FIFA 06

At the time of its release, FIFA 06 seemed fresher and brighter than its predecessors. This feeling was created by the improved graphics, which was really surprising at the beginning. The player models, stadiums and effects looked more detailed, which made the first few matches more visually exciting. However, over time, this innovation quickly became boring, and the gameplay began to seem too familiar and even "tertiary". It felt like, in fact, we were looking at the same product as in previous years, with minor changes. There's no need to hide it. Now, decades later, it is safe to say that the creators often practice this approach, slightly improving both the graphics and mechanics in the games of the series.

Obviously, the "electronics" have found their niche, releasing another part of the game with updated compositions and a couple of cosmetic improvements. After all, why change a lot of things that already make a lot of money when it's enough to slightly update the image and interface?

Nevertheless, FIFA 06 has offered several innovations. Ball control has become much more responsive and realistic, which made it possible to control feints and passes more accurately. This is especially noticeable in fast attacks and dribbling, where the physics have become more predictable and smooth. However, the AI of the goalkeepers, on the contrary, left much to be desired. Sometimes it seemed that even in the simplest situations, the ball catchers acted clumsily and slowly, which often led to offensive goals.

Another interesting innovation is the ability to choose a sponsor for your team in career mode. This seemed to add a little depth to the club's management and strategic approach, where financial decisions became a little more significant. However, like most innovations, this mechanics also seemed superficial over time.

The game also offered a couple dozen real-life stadiums and a wide selection of teams, which gave a lot of variety in tournaments. There were existing players, coaches and clubs here.

My career has become more interesting. After all, now it was proposed to start not with the club that you choose yourself, but with a limited number of teams at a lower level than your favorite grandees. But depending on how you proved yourself as a coach, it depended on whether you would be offered a bigger club. There were interesting mechanics related to staff leveling. Each improvement required spending money, but gave one or another profit. For example, by improving the stadium staff, they became bigger and attracted additional banknotes at the expense of more spectators.

The team's teamwork feature was noticeable. Each new season started with a noticeable imbalance of the team. And it was felt. However, over time, if victories followed victories, then it became easier to play. The players played and it was easier to manage them.

To summarize, "FIFA 06" is a game that balances on the edge between familiarity and minor improvements. Visually, it's one step ahead, but in terms of gameplay, it's still the same product that players have seen for years. For fans of the series, the toy will be another pleasant sequel, but for those who are looking for real innovations, "FIFA 06" will not bring many amazing moments. However, I clearly remember that I fully lived to see the next iteration of FIFA, and then it started spinning again. And the score is high, probably just because I liked to drive the ball on the computer and a lot of things suited me then.

8 out of 10.