FIFA Soccer 06 (Xbox, 2005)

I think EA sports did a great job with this one.

One thing I look for in a sports sim is not just game play but managing ability too. This game truly combines the two. Whether you like just playing or managing a team to build a dynasty - this game has it all.

This game will take a bit getting used to but once you figure it out - man is the game play great. You can see the details on the players and the field and the commentating is pretty decent (doesn't get too repetitious as other games do). I like the realistic passing - not every pass is a sure thing and the ability to change playing style (counter attack, etc) on the fly. Scoring goals isn't a gimme but it just makes it better.

Managing - this is where EA excels. As a coach you have a good amount of control. From emails from your owners about ticket pricing to scouting and handling your staff - its great. Your are gauged not just by wins but by revenue so you have to make smart decisions on all aspects of it.

IMHO - One true test is how addictive a game is even months after you buy it and this is one such game. I continue to play it and enjoy it even a few months after buying it.

The Tournament setup is neat. You can create your own tournmanet (international teams or just club teams) and setup the groups etc. A very nice feature.

**BUT the one BIG missing piece is that there is no world cup tournament by default. You can't just select and play qualifiers and get to the world cup and play. That was a BIG miss on EA's part. You can play a single friendly game and create a WORLD cup tournament using the tournament setup but there isn't one by default, which kinda takes away from it.

I alsow would have liked to see the ability to manage the international teams but maybe there is less to that so they didn't include it.

I highly recommend this game despite the missing world cup tourney feature.

Disclaimer: I am an eBay employee and this review is my own opinion and is not written on behalf of eBay. This review does not reflect the views of my employer nor is it endorsed by them.