2006 FIFA World Cup

eToychest

The whole game plays faster than "FIFA 2006," as here EA has managed to set the perfect pace for soccer.

Game Informer

This newer game is by far the more impressive choice, with fully fleshed out features, excellent animation, solid soccer gameplay, and an exciting presentation, replete with another batch of great music from around the world. [Jun 2006, p.112]

Next Level Gaming

If you have FIFA from last year, and you're not worried about having the official World Cup Germany licensing and such, or the new Global Challenge mode, then there's isn't that big a reason to upgrade as the gameplay is pretty similar.

GameSpy

If you're looking for a full dose of FIFA action, replete with glorious presentation, exciting gameplay, and plenty of online challenge, 2006 FIFA World Cup should be at the top of your playlist.

Cheat Code Central

The lack of an online tournament mode did not go unnoticed and it's something that needs to be addressed in next year's version - and considering how good this game is, you can be rest assured the series will continue.

GameSpot

2006 FIFA World Cup does a good job of re-creating the carnival atmosphere that surrounds the competition, and it plays a good, fast-paced game of football to boot.

IGN

The Cube doesn't feature the stadium tour video extras of the German venues or the nifty stadium fly-ins that the other platforms feature, but on the field you won't notice much of a difference in terms of gameplay.

Ferrago

As a standalone football game without all the World Cup-related fluff and filling, EA have provided something which is actually good fun to play (both off and online), certainly not like their frustratingly average efforts over recent years.

The Onion (A.V. Club)

Priced to sell, World Cup supplies just enough vicarious excitement to bridge the gap between now and early June.

NintendoWorldReport

A darned fun game. Unless you’re a hardcore soccer nut, though, it probably won’t beckon you while you’re away. However, it's an excellent experience, particularly while playing with friends.

Nintendo Power

Despite the perennial AI issues, 2006 FIFA World Cup is far from disappointing. [Jun 2006, p.86]

Jolt Online Gaming UK

Surely everybody knows the score by now: EA ever so slightly update FIFA. It gets new stats, new players, new kits and slightly better graphics whilst remaining pretty much the same game it always has been.

NGC Magazine UK

A pleasure to play at first, but too many easy wins and duplicate goals mean it won't last much past the 30 days' finals. [June 2006, p.34]

AceGamez

FIFA multiplayer matches have always been great fun and this new instalment is, thankfully, no exception.

Sydney Morning Herald

A fun football simulation for newcomers and the best FIFA of recent years. Even so, competitor "Pro Evolution" still has the virtual World Cup firmly in its grasp.

Pro-G

Gameplay still lags behind the mighty "Pro Evolution Soccer" in a few areas, but the 'first touch' and 'off the ball' systems continue to impress. Presentation is great as expected.

1UP

All of the things EA did right with FIFA World Cup 2006 are overshadowed by the simple truth that what should be the most fun part of the game -- having exciting scoring chances -- is completely negated by shoddy game performance near the nets.