Being the main contributor to the sports guide every given week, I find myself rather involved with all aspects of games. If it isn't about the newest edition of NASCAR or the latest Madden, it's probably some dreck like IHRA Drag Racing or any given poker game...not that they're terrible to play. So with that, you have to have some kind of fresh approach to each sport, not necessarily being a fan but not abandoning all your experience with it either. And it's with that I approach the latest soccer offering from EA Sports, who over the years have been giving FIFA fans what they want, both in terms of simulation (the general FIFA games) and arcade (the FIFA Street games).

Soccer's not my favorite sport, but it has garnered a bit of interest from me over the years, namely in Konami's ultra-realistic Winning Eleven games. But that's not to say that EA hasn't been keeping in step with each coming year. In fact, FIFA '06 seems to be their most detailed soccer game yet, with an outpour of offerings that will put given soccer fans into a bit of a frenzy. Is it the next big thing? No, but at least it's not a clumsy fall-back either.

The first thing you'll notice is that the game doesn't take you through a tutorial mode, but rather throws you into a high-importance match-up to kind of introduce you to the control scheme. This may throw off some of those who aren't familiar with the series, but it becomes second nature rather easily. That's because EA Canada has done some fine work with the play engine, utilizing the physics and collision of the players into something that's solid and not just some quick screw-up. The way that these players feel on the field is just right, with the kind of quick speed for running and yet plenty of momentum to get in a quick sliding kick, which may or may not score you a yellow card penalty. There's also bicycle kicks and power kicks, which are better utilized in the game's practice mode until you get the hang of them, as well as passes that are both soft and hard, depending on where you nearby mate is on the field. Sometimes interceptions come into play, but, hey, that's the nature of the sport.

Two things stick out for FIFA '06, in terms of its gameplay. First, the AI is perfectly balanced, not being a total pushover but not being a dominant force like Brazil each time. It's better against friends, to be sure, but if your'e flying stag at least you know that you won't be getting prodded on a 9-0 run by someone like Mexico (unless, of course, you absolutely suck). The second is the utilization of the right analog stick, which comes in handy for those slick dodges on an attempted steal or trying to keep a rogue teammate off you when all you're trying to do is make a clean run for the net. It won't change things like the way other sports games that use the right analog stick do, but, for soccer, it manages.

The game has plenty of substance to back up its gameplay. First of all, it's not just FIFA leagues that are involved, but a number of other international clubs as well, which mixes up the diversity of the matches. If you ever wanted to have a be-all, end-all tournament of the soccer greats, this is probably going to be the ideal place to get it done. Furthermore, the game maintains a rather deep manager mode that will be pure heaven for soccer enthusiasts, allowing you to put together a "perfect" (or not-so-perfect) ball club all your own and maintaining a number of things through drills, management, and more. It probably won't suit the non-soccer fan set, but, hey, if you didn't like soccer, why are you reading the review? Curiosity?

Furthermore, the game is expanded upon with its online play. Both the PS2 and Xbox have full support of online, through a neat feature known as the FIFA Lounge. In here, you can find other players, and then set up your ideal match-ups with rules and possibly cheats put into play. It's a bit better than most lounges, and the gameplay over Xbox Live appears to be smooth and precise, aside from the occasional connection hiccup.

Graphics-wise, EA continues to push the envelope, bringing forth a dazzling array of visuals that is sure to make you happy you're on the field. The players animate beautifully, especially during more complex movements like the bicycle kick I mentioned above. Details are abound in the arenas as well, like crowds that wave flags and cheer for their home team, and even the movement of things like the net and the small impact you leave on the grass. I'm sure these'll see even more advancement in the forthcoming Xbox 360 build of the game, but, for now, this is one good-looking game.

As far as sound, I'm happy to say there's improvement here also. Not only does the game have a withstandable selection of EA Trax for a change with a number of worldwide acts that adds to the diversity of the soundtrack, but there's some new announcing blood on hand as well. Clive Tydsley and Andy Gray provide some great commentary, lively on the details and hardly ever boring (unless, of course, the match you're playing is a real snoozer). It's a nice change of pace from the previous commentary duo. The sound effects are mostly minimal, but they get the job done as well.

I still like Winning Eleven just a bit better, due to the fact that it's grown on me so much, but FIFA '06 is far from a slouch. EA Canada has done most of the work needed to freshen up the game, and it succeeds where previous editions have fallen asleep at the wheel. This is probably going to be as good as it gets for soccer fans this season, so be sure to check it out. And just wait till next year, when FIFA and Winning Eleven take on the opposition on the 360. Boy, talk about your dream match-ups.