2006 FIFA World Cup Preview

The shot caroms off the far post. A striker, cruising down the back side, manages to knock it down with a chest trap, but the ball rolls toward the back touch line. Before it can cross, a hasty left-footed shot runs parallel to the end line. The keeper is just picking himself up off the ground and dives back for the ball, but he is off balance and his one-handed effort merely results in nudging the ball into the netting for the opening goal of the World Cup qualifier.

How sweet it is … for the scoring team. It is, however, a major disappointment for the team now trailing 1-0.

EA Sports is back at it with 2006 FIFA World Cup, an Xbox title long on options, briskly paced and with a few new features that will make the experience all the more enjoyable. The preview code GameZone received does have some flaws – mostly in the AI and controls – but the experience still manages to be robust, with the game adhering nicely to the nuances of the game.

But back to that qualifier … 

Less than 20 minutes later, Koller (of the Czech Republic) adds to the lead with run into the 18 from the right side. As the keeper moves to intercept, Koller drives the ball low into the far corner. Up 2-0, the Czech team starts to play a little more ball control, something that is easy to do with the right analog stick allowing the player to make a few on field ball moves, some smart player tactics and touch passing.

The game has several ways to play, including an online component through Xbox Live. Other game modes include Play Now, a new Global Challenge mode that recreates 40 classic moments in World Cup history using modern teams (you can earn rewards to unlock legendary players and classic gear), Penalty Shootout (you can really learn to direct shots with this mode), Practice, Team Management (you can create players here) and My FIFA World Cup (profile management).

The graphics are solid for the Xbox, with some nice ball movement and player ballhandling skills that are intelligent. One of the easy highlights of the game is the play-by-play announcing. Fun facts about each country, and a wide range of musical styles (35 previously unreleased eclectic tracks) – again, representing nations – make this game truly international in flavor.

To be fair, and while worth mentioning, the following list of problems with the build are plainly stated by EA’s team as being known problem areas and are “not indicative of the final quality.” Keep that in mind when the downsides of the build are mentioned.

The 2006 FIFA edition has some framerate problems at this stage in the development. But, unfortunately, that is not where the problems end. And after a qualifier, and a win, the scene breaks up the routine by jumping to the FIFA World Cup magazine, which has a cover shot and some articles teased on the cover. Errors occur here as well, such as the teaser: Also – Just How Good Are Your Team? Sorry, but that should be “Just How Good Is Your Team?”

Also, the controls – at odd times – seem to take a hit in the responsiveness department (this build was only 80% complete); the left analog thumbstick is directional control and players will not obey at times, or the repeated stabs at the long pass button (the X button) are ignored. Instead, the player will continue the run and dribble the ball out the back touchline, giving the defense a goal kick. Also, by release the AI needs a little work to tighten it up. Players off the ball react well, for the most part, but the control indicator for nearest player will jump around and not actually select the player closer to the ball on defense, but rather a player in front of the ball, even if he is 10 yards or more off the ball, as opposed to the player running stride for stride with the ball carrier.

Ok, back to what is here, and what the game offers that is very appealing. The players do resemble their real-life counterparts, not only in appearance, but with their skills. There are 127 teams that head into the qualification tourney, playing in official stadiums that are rendered out very nicely. Of course, with the 127 teams come 127 national anthems, and a wonderful stadium fly-in. The FIFAWorldCup.com Zone features in-game videos of 2006 World Cup, and multiplayer (when available) will allow eight-way multiplayer sessions.

The shooting mechanics have undergone some upgrades, allowing button-pressure sensitive touches, and players can use the left analog stick for direction and the right stick for handling skills.

Fun? Absolutely. There is a sense when launching this game of a grand experience and even with the known issues (being worked on and likely not in the final release) 2006 FIFA World Cup is a lot of fun – almost as much fun as taking the ball out on the pitch in real life.