FIFA 07 review

FIFA 07 for the Xbox 360 will simultaneously delight and infuriate soccer fans around the world. Those of us that have played the superb Xbox and PS2 versions are likely spoiled by its excellence, and will find the 360 version lacking in some degrees. If you haven't stepped on the virtual pitch for a couple of seasons, though, chances are you won't be as bummed this go-around.

For starters, on the field it's damn near the best-looking soccer game you've ever played. The matches unfold in crisp high-definition, with the slickest player models yet. The throngs in the stands, though, are ugly cardboard-cutout masses of drones that detract from the visual beauty (why couldn't the Madden crowd art be used?). Some of the changes in the core gameplay are welcome and significant - ball physics sure seem to be stepped up a few notches, as the ball no longer seems bungie-corded to the feet of the dribbler, but (gah!) our beloved Trick Stick is a thing of the past.