Though FIFA world cup is over, but you can feel the magic once again. Thanks mainly to the Fifa Soccer / Football 2006 / 06 for PlayStation 2. You can be a forward, defender or as a matter of fact manager and guide your team to an ultimate glory.

The best part about FIFA 2006 is its intense nature and realistic soccer action. As is the case with any professional footballer, just get out on the pitch and test your skill. Menu is well laid out, clear and easy to read.

Gameplay options in 2006 FIFA World Cup include fast matches, online play, practice sessions, and penalty shoot-outs. The presentation especially in the World Cup mode is exceptional. Before the start of match, you'll see a camera, and then the atmosphere of actual football stadium being created with the help of fans armed with streamers, confetti, and balloons.

The player animations are superb. The question now arises: How to beat the opponent? The answer of this question is pretty much straightforward. As every player on the field has a handful of skill moves at his disposal, you'll find that good use of the excellent first-touch controls along with passes, through balls, and dummies are the best option to win the match. But all is not well, one of the annoying things about the game is that it will automatically take you to your first match as a manager, which results in you losing on the transfer of the players during an off season.

The backbone of any video game -Graphics is of pretty high order most of the time but make crucial lapses at times, such as when the ball goes in, but doesn't register as a goal, or doesn't go in but is registered as a goal.

Option like Match of the day and virtual slow motion is a pretty good innovation. The kits and licenses are almost perfect. Overall, a must buy if you are a football enthusiast.

Rating: 9/10