While previous versions looked more like cookie cutter updates, FIFA 06 has a brand new look on everything from their presentation to the in game engine. The menus are slick and easy to navigate. Visually the game itself is flat out gorgeous, especially on the Xbox. From the opening flyby that shows off just how enormous the soccer arenas can be, to the emotional cut scenes of your players being carded, the entire engine just gleams with polish. The player models have been updated even further with more detail to their uniforms and faces, as well as additional animations for kicks, dribbles, passes, and shot attempts. This attention to detail is even more evident in the periods when the ball play is dead. EA has given the cut scenes a new look with dramatic lighting and pertinent weather effects that will really draw onlookers into the action immediately. There is still a bit of hiccup when the ball is pitched down field, but it is nowhere near as bad as previous versions and on the Xbox is virtually unnoticed.

Audio is stellar as usual with this series and is highlighted by the fantastic play by play. Clive Tydsley and Andy Gray call the action this time around and are not only very entertaining, but also spot on with their calls on the field. EA Trax is back, for better or worse here, but it least has a massive variety of music genres that fit the ethnic differences of the sport. Lastly, the crowd chanting is back and is more impressive than ever. You will hear your hometown crowd chant your team names, cheer on goals, jeer on poor calls and tackles, and even sing songs to get your team pumped up. Being brought to you in full Dolby Surround Sound just makes this audio package complete.

Game play is as authentic as you would want in a soccer title. High kicking, low scoring, but always exciting, that is the key to keep audiences riveted, and FIFA delivers this action in spades. You will never struggle over the controls as finally you feel like you are in control of the ball, with no delays, no canned animations, and no feeling of a string tied to the ball and your foot. The ball feels very alive and it is up to you to control the accurate physics the ball possesses. Everything just feels more responsive than in previous years, as you’ll pass, shoot, tackle, trap, dribble, and shield and feel in command of every second of game play. The A.I. is gritty and challenging, providing a more than adequate match time after time, no matter what skill level you are. Easily the best playing FIFA title to date, and maybe, arguably the best playing soccer title to date.

FIFA 06 is chocked full of options to keep your rabid soccer fan busy for years and years. With the obvious practice, exhibition, and tournament modes present, FIFA 06 goes beyond the typical soccer offerings. The most in depth feature is the new manager mode, where you determine the fate of your club in a 15-year career mode. Control club budgets, manage coaching staff, and decide on tactical formations. You can even utilize the transfer system to search the market for the potential star of the future. If that wasn’t enough, EA finally heard my cries from the past few years (or I’ll pretend they heard me), and brought back the fully customizable game. Not only am I talking about the create a player returning, but the ability to change every aspect of your team, from playing style to appearances. Let us not forget about the online play, which is back on all systems, minus the GameCube of course. I do need to warn any fans who are playing on the PS2 or PC that EA has done the unthinkable and are charging to join the lobbies this year. Granted the fee is only $2, but this is the first time they have implemented such a charge, and what’s more it seems more like a ploy to send you advertisements and junk you may not want or need. Thankfully, Xbox Live play doesn’t have this distraction, so all the tourneys and action without paying extra, minus your already paid Xbox Live fee. Online fans know though, there is no substitute for Xbox Live’s impeccable service, so the choice here is easy on which version to buy for online play. Toss in some fun mini games and you have a very solid offering that will keep soccer fans glued for at least another year.

With the Xbox 360 version launching, you would expect EA to just reproduce last year’s version with a few added options, but surprisingly this was not the case. FIFA is a true upgrade to the previous years, and as I mentioned before, is possibly the best version of the series since its inception.