by:	July 16, 2006

EA and sports games are just something that go together and shine brightly. Using their wealth of experience and sheer determination, EA have continually pushed the boundaries of sport titles today, and have simultaneously elevated and expanded our expectations on them. The long running FIFA Soccer series has undergone many radical changes since it was first brought into the console world, its core gameplay mechanics have always remained true to the original style, and have subsequently not always resulted in a good game. Now, with the World Cup over, how did their brand new FIFA 2006 World Cup game turn out?

Ever since the launch of Konami’s critically acclaimed Pro Evolution Soccer series (Known as ISS back in the day), FIFA has been looked at with more than a raised eyebrow. When matched side by side, the mechanics of FIFA are simply decimated by the intuitive and simpleton feel that Pro Evo has. While FIFA has had all the flashy gimmicks such as official kits, sponsors and teams, Pro Evo has always maintained the most important thing, true-to-life Soccer action. This time however, EA Canada have listened to the cry of the angered FIFA faithful, and made their game more refined and easy to play than ever before.

The gameplay as said before still remains very faithful to it’s roots, but by using different techniques it still manages to become a hybrid of good mechanisms while playing, and also allows the gamer to easily control using a unique and simpleton scheme;

Left Thumbstick: Control Player
Right Thumbstick: Use Skill
A: Pass
B Shot
X: Cross/Long Ball
Y: Through Ball
RT: Sprint

As is evident, the scheme had not changed from the rather lacklustre FIFA: Road To The World Cup, but what it lacks in substance, it more than makes up for with its control. EA have made playing the game a whole lot easier on hands, giving everything that split second more reaction time. It’s no longer frustrating trying to put any decent possession play together, as there are now no more delays on the pressing of a button and its translation on screen.

Gameplay is always something that has and will be questioned in FIFA. The game just never has delivered on the realism factor, instead providing a more ‘glue foot’ soccer routine which some fans have become accustomed to over the past few years. Thankfully, this element no longer plagues the game, and has been replaced with much more fluid and satisfying gaming. It’s easy to knock passes together and keep possession of the ball while waiting for that final striker run. Likewise, when picking up the ball, you can control and fend off any potential defending threats coming your way. If you are even feeling cocky, you can try and take defenders on by using the right thumbstick. By maneuvering it in different directions, you can do anything from stepping over the ball to doing a full three-sixty degree spin around the player-Maradonna style.