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Soccer is the world's sport. That fact has been shoved down our American throats to the point of gagging, but still we fight it. It's boring, we yell. The high-riding shorts are dorky, we exclaim. Yet the bulk of the globe continues to be enamored, and EA continues to bring out soccer video games -- so many, in fact, that 2006 FIFA World Cup marks the second one in the very young life of the Xbox 360.

Catching The Fever

So, why another game so soon? Little did we know EA would take themselves so literally. Last holiday season's FIFA Soccer 06 Road to 2006 FIFA World Cup was just that -- a road. FIFA World Cup gives you a larger roster of international teams, all of which can make it to -- and win -- the big show in Germany. This game shows how truly global the sport is, and hopes to hook in a few Americans on its journey.

Every aspect of FIFA World Cup is trying to sell you on soccer. The pre-game rituals are grandiose and epic -- with throngs of spectators moving in unison, tossing confetti down on their beloved footy players. You, however, will skip the precession after two or three viewings. The arena erupts whenever the balls gets close to the goal. It's as if the fans are screaming to you, "Yes, American; soccer is exciting!" It's hard not to get a little caught up in the frenzy, which is like the NCAA basketball tournament times 1000.

Kickin' Around

The play, of course, is the thing that will make us cheer or jeer. 2006 FIFA World Cup gives you more passes than a nightclub 10 minutes before closing time. Dish clip-throughs, low crosses, one-two passes and plenty of fakes. However, you may find your alter ego inexplicably (and frustratingly) dishing off to the wrong teammate -- or worse, right into the waiting feet of an opponent.

The rest of the gameplay seems designed for the novice. Shooting is simplified to the point where you need only tap the shoot button for the desired effect. Anything more, and you'll likely overshoot your mark. The game auto-switches defenders to keep you near the ball, almost too often. It's as if FIFA World Cup is guiding you through a game of soccer, rather than giving you full control. Much of these things can be tweaked and adjusted to your preference, but the default settings should really be a little more balanced.

Playing defense is odd in that there aren't many ways to steal the ball; even sprinting up to the ballhandler can get you a foul, and tackles are rarely executed without the ref's whistle. The AI plays right up the difficulty level you set, which means all skill levels will find a decent challenge. Goalies are particularly enjoyable to watch work their magic.

Player attributes are highly specialized, giving each person on the field their own unique feel. The discriminating gamer will use this to their advantage, as well as a host of tactics to select. The rest of us will just inch our way toward the goal, close our eyes, and hope the shot hits the net.

Long View

The camera is pulled back too far to really appreciate the graphical detail of the game -- by necessity, of course. However, when something happens, you'll get an up-close and personal eyeful of the players. Models look good, with distinguishing facial features and realistic hair. Honestly, the collision could be a little better, as sometimes replays show just how far the player's foot was away from the ball. As stated above, the most stunning part of the graphics are used to give each game that big-ticket presentation.

Wearing Just A Cup

Away from the World Cup, the mode selection is extremely slim. Sure, you can play online and in exhibition games, but the fact that there are so few game types in both this and FIFA 2006 makes you wonder why EA didn't just combine them into one mammoth release. Of course, neither one has GM Mode or the FIFA Lounge. FIFA World Cup does offer replay in other ways, however, like a virtual passport and plenty of point-rewarding objectives -- which are then used to buy new uniforms or classic players.

For the second time in under a year, EA fails to impress with a next-gen football game. 2006 FIFA World Cup comes off as a quick cash-in to make a fast buck before the big event in Germany this June. It's still missing thrilling gameplay and enough modes for gamers to sink their teeth into -- gamers, by the way, who will have shelled out $120 for two half-assed soccer games in the span of six months. That's no way to warm us up to the sport, EA.