FIFA 2006

For years, FIFA was the football game of choice for most gamers. International Superstar Soccer was always around but FIFA was the title that sold millions of copies every year. Over the past few years this has changed though, Pro Evolution Soccer (the 'evolution' of ISS) has decimated FIFA's market share by providing football fans with an experience more like real football. Last year's battle between Pro Evolution Soccer 4 and FIFA 05 was a fierce one but Pro Evolution came out on top by simply being more fun to play. That may all change though as EA Sports are introducing a whole raft of new features in FIFA 06 which look set to turn the battle between Pro Evolution and FIFA into full-on warfare.

The 'theme' of FIFA this year is the 'Midfield Maestro' which suggests that EA Sports are trying to tighten up the passing system in FIFA. With increased ball control systems and animation, you should be able to pick out passes which will leave opposition defenders wondering what just happened. For those of us who don't follow the round ball game as much as I do, a 'Midfield Maestro' is likely to be the player in your team who pulls all the strings. He will drop back to defend when need be and drive the team forward when attacking. Someone like Frank Lampard or Patrick Vieira would be considered 'Midfield Maestros.'

Through balls have been tweaked so that you will now be able to control the weight of the pass which you try to thread through defenders. There was a similar system in FIFA 2002, which in my opinion was the best FIFA title in years. Improved physics will also help the game feel much smoother and ball shielding has been added so that you will be able to hold on to the ball longer and wait to deliver that killer final pass.

As far as extras go, EA Sports have added in a 'Juggling' mini-game which should bring back fond memories of California Games and its 'Footbag' mode, well if you are old enough to remember that game anyway. It should add an extra bit of competition to the game. EA Sports have also added a 'FIFA Lounge-mode' which will let players sit around challenging mates over a few beers. This is a welcome addition as sports games are always great when you have some mates around. You can set up competitions and try and find out who is the best player between up to eight of your mates.

The game also features an all new 'Manager Mode' which promises to bring even more depth to the franchise mode in the game. You'll be able to control your club's budget, manage coaching staff and decide on tactical formations. You'll be able to scour the transfer market too in an attempt to locate star players of the future.

Online play will once again be present on the PlayStation 2, Xbox and PC while the PSP version of the game will feature WiFi play as well as the ability to update your teams and download the latest data via WiFi. The FIFA Interactive World Cup is set to make another appearance too so you'll be able to challenge players from all over the world.

The soundtrack will again be an eclectic collection of music from around the world. Oasis, Royksopp, The Rakes, LCD Soundsystem, Doves and even Bloc Party, my favourite band from this year. FIFA's presentation is always second to none, and this year looks to be no different.

Whether FIFA 06 will reclaim glory for the series is yet to be seen. EA Sports have a massive battle on their hands with Pro Evolution Soccer 5. Blood will be spilt this year as the battle becomes more vicious than ever. Check out our reviews on both FIFA and Pro Evolution later this year.