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EA Sports cashes in on World Cup Fever. The 2006 FIFA World Cup is currently underway and has taken the world by storm. Although soccer isn’t as popular in the United States as it is elsewhere, EA Sports’ FIFA series has developed a loyal following throughout the years. 2006 FIFA World Cup is easily recommendable to gamers looking for their World Cup fix.
2006 FIFA World Cup includes the expected game modes. You’ll find exhibition matches, skill challenges and global challenge mode. The skill challenges are minigames designed to improve a certain skill. In global challenge, you’re given a specific objective for each of the game’s 127 teams, meaning you get 127 different objectives to go through. As expected, the game includes the ability to take a team of your choice through the World Cup competition. The game even includes the 32 teams that actually qualified for the finals, though you’re free to choose any that you want. Once you choose this team, you can play through a whole season to make sure you qualify for the finals or move right to them. If you don’t want to play all of the games you can simulate them. The game also includes a World Cup trivia mode to test your knowledge.
In terms of gameplay, the game offers a nuanced game of soccer though it obviously isn’t as complex as the console versions. It has a quicker pace and you’ll notice more goals since it is possible to score a goal by running with the same player through the field. That isn’t to say that the AI is bad because it’s not, but it’s just a bit arcadeier. The DS touch screen is implemented well in the game. You’re able to change team tactics using the bottom screen as well as easily change to another player. Aside from these gameplay functions, the touch screen is also use to control replays including changing the camera. Unfortunately, these replays can’t be saved.
2006 FIFA World Cup includes wireless local multiplayer. This works well for the most part although the game only supports two players and they both need a copy of the game.
The game’s visuals are fairly good. The soccer players are well done for the DS, although the animation is a bit stiff and you’ll notice that the moves don’t always connect. The stadiums pack plenty of detail and even include animated fans. Soccer fans are some of the most ardent and 2006 FIFA World Cup recreates this reasonably well. The game has some subtle effects that make the visuals stand out even more. Unfortunately, the game suffers from slowdown when there are too many players on the screen at once. The presentation is splendid though as the game includes menu backgrounds based on the team you chose. You’ll see that team’s flag and landmarks from that country in the background.
The audio complements the visuals well. The soundtrack is typical EA Trax fare and although not the best quality, is still pretty good. The commentary and sound effects are less impressive, although they are okay for the DS.
Although it comes not so long after FIFA 06, the additional game modes and features may be enough to qualify it as a purchase for many. The Nintendo DS version is quite as deep as its big brothers but it’s pretty much the only game in town. Thankfully, it’s an enjoyable game on its own merits. -- Jose Liz, PGNx Media
---- Jun 27, 2006
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