIFA '06" gamers can now enjoy the more realistic feel and sophisticated gameplay — not to mention the enhanced ball physics and AI system — of Winning Eleven. Gamers can also experience the thrill of being a professional coach, which was once an exclusive feature of Championship Manager in "FIFA's" new Manager Mode.
In contrast to older versions of the games, midfield bombs from outside 25 yards out are no longer the easiest way to score — shots no longer consistently soar into the top corner of the net. Instead, players can now take control of the game utilizing combination plays between two players, allowing for an improved flow on the pitch.
The most enjoyable of FIFA's recent modifications, however, is not a 'take-off' of another game, but instead a brand-new feature to the soccer gaming world entitled FIFA LOUNGE.
Are you a Tottenham fan (of course you're not actually) that somehow became friends with an Arsenal supporter? The LOUNGE is an offline game mode where friends are allowed to set up matches and tournaments with each other. For those looking to up the stakes, the LOUNGE mode keeps track of the users' records against each other, allowing for plenty of bragging rights.
Brand new to "FIFA 2006" is the two-on-two online play option, allowing gamers to take the game, well, international. While the best chance to establish a solid online connection is for gamers to take on other North American players, there are a handful of good connections overseas as well.
Strategically, "FIFA '06" is much improved. Players can control offensive and defensive tactics with a simple tap of the directional-pad — something that didn't exist in previous editions of the game. This way, users can play the role of manager within the match, telling the lads to pack the box, utilize a wing-based attack or push the backline up for the offsides trap.
The new strategies can lead to much more realistic play, as defenders jump into the attack, leaving open the possibility of a counter rush. In past years, the back line generally stayed put at the opposite 18-yard box, hampering users' efforts to score highlight-caliber goals in the box.
The EA team also completely changed the game's set pieces. Rather than simply choosing a strategy and jockeying for position on corners, users have to control the direction and power of the kick. They also have the option of playing the ball short and whipping in a cross from a more favorable position.
Free kicks received an overhaul as well. Gone are the days of being able to use a target to simply aim for a top corner and bury one in the upper 90 — users are essentially guessing to aim. As a result, for better or worse, free kicks are much harder to score on.
One of the most obvious change found in "FIFA 2006" is the absence of long-time commentators John Motson and Ally McCoist. Fans hoping to be serenaded by the trademark Scottish accent of McCoist will be greatly disappointed by the boring-ass expressions of Clive Tydsley and Andy Gray. How sad.
Another addition to "FIFA '06" is the inclusion of nine new stadiums — including the prestigious Azteca in Mexico City.
The new "FIFA" keeps the cleverest of players satisfied as well. With a handful of new skill moves, including stepovers and locomotions available with a flick of the right analog stick, gamers can embarrass their opponents with ease. Perhaps the cheekiest of additions to '06 is the inclusion of "the dummy" … never has it felt so good to play so dumb.
With more than 10,000 players (including former Wisconsin star Nick Van Sicklen) from 21 professional leagues, "FIFA '06" upholds its tradition of providing unmatched authenticity. And, with the game's new adjustments in gameplay, it once again scores a goal.
Grade: AB