The world cup fever is on As is evident from this game. In 2006 FIFA World Cup, EA puts a checkmark on almost every aspect that you would want in a soccer game, making this year?s title the most complete World Cup game yet. Traditionally, these games lacked depth, usually featuring only 32 national teams in the final stages of the Cup. But now EA is set to change all that.

Not only does the game feature the 32 teams that made it to Germany, it also includes other teams that have participated such as Turkey. You can either start right from the finals or from the qualifying rounds of each region. There are two dozen unlockable classic players that can be inserted onto the bench of their respective national teams. There?s also the global challenge, a mode that takes you back to 40 classic World Cup moments and let?s you relive the glory. The only real knock here is that you relive classic moments with current players.

The FIFA Lounge, the excellent multiplayer setup for FIFA 06, makes its World Cup debut here as well. Online play includes single matches and tournaments. There are bouts of lag here and there and the speed does dip occasionally, but the online experience isn?t seriously affected.

The first thing you?ll notice is that the game speed has increased, and it?s a change for the better. There is plenty of innovation here, mostly while featuring the star players and the penalties. Denoted by a star above their heads, star players take over the game in a variety of ways. Playing to the strengths of the stars increases your chances of winning. Penalty kicks are more fun than ever. Opposing goalies are now able to jump and move to confuse the shooters.

Visually, the game looks good. With smooth animations, recognisable player models, cutscenes and the entire ambience, 2006 Fifa World Cup really shines. The players show real emotion after a goal and break into a variety of dances. The background and presentation are outstanding. The UK announcing duo of Clive Tyldesley and Andy Townsend raises the bar in terms of soccer commentary.

The only thing missing is a manager mode. You can go through the qualifying rounds that start way back in 2004, but a lot can happen in those two years. Still, EA does a very good job of including the entire World Cup roster as well as a list of real reserve players, with 40-plus players on each squad.

2006 FIFA World Cup is a delightful celebration of soccer. The official German stadiums, all the teams you could want and a variety of game modes make it all the more exciting. EA has put together its most solid soccer gameplay experience yet.

Minimum System Requirements: Operating System: Windows 98/2000/ME/XP, processor: 1.3 GHz or higher, RAM: 256 MB or higher, free hard disk space: 2.7 GB or higher, video card: 32 MB or higher