FIFA 06: Road To FIFA World Cup

So the next generation is here and we all expect the first round of games to blow us away and justify the months of anticipation. Well obviously that's not going to happen across the board as launch games are known to have problems either because of the new technology or just plain running out of time. FIFA 06: Road To FIFA World Cup does fall into that category of launch game but in this case it still may be worth picking up.

What FIFA 06: Road To FIFA World Cup puts forward definitely feels next generation in many ways. The graphics look great with only a few issues such as framerate hiccups, the control is user friendly and easy to pick up, and the AI puts forth a respectable effort and creates a challenging opponent. Even the commentary comes across polished as does most of the game in classic EA style.

Unfortunately it's what FIFA 06: Road To FIFA World Cup doesn't do that stands out the most. It doesn't do the FIFA Lounge or a career mode or anything other then three basic play options: Practice, Tournament, or the Road to FIFA World Cup. Don't get me wrong, the World Cup mode was fun. Once or twice. Then I started looking for something else to do.

It's a little disappointing that the feature set is so thin but it does depend on what you were planning to get out of it. If you enjoy creating a team from scratch or playing arm chair manager or any of the other features that have become standard in most competitive sports games this is going to leave you feeling incomplete. If however you enjoy playing against a real opponent then this great soccer franchise comes to life and you'll more then get your monies worth.