FIFA Soccer 06

Detroit Free Press

The best "FIFA" game to date. The ball's movement seems to be much more realistic. The passes seem more crisp, yet, realistically, the ball doesn't always go where you want it to go.

GameZone

Soccer fans rejoice! FIFA 06 is, by far, the best soccer game EA Sports has ever produced for the Xbox.

GameSpot

FIFA 06 is particularly unusual in that it ditches some of the series' recent innovations in favor of tried-and-tested gameplay mechanics. However, it also adds plenty of new features that help make it the most realistic and accessible (and best) FIFA game to date.

Gaming Horizon

FIFA 06 is a great game for both soccer novices and enthusiastic players alike, and is a worthy investment to a soccer fan’s entertainment library.

Gaming Age

A true upgrade to the previous years, and as I mentioned before, is possibly the best version of the series since its inception.

Game Over Online

The gameplay is extremely solid, the managerial mode is surprisingly deep and the additional features make FIFA 06 a great sports addition for fans of the sport.

1UP

It's certainly very enjoyable, it's incredibly slick, and packed with features, but it still loses out a little to Konami's game on that difficult-to-quantify quality; feel.

GameSpy

The PS2 version isn't as pretty, but it controls better, while the Xbox version is substantially more beautiful to look at. Either way, though, it's a solid game.

TeamXbox

If you just want to play soccer with a bunch of no names, it’s "Winning Eleven" all the way. But if you have even an inkling of playing with any of the pro world’s best or any official squads, then you can’t really go wrong with FIFA 06 Soccer.

Xbox Solution

It's the solid gameplay and the balanced addition of a revamped game engine and player controls that makes this one a treat to play for fans of soccer.

IGN

A decent improvement over the 2005 edition and it's instantly apparent to anybody familiar with the series. The visuals and physics will the first to grab you and the manager mode will keep you fumbling around menus for hours.

Talk Xbox

It features a revamped Manger Mode that will provide many hours of fun, and it is the only game to offer the FIFA leagues and teams.

TotalGames.net

Most annoying of all is the painfully slow response of the players, as they stumble through their pre-set animations, never sparing a thought that the button you pressed two-seconds earlier might be a little inappropriate now.

Game Chronicles

EA has officially regained the top spot in the console soccer wars with FIFA ‘06. Winning Eleven will still be the choice for the unyielding hardcore “footballers” in Europe, but for the best overall appeal to gamers of every interest and skill level, it’s hard to top FIFA 06.

Game Power Australia

Superb graphics and an improved controller system make this a very enjoyable soccer simulation.

Xbox World Australia

The AI is especially tough, but never so much so that it becomes frustrating, and unlike previous FIFA games I never felt that the AI scored against me by using cheap shots or cheating.

Armchair Empire

Armchair managers will undoubtedly love the marvelous simulation mode.

AceGamez

I feel in about a year's time, when they have this new engine perfected, FIFA might be a serious contender, but at the moment it's not quite realising its full potential.

Computer and Video Games

There's still a long way to go, but with better controls and a huge but slightly dull management game, FIFA 06 isn't far away from getting it right. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

Game Informer

FIFA is still doomed to feel a little stiff due to its reliance on set animations to govern play, and there are plenty of frustrating AI mistakes that linger. [Oct 2005, p.128]

GamerFeed

The game feels pretty good, the presentation is killer, and the abundant extras will probably keep you busy until the next World Cup tournament unfolds.

Times Online

Shielding, tackling and dribbling have been boosted for better on-pitch control, while business in the boardroom looms with a more comprehensive management game and careers judged over a 15-year span.

Boomtown

It plays superbly, the management mode is certainly addictive in the extreme, the AI is great, the graphics detailed and crisp and there are so many modes to enjoy. So it all comes down to those stutters, which seem to affect some gamers more than others.

Official Xbox Magazine

For 2006, soccer fans will get the most complete representation of the top leagues, best players, and fanciest skills, but will still be waiting for the total killer app package. This one is a good step in that direction. [Nov 2005, p.118]

Pelit (Finland)

FIFA 06 looks great and has a fabulous atmosphere, but feels too much like a video game and not enough like football. Where are the Finnish teams? [Oct 2005]

IC-Games

FIFA 06 does deserve a purchase but it simply doesn’t offer up anywhere near enough improvements for owners of "FIFA 2005" to part with cash this year.

BonusStage

Though always attempting to up the ante on their long time rival, this year’s FIFA actually seems more of a step back when compared to the 2005 iteration.

Extreme Gamer

FIFA 2006 has so many features to get you going and playing. I am not sure what more you can ask for in a soccer game.

Ferrago

Now more than ever if you haven't already started to look at "Pro Evo" perhaps you should, it plays much better and feels like more a game of football than FIFA 06 ever will.

Next Level Gaming

Gameplay has always been the staple of a good Soccer game, and when playing against the computer, FIFA '06 just doesn't have it like "FIFA 2005" did.

Xbox Evolved

One of the best looking sports titles I have seen this year.

Cheat Code Central

Hardcore soccer fans who wanted even more realism from this series will enjoy playing around with the new controls but if you’re a player who thought FIFA 2005 wasn’t a great game might as well rent this game or stay away from it cause you won’t be missing much.

Eurogamer

As it stands, FIFA once again offers a huge amount of entertainment - but you'll be left covering your face after you've witness EA miss a hatful of chances to go top of the table.

Game Revolution

A solid all-around improvement over last year’s game. Still, EA should focus on really nailing the online play missing in "Winning Eleven" and stop embarrassing the franchise with petty control tweaks.

Operation Sports

It is inexcusable to omit adding intelligent substitution and foul AI.

G4 TV

It's tough to keep calling FIFA on issues of accuracy, especially when Konami seems to have soccer realism cornered.

Total Video Games

Oh EA what have you done; we we’re getting to enjoy FIFA once again and now this. We’re never ones to severely criticise an average game, however FIFA 06 beggars belief.

games(TM)

On the occasions when the game flows it’s possible to produce some breathtaking football, but all too often the game slows to a crawl and it’s extremely difficult to produce anything like a constructive passing move. [Nov 2005, p.116]

PALGN

It might seem a little harsh, but we really do have to punish FIFA for regressing this year - what did EA Canada have to gain by going against the series' strengths? Wait for the Xbox 360 version, or jump to the "Pro Evolution Soccer" camp, but don't settle for this.