FIFA 06 Road to FIFA World Cup Xbox 360

A new season of Premiership football has begun, and with the fully monied up Abramovich and his almost all conquering Chelski team doing their best to break our beloved national league, there's every chance you'll be looking for some digital escapism. Fortunately, it's about this time every year that good ole EA likes to reissue its own season ticket to the ever increasing amount of revenue generated by the country's favourite football game FIFA. At least, on other platforms it is. But the Xbox 360 is getting something a little bit different. It's no secret that EA is extremely fond of making the most of its licenses when a big international event pops up. Both at the last footie World Cup and at the rugby World Cup they did their darnedest to capitalise with big related releases at the same time. If you're into football it won't have escaped your notice that the World Cup Finals are taking place in Germany next year, and to that end, everybody's favourite industry sauropod is making a tie in exclusive to the shiny Microsoft megabox. No doubt it's all to do with the industry's big players promising MS exclusive content for its new machine. But let's not worry about the politics behind the decision. What you need to know is that here's an all singing, all dancing tribute to the world's favourite four yearly footie fete that just like the tournament itself you don't even have to leave your sofa to enjoy. Leveraging the full force of the mighty 360, EA brings you huge stadiums heaving with fans, all rendered in 3 fantastic dimensions the dream is here. They haven't just spent time on the background though players look better than ever, with facial expressions that change, as well as textures showing their strips and athletic physiques better than you've seen before. There are no less than 1,700 fully licensed players, so you can drink it the details Ronaldinho's flowing, grease laden locks, Luis Figo's proud, stubbly chin, David Beckham's carefully considered hairstyle, Ruud van Nistelroy's dog like tongue, Thierry Henry's woolly gloves and Wayne Rooney's extraordinary face. Like its siblings on lesser, tired old consoles, you've got the best EA's Canadian team can offer with new tricks, and the ability to change your team's tactics in mid move. More football joy for your new toy.