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.

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.

GameZone

The controls are more responsive than the 360 platform, and there is the create-a-player option to put you squarely into the heat of the battle.

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]

IGN

EA put together its most solid soccer gameplay experience yet and the deepest World Cup title of all time. Still, it's hard to argue that the gameplay, an obvious imitation of Winning Eleven, is better, but with star players and a nifty new shooting mechanism, it would be hard to argue it's worse.

Armchair Empire

A true simulation of soccer with all the hoopla of competing for the only real “world” championship with excellent online play kicks FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 into the net of quality video gaming soccer.

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.

TeamXbox

There’s good gameplay (aside from some framerate choppiness), excellent modes, palpable pageantry, above average graphics and audio, and even sweet navigation screens. The lack of online tournaments is the biggest detriment.

Official Xbox Magazine UK

What FIFA does well is give you time in possession. Play a through ball and get yourself in the opponent's penalty area and you're allowed to control it.

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.

Operation Sports

To be honest, this game has a stubborn American like me excited to watch the World Cup next month. That’s an accomplishment, EA!

DarkStation

Thought the French should have won? Get inside the greatest show on earth with this sublime soccer sim, packed with trademark EA finesse and magic.

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.

GameSpot

2006 FIFA World Cup does a good job of re-creating the carnival atmosphere that surrounds the competition, but it suffers from frequent and obnoxious slowdown.

The Onion (A.V. Club)

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

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.

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.

AceGamez

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

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.

Official Xbox Magazine

As far as gameplay goes, World Cup performs a notch better than "FIFA 06" did(although taking free kicks from midfield is an odd moment with limited options for control and strategy). [Jun 2006, p.77]

Games Radar

FIFA remains more pick-up-and-play for the mainstream sports gamer, but offers some depth and subtleties that will enable more experienced players to do their best Beckham impersonation.

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.