O land game we adore, among a thousand others, you are the beloved one. AlmostThe season approaches. In Germany, In the Year of the Lord 2006, one of the largest sporting events is taking place, and EA has provided gamers with the best seats in the house - in every major stadium, worldwide. An opportunity like this comes only once every four years.
The funny thing about FIFA World Cup is that, regardless of quality, it is the single best licensed World Cup game legally available. Of course, it doesnât hurt that EA has sole rights to the FIFA license (and has for a few years now). The question is if theyâre doing the license any justice.
Well, letâs explore that. Eagle-eyed readers may note that EA has botched the Street editions of FIFA not once, but twice. However, EA has been doing pretty well with the meat of the series. While FIFA World Cup doesnât provide the depth that the mega-selling Madden franchise has, it stands very well on its own because itâs just plain fun.
Actually, forget depth. Forget the single-player experience. Sports video games, much like sporting events themselves, are best enjoyed with more than one reasonably human player. FIFA does have a game that you can actually win (itâs called the World Cup), but itâs rather repetitive. Once you have the controls down pat, playing against the AI isnât much of a challenge as it is a war of attrition.
Now, you may wonder, âWhy World Cup? Why not just stick with FIFA 2006?" The answer is simpleâproduction values. EA has gone out of their way to provide the pomp and circumstance that surrounds the grand tournament. Everything is slick. Plus, itâs possible that one or two of you reading this may have never played a soccer game before (either virtual or in real life). This makes FIFA 2006 a standout. Itâs 100% newbie friendly. The controls are simple, yet effective; the strategies are easy to learn; and the menus arenât too cryptic (for EA Sports standards).
The gameplay itself is top-notch. Thereâs no need for fancy button combos or herky-jerky hand movements to perform some crazy maneuver. This game is simply about setting up the proper defense, good team management, and scoring goals. The controls would be perfect if the game didnât automatically switch your defensive player just as you get your bearings with the current one.
The character models may not be the most impressive ever, but considering that the vast majority of the game is spent with a high overhead view, you wonât have to worry about admiring the lackluster âart." The uniforms, vistas, flags, and stadiums, however, are gorgeous. While it isnât the most beautiful game, itâs certainly quite lovely.
There is some sad news, though certainly not tragic. The music on EA Trax for this title is uncompromisingly boring. Unlike the superior and bubblier Street Vol. 2 soundtrack, World Cup's selection of songs manages to remain utterly forgettable. Fortunately, the national anthem for each winning country (Brazil) plays at the end of each match.
As far as the commentary, it quickly becomes background noise, much like the music. This is actually a good thing. Anyone who has played Madden or NCAA football will understand how truly annoying bad commentary can be. World Cupâs announcers never get annoying, they're simply unnoticeable.
For the lonely guys (and those with way too much time on their hands) EA has developed a substantial single-player experience. Along with the ever-popular create-a-player, EA has their patented earn-points-unlock-stuff formula in full force. You can buy clothes, classic players, and certain game modes (such as the always-useful âslow motionâ). In all seriousness, there is plenty of replay value.
So, has EA done FIFA justice? Well, if you skipped to this paragraph, the answer is a qualified yes. FIFA World Cup 2006 is a darned fun game. Unless youâre a hardcore soccer nut, though, it probably wonât beckon you while youâre away. However, it's an excellent experience, particularly while playing with friends. Itâs definitely worth a rental, at least.
Pros:
Fluid controls. Lots of pomp with a healthy smattering of circumstance. Brazil rules.
Cons:
Music that defines the word, âblah.â Missing that indefinable something that makes you want to play again.
Graphics: 8.0
This is typical EA Sports stuff here. The graphical quality remains consistently high, but manages to remain fairly uninteresting with the exception of the stadiums, crowds, flags, banners, and parades. Those moments really do add to the appeal of the game.
Sound: 7.0
The EA Trax music is boring, but I have a soft spot for national anthems, and there are just so many of them Thereâs commentary, too, but youâll forget about it like I almost did.
Control: 9.0
The game controls smoothly and easily. Itâs newbie friendly and wonât take a lot of practice to get into the game. The only issues is the game switches the active defensemen rather unintuitively.
Gameplay: 7.0
Thereâs one caveat to this score. You must at least have it in your heart to enjoy sports games. If you are one of those mighty individuals who bear this quality, then this game will capture your fancy. Not only that, but it will rock your fancy. Your fancy will belong to this gameâbut, only while youâre playing it. Itâs the kind of game that your fancy may have a good time with, but not necessarily have a pressing need to call back later.
Lastability: 7.0
Thereâs definitely meat to this game. Thereâs quite a bit of gristle, too. While EA threw in nearly everything, itâs obvious they saved the kitchen sink for Madden (which is really a shame, as soccer is the worldâs most popular sport).
Final: 7.5
This game is quite a bit like The Mask of Zorro. Itâs a lot of fun with great action and stirring moments, but for whatever reason, thereâs magic missing. It feels almost sterile. Thereâs nothing to urge you to come back.