I, unfortunately, could not snag a Wii, but will be getting one before the year's end.
However, I do own an Xbox 360 and here a some first hand reviews of a few games I like.
2006 FIFA World Cup Review
By RealLuck
2006 FIFA World Cup is a game that cleans up the reputation EA made with its predecessor, FIFA 06: Road to FIFA World Cup, with great gameplay, well-finished graphics, and a good usage of sound, making it a very well-rounded game. Unlike World Cup games of the past, 2006 FIFA World Cup features teams from almost 130 countries, which you can take through the qualifiers, all the way to the World Cup. This wide selection of teams comes complete with updated kits and many unlockables, such as past legends and kits, balls, and an array of easter eggs.
This game features a variety of modes which enhance the replay value of the game. One of the modes, the Global Challenge mode, features 40 historic World Cup events in which you can rewrite history. In this mode, you will travel the world, using many different teams trying to accomplish different tasks. In most of the challenges, you must pull a come from behind victory in a short amount of time. Normally, you start out down one goal and you must come from behind to win. You will be given three objectives, with the main objective being sustaining your place in the race for the World Cup. The difficulty of some of the challenges will make this game very replayable as you try to accomplish all three of the objectives.
The other two modes consist of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Finals mode and the 2006 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers mode. In the Qualifiers mode, you will try to advance to the World Cup by defeating the other teams in your group. The Qualifier exists of about 5 games where you will battle it out with your opponents and try to be 1 of the top 2 in your group to advance to the World Cup. After completing the Qualifier, you will immediately be shot into the 2006 FIFA World Cup Finals mode. In this mode, you will face many opponents in knockout rounds. After defeating your knockout stage opponents you will have a chance to compete in Germany for the World Cup and become the champion of the world.
Ole!
The usage of sound in 2006 FIFA World Cup is very well incorporated into the gameplay. The roar of the fans, the sound of the ball, and the occasional tweet of an official’s whistle make you feel like you are in the game and take this game to the next level. The main trumpeting sound you hear at the beginning of the game may become annoying, but most of the other sounds of the game are great.
The controls of this game are very basic and easy to learn. If you have played a FIFA game before, you will probably immediately be able to catch on. Crosses, through passes, chip shots, and a variety of fancy moves make this game a very fun experience. The newly incorporated Quick Options in the bottom left corner can be used, by hitting your D-Pad, for quick substations, speedy tactics changes, and many other things.
EA has come up with another great idea for it’s FIFA games, this feature is the Star Players. On every team, you will see players with small stars above their heads. Those players are your star players. These players are great when it comes down to the wire. Players such as Thierry Henry, the avid goal scorer, Alessandro Nesta, the vicious defender, and Ronaldinho, the trickster in the middle, can lead your team to victory. These players have better attributes than others in some things, your job is to exploit them. When used right, these players’ skills can change the game.
Penalty kicks have been improved for a better experience in a hard fought game. Goalies have been upgraded to be able to move around in the net before a shot. The shooter has a small bar, moving on the power meter,that he must aim for to blast a shot into the net. The longer you take to shoot your penalty kick, the more pressure builds up on you and your controller begins to shake, making the shot more difficult.
The graphics in 2006 FIFA World Cup are the most outstanding graphics ever instituted into a soccer game. Even though most of the gameplay looks relatively the same, with the zoomed out camera angle, the cutscenes and venues in the game are well modeled and very detailed. Players look very similar to actual people, with detailed facial features, hair-dos, and muscle tone. The crowd carries countries’ flags, banners, confetti, balloons, and many other items which can be seen in the stands. After a goal, the crowd roars and confetti pours onto the field. The players celebrate with real emotion dancing around and taunting the other team. The overall graphics presentation of the game is amazing, showing us more of the Xbox 360’s power.
We are the Champions of the World!
Xbox Live in this game is pretty good. Gameplay in Xbox Live consists of both ranked and unranked matches where you can challenge other people from around the globe. In an actual game, you will immediately notice a lot of lag, which will ruin the fun. Occasionally you’ll get a smooth connection and have a great time playing on Xbox Live. Besides the matches, you can select to enter the Lobbies. The lobbies are very well designed with different lobbies for different types of players, even lobbies based on where you live. In the lobbies you can challenge other players, or just hang out and talk to other people, whichever you prefer.
Overall, 2006 FIFA World Cup is a very good game, celebrating one of this year’s best events. With a variety of game modes, authentic players, venues, and jerseys, EA delivered a strong soccer game to go along with this worldwide pastime. The new incorporation of star players and the enhancement of gameplay make this title worth it’s cost.
Graphics 8.5/10
Cutscenes, replays, players, and venues are highly detailed and look amazing, but regular gameplay is just like regular videogame soccer.
Sound 8.5/10
The sounds in this game are really well incorporated from the roar of the crowd to the ethnic blend of music in the menu, making this game even better.
Gameplay 9.5/10
With the new features added to this game such as the Global Challenge, star players, and exciting PKs, this game is a lot more fun than it’s earlier versions. Authentic kits and players, detailed stadiums, every country’s national anthem and facts about each country enhance the gameplay even more making this game a true celebration of soccer.
Live 7.5/10
Online play features both ranked and unranked matches, pitting you against your toughest challenge, actual humans. Live play is just like normal gameplay, except very laggy which somewhat rains on this game’s parade.
Overall 8.8/10
Despite the laggy online play, 2006 FIFA World Cup is the best soccer game out. With its variety of new features, 2006 FIFA World Cup is a great buy for all soccer fans around the globe
