FIFA Soccer 06

"Unlike Pro Evolution 5 for PSP, at least there is commentary. But still some key features missing."

FIFA 06 is the first soccer game to come out for the Nintendo DS system, and I must say, I was pretty impressed when I first picked it up. Unlike the Gameboy Advance versions of FIFA, the DS version is in 3-D, and features good graphics which are more then good enough to be able to see what is going on and to enjoy the game, couldn't have asked for any better really; as there is no particular need.

The sound is also pretty good, from the cheering of the crowd, to the referee's whistle. There is also commentary, which was absent from the PSP Soccer game Pro Evolution 5. The commentary is pretty good, but after a while you hear the same comments repeatedly, as there is not much variety involved.

Now…so far so good. But this is the part where the game goes down from being a 9, to a 7. A lot of key features are missing… You cannot do any transfers, which is a big miss in this sort of game, also little things like create your own player are also gone, and there is no practice mode, so you can't pick a position and try a free kick, or do penalties for fun, or play a 2 against 11 match, and things like that. But the most hitting of all is the absence of an indoor stadium. I'm personally one of the fans that think FIFA 99 was the best, followed by 98…and it went downhill from there. Another major concern is that the players get tired way to easily, which stops you from pressing the run button pretty quickly. But this game does give it some hope, and bring things up a little bit, at least for the portable version

The multiplayer isn't too bad, as you can play against a friend with only one cartridge, which is a nice little feature. I had a lot of fun playing against a friend myself. Quite cool if you have friends with a DS.

So overall, I say don't buy this game just yet. It isn't worth full price. If you are a soccer fan, then either wait for FIFA World Cup 2006 (at least it's this but updated a little), or if you can wait even longer, wait for FIFA 07. You know it's coming, and for all we know it might have Wi-Fi. But by all means, if you see this game for cheap, then pick it up.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 04/11/06