EA please, leave soccer to the people that are able to make soccer games.
6.9
Closing Comments
EA's disturbing trend of yanking features from its 360 sports titles continues with FIFA 06 RTFWC, and it hurts. The upgraded visuals and animations look nice, but the poor framerate during replays and too many blank faces negate the jump to the next generation. The gameplay is good old FIFA at heart and, while more difficult, is still enjoyable and simple. While EA provides a decent, yet very shallow, base for its first next-generation soccer title, it's evident the team over at EA Canada could have done a lot more. As such, we will be eagerly awaiting FIFA 07.
8.5 Presentation
EA never seems to disappoint here. A very pretty, simple menu system. Very handy on-the-fly playcalling and substitution system. The Loading game is a nice touch.
6.5 Graphics
Nice animations and player models. Too many blank faces. The canned cutscenes look great but awful replay framerate kills what should be the best looking part of the game.
8.0 Sound
The Brits in the booth do a fine job. The crowds get into it and do everything but riot. A wide selection of international tunes included in the EA Sports Trax library.
8.0 Gameplay
Simple controls and solid AI make for typical FIFA fun. Finally you have to work to score goals. Next-generation jump makes evident the need for something new, like keeper control.
3.5 Lasting Appeal
Other than taking a different team to the World Cup, there is really no great reason to continue playing this game after the initial fun is over.
6.9
Passable OVERALL
6.9
Closing Comments
EA's disturbing trend of yanking features from its 360 sports titles continues with FIFA 06 RTFWC, and it hurts. The upgraded visuals and animations look nice, but the poor framerate during replays and too many blank faces negate the jump to the next generation. The gameplay is good old FIFA at heart and, while more difficult, is still enjoyable and simple. While EA provides a decent, yet very shallow, base for its first next-generation soccer title, it's evident the team over at EA Canada could have done a lot more. As such, we will be eagerly awaiting FIFA 07.
8.5 Presentation
EA never seems to disappoint here. A very pretty, simple menu system. Very handy on-the-fly playcalling and substitution system. The Loading game is a nice touch.
6.5 Graphics
Nice animations and player models. Too many blank faces. The canned cutscenes look great but awful replay framerate kills what should be the best looking part of the game.
8.0 Sound
The Brits in the booth do a fine job. The crowds get into it and do everything but riot. A wide selection of international tunes included in the EA Sports Trax library.
8.0 Gameplay
Simple controls and solid AI make for typical FIFA fun. Finally you have to work to score goals. Next-generation jump makes evident the need for something new, like keeper control.
3.5 Lasting Appeal
Other than taking a different team to the World Cup, there is really no great reason to continue playing this game after the initial fun is over.
6.9
Passable OVERALL
