Cheap XB 2006 FIFA World Cup (Video Games) (Xbox) Price

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Customer Reviews of XB 2006 FIFA World Cup

A must-have for World Cup fans; minor issues for soccer purists
If you're a soccer lover lucky enough to get your hands on a copy of this title -- it's sold out nearly everywhere with World Cup fever upon us -- you won't be disappointed. Hands down the best offering of the FIFA line to date by Electronic Arts, a wonderful coup de grace for this series on the original XBox. Not a perfect title, but pretty darn close. Soccer purists, however, might have small gripes with its advanced elements. <
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>First off, World Cup's visuals and audio are masterpieces. The former closely resembles that of its 360 counterpart, with fluid character animations, terrific stadium and menu presentations, and an opening sequence + automatic replay 'highlights' that are truly jaw-dropping. The audio is likewise a real treat. In-game commentary remains a tremendous strength for the FIFA series. Players are indicated by name with each touch, play-by-play builds along with each play appropriately. Crowd chants for individual countries are exciting stuff. Related, the buzz about the oustanding soundtrack for this game is well deserved. Arguably the best an EA title has ever sported. <
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>In terms of World Cup authenticity, every country -- qualified and those who didn't make the cut -- are playable. Moreover, lineups are near-perfect. France's Cisse, for example, resides on the bench (in line with his sustained foot injury). Substitutions are snap, as are on-the-fly strategy adjustments. World class, 'star' players are just that: indicated by a star above their head during play. Player skills -- stars down to the last man on the bench -- are near-mirror to their real life counterparts. There's an even an option to 'buy' classic players to add to current rosters, ditto on reliving classic World Cup moments. Finally, several game modes -- friendly, World Cup group play, World Cup tournament, etc. -- offer significant longevity to this title. <
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>Gameplay remains pure FIFA in style (somewhat fast paced, emphasis on the mid-range passing game) with one major exception. Shot power is now measured by loft (versus straight power) when holding down buttons. Definitely provides a more realistic feel, as greater emphasis is now placed on accuracy and play-building. A couple games in, even newbies should be able to master lead passes, touch passing, corners, and the oft-confusing off sides rule. Defense is equally painless, as basic challenges are easily accomplished via simply nudging the opposition or a light button press. <
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>As mentioned above, however, purists will find some mild flaws with World Cup. While an improvement in presentation and gameplay over previous FIFA titles, it does not, however, offer individual leagues to choose from. Related, this is no Sensible Soccer in terms of strategy. FIFA is intended for the basic-intermediate soccer fan, a great game to pick up against a chum...not to develop intricate strategies with. Moreover, the control scheme has a couple notable flaws. The header button is also that of the slide tackle. A missed header off of a corner or goal kick can result in the quickest accidental yellow card in recorded history. Ditto on touch passes to nowhere based on an occasional slight delay in passing responses. Conservative button pressing is a must here. <
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>Finally, online gaming = eh. Gameplay speed + button response arenoticeably slower online, requiring a mild adjustment in strategy to compensate. EA's opti-match system, however, is a gem; easy to find an appropriate opponent in no time flat. <
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>In short, a brilliant title laden with a few 'taken with a grain of salt' elements. A great solo or party game in-between World Cup matches, a terrific upgrade over existing FIFA offerings (including Road to the World Cup released earlier this year).

just NOTthe real thing
Ok, it is the world cup, it is a good football game..... but it's just not good enough. Where are the anthums, where is the game warmup. Were is the award ceremony? Shame could have been a great game.. .