Unlockable content overload
2006 FIFA World cup offers plenty of unlockable content, far too much in fact. You’ll unlock new footballs, old players, boots, kits and settings by doing very little. After my first match I unlocked a number of items just by scoring a goal, not receiving a yellow card, and not receiving a red card! We all love unlockables, but surely you should have to achieve them. Nevertheless, it is kind of exciting waiting to see what you’ve managed to unlock at the end of each game.
Click for larger image
Click for larger imageWorld Cup mode is the real reason why you’ve bought the game and you’ll begin by choosing whether to start your journey to World cup glory through the qualifying rounds or by skipping to the group stages. You’ll have the option to randomise the groups or hand pick the teams you would like to see in the finals, it’s always nice to be able to invite our Scottish neighbours to the party, just so we can thrash them.
If you know anything about football the qualifying groups will be self-explanatory. You’ll be able to manage your team, scout opponents, view headlines from the other teams and even set up friendly matches.
The excellent menu layout and the overall presentation of World cup mode ensures that you’ll have access to all the stats, without having to navigate through numerous pages to find the relevant information. The presentation and layout of the menus throughout the qualifiers and World cup stages are consistent, and far less frustrating than many of the sport’s games on the market (just take a look at Top Spin 2 and you’ll see what I mean.)