2006 FIFA World Cup for Xbox 360 Reviews by Gamers

Let's face it: In the USA, soccer isn't the most popular sport. Not surprisingly, soccer games aren't the most popular releases for gaming systems, either.

But once, every four years, something happens, and we Americans catch the "football fever." We get caught up in the excitement that is the Fifa World Cup, and for one month, become international soccer fans.

2006 Fifa World Cup does very well to capture this excitement and draws the gamer in from the opening screen.

There are several options for gameplay: the simple "Play Now" feature--pick your teams, and go to it, the Fifa World Cup mode, and the Global Challenge mode, as well as the ability to play over Xbox Live.

The Fifa World Cup mode offers a wide variety of options-- pick your continent and your team and take them all the way through the qualifiers-winning points, in hopes of qualifying to play in Germany- or jump directly to the 2006 World Cup, and choose from the teams that played in the real matches this past June. Either way, expect a challenge.

The Global Challenge offers a fun alternative to playing match after match as the same team- move from continent to continent, playing in historic situations. Earn points by achieving the historic outcome, or by changing history. Complete enough historic qualifiers, and you can even relive classic World Cup finals.

Visually, this game is outstanding. Each match begins with an overhead view of the stadium, and screaming fans induce a sense of pride in the country you represent. Full video replays keep you involved in the action.

Gameplay is very realistic. If you're going to slide tackle, make sure you win the ball, or you'll get a card. If you take a shot, make sure you direct the analog stick where you want it to go. Expect your players to get tired as they sprint end to end for 90 minutes. Most importantly, know that no lead is safe!

An all around fun game, worth buying if you're a soccer fan, and worth renting even if you're not!

I am not a soccer fan, never have been. However after reading the great reviews of this game I thought I would give it a try.

This game has beyond great graphics! The stadiums are very realistic and the playing field with the players are stunning.

The play leaves something to be desired. It is near impossible to aim your shots, and I have found it nearly impossible to score. You can not side slide into an opposing player without getting a yellow card (minor infaction, warning, 2 yellows will get you ejected with a red card which is a major infraction). I have taken the USA through the qualifications, which is again very difficult. The best I hope for is a tie, which will get you a point in the standings. Very rarely I have won, as once I do score the other team seems to score right away.

I have also found that not very many people play this game online. So that will make online gaming difficult as well.

This game has stunning graphics with play that has something to be desired. If there was a better way to aim the shots, pass better, and control your player better this game would easily be a 10. However I would recommend this game for any hardcore soccer fan, and the casual fan who follows soccer only every other 4 years during the world cup.

Good gaming to all!