FIFA World Cup: Germany 2006

 Xbox 360
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 49 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 49
  3. Negative: 4 out of 49
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  1. Xbox World Australia
    73
    The presentation is absolutely first rate and even though some of the control options I loved from past games are gone, the controls are finely tuned and it's possible to score some awesome goals.
  2. Total Video Games
    70
    Behind the typically lavish gloss and high presentation, 2006 FIFA World Cup really is only for those that need every version of FIFA that EA can squeeze out. The complete lack of innovation in any shape or form results in a game that fails to captivate your interest beyond a handful of games.
  3. GamesRadar+
    70
    Even on the Xbox 360, the only major improvement seems to be in the graphics, which aren't as big an upgrade over the Xbox and PS2 versions as they could be.
  5. Eurogamer
    70
    Luckily for EA, the crucial single-player element really does have a lot going for it, and for once it's possible to consider World Cup as more than simple by-the-numbers cash-in effort.
  6. MS Xbox World
    70
    If you do want to enjoy the World Cup experience though, this is a very competent footy game, just don’t expect football perfection.
  7. VideoGamer
    70
    Gameplay still lags behind the mighty Pro Evolution Soccer in a few areas, but the 'first touch' and 'off the ball' systems continue to impress. Presentation is great as expected, making this the perfect title to celebrate the World Cup with, even if it's not the perfect footy game.
  8. The Sydney Morning Herald
    70
    A fun football simulation for newcomers and the best FIFA of recent years. Even so, competitor "Pro Evolution" still has the virtual World Cup firmly in its grasp.
  9. Gamers' Temple
    70
    Like watching a tie game – fun at times but ultimately unsatisfying
  10. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    70
    It looks great, it's easy to play and there are plenty of game modes to get through. But the loose and clumsy gameplay still has some way to go before it can match the ongoing king of football games, "Pro Evo."
  11. 360 Gamer Magazine UK
    70
    It’s still got gameplay issues but FIFA has never been just about how it plays. Football fans will love this. Not because it’s technically the best football game ever made, but because it can provide an authentic and inspiring experience.
  12. Gaming Age
    67
    The presentation is brilliant, there are more teams..., new modes, and the slowdown has been fixed. Top all of this off with fantastic and engaging gameplay and you have a great soccer title that should hold you off for another six months when EA releases '07.
  13. Planet Xbox 360
    65
    Despite the games many problems it’s not all bad, and the game is better than the previous version (despite the annoyances like not being able to skip substitution scenes), and is still a half-decent football title to play over summer, especially with World Cup fever and a few friends.
  14. PALGN
    60
    When it’s all said and done, 2006 FIFA World Cup has all of the glitz and glamour of the tournament, but lacks the depth and lasting value that most gamers would expect from a football game.
  15. GameSpy
    60
    While it's not the deepest game, it's got enough in the way of modes, including the fairly tough Global Challenge Mode, to keep players going until the next FIFA installment next fall.
  16. Xboxic
    60
    Overall this not a bad game, but it’s short, real short. I’ve worked my national team all the way trough the qualification rounds and won the World Cup in 1 evening. Then it’s just another few days or so before you have everything unlocked, and completed all 40 Global Challenges.
  17. 1UP
    50
    All of the things EA did right with FIFA World Cup 2006 are overshadowed by the simple truth that what should be the most fun part of the game -- having exciting scoring chances -- is completely negated by shoddy game performance near the nets.
  18. GameShark
    50
    2006 FIFA World Cup is truly a game I really want to like. There’s enough in it to play for a while, however the control issues and the terrible, repetitive play by play really bring it down a notch
  19. Xbox Evolved
    50
    It still dosen't match up to Pro Evolution Soccer, but it has improved and become more refined and innovative.

Awards & Rankings

50
#50 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2006
58
#58 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2006

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 33 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 33
  3. Negative: 9 out of 33
  1. WarEagle
    Dec 30, 2012
    0
    This is simply a horrible game. It's a step back from FIFA 06: Road to the World Cup - and isn't even on the same planet as FIFA 07 (which -This is simply a horrible game. It's a step back from FIFA 06: Road to the World Cup - and isn't even on the same planet as FIFA 07 (which - while also flawed - was at least semi-enjoyable to play). Inconsistent control and horribly written AI (your AI stands around and does nothing; while the opponent AI makes perfect 100 yard passes) just kill this game. How to know you've created a bad game? If a person hits a certain sequence of controls and holds them and releases them for exactly the same duration, the same result should occur each time (i.e.: if you hold down the 'a' button for exactly half a second and release it, while running in a straight line towards the opponents goal, and this passes the ball - supposedly in a straight line towards the aforementioned goal - then that pass should travel exactly the same distance and on the same path, each time you hold down that button for exactly the same amount of time. If, though, each time you do that, instead the ball travels in some random direction and goes some random distance, then you have SERIOUSLY created a horrible game).

    Quite literally the worst sports game I have ever played in my life. EA should be horribly ashamed - and should give each owner of this game a refund.    … Full Review »
  2. JeffA.
    Jun 30, 2006
    10
    Superb game. All the thrills and action of the FIFA World Cup. Truly next gen graphics melded with excellent gameplay and great control make Superb game. All the thrills and action of the FIFA World Cup. Truly next gen graphics melded with excellent gameplay and great control make 2006 FIFA World Cup a must have game.… Full Review »
  3. MisterB.
    Jun 21, 2006
    3
    Some of the likenesses are impressive, but not breath taking. The gameplay is simply unforgivable, it doesn't feel that you have any Some of the likenesses are impressive, but not breath taking. The gameplay is simply unforgivable, it doesn't feel that you have any control over where your shots are being directed and the AI doesn't make intelligent runs down the wing etc. like you would expect from a superior title like Pro Evo. The fact this has come out so soon after 'Road to the World Cup' is an extra slap in the face.… Full Review »
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