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Fifa 06 is the latest edition in the long-running Fifa
series. Now having been running for more than ten years, annual
updates became interjected with “special event” releases and
eventually, now with well over twenty renditions, a new release or
update every three months. Fifa is a very powerful franchise
even though, of late, the actual updates the game features other
than the correct names and extended league information has become
limited… but Fifa 06 promises to challenge that
preconception.
This years release follows Fifa 2005’s effort for
aggressive on and off-the-ball control and incorporates a brand new
tackling, guarding and dribbling system, whilst the biggest revamp
seems to be the Free Kick set-up. Going back to the franchises
roots, the Free Kick requires you to stop
the  power bar in the blue area when shooting for the most accuracy.
Push forward on the right Analogue Stick to increase the trajectory
of the shot, pull back on the Analogue Stick to decrease the
trajectory. Lofted shots with a higher trajectory have a slower
velocity and are easier to stop, while a lower trajectory will have
increased speed and be harder for the goalkeeper to stop but will
be less likely to clear the defensive wall. Tactical play now seems
to be the order of the day, as Fifa trades-in its
traditional “anyone can bash the buttons” style development for
Pro Evolution Soccer’s more calculated approach.
Graphically, obviously, this is the best presentation of a Fifa
title to date. The players, for the best part, remain totally
distinguishable and the animation is superb. The weather crackles
as the rain  begins to pour or in the brilliant shine solar glare
may interfere with may briefly.
Whether or not this Fifa escapade will better all the
previous attempts remains to be seen and, whether or not EA can
outdo Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer 5 too is doubtful.
However, the Fifa franchise has an uncanny ability to grab
fans quickly, easily and unremorsefully, and for this reason alone
that title is garmented a spot in the Top 10.
Fifa 06 is currently expected to launch on all three home
consoles on September 30th, 2005, and on PSP on October 21st, 2005.
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Each of these articles has been written
either independently of Electronic Theatre or by an external viewer. The opinions
discussed in these articles in no way reflects the opinions of Electronic Theatre.
If you wish to inquire about pricing of any titles
for these formats not listed on this site, drop me a line at kjoyce@electronictheatre.co.uk |
