World Tour Soccer 06 (demo version)
Gameplay:
The demo is a limited version of World Tour Soccer 06 and it allows you to play as the United States against Mexico in three different modes of play. In each mode, the goal is to earn as many points (not goals) as possible during a match. You are awarded points for scoring goals, successful passes, ball interceptions, being fouled, etc. You also can lose points for bad playing. With the points earned in a match, there are always three different thresholds, where 1000 points may win you a bronze medal, 1500 a silver medal, and 2000 a gold medal. In the full version getting medals for specific matches lead to unlocking access to other matches, modes of play, special all-star teams, and obtaining trophies to add to your collection. In the demo version, the entire point system has no bearing whatsoever, except as a way to gauge how well you did in a match.
The modes included in this demo are classic play, all rounder, and shot clock. In classic play, the game play is as basic as soccer gets. Following the normal rules of soccer you are awarded points for scoring goals, making good passes, intercepting the other team's passes, slide tackles, etc. On the converse side, you lose points for bad passes, fouls, poor tackles, etc. In all rounder, the idea is the same as classic challenge, except that the ball must be passed around to all eleven of your players before a scored goal will count! Shot clock is also like classic challenge, except when you get control of the ball you have fifteen seconds to score a goal. If time expires, the other team takes possession. In the full version the time limit varies per match. You get less and less time as the difficulty increases. Sometimes you have to actually turn the ball over on purpose!
In terms of the actual game play and its representation of soccer, I have some complaints. The controls are relatively easy to figure out, but they take some time getting adjusted to. The demo version has some issues with sensitivity. Far too often I found that commanding the selected player to slide tackle would result in the next highlighted players to do the same. The game will, by default, auto-select the active player as the ball moves across the field and it is not in control by an active player. As the game switches players, sometimes the last button inputted will sometimes take effect (even if you aren't pressing the button anymore!). This becomes increasingly annoying when several of your players across the field randomly try to slide tackle. In the full version, the controls are nowhere near as sensitive. It still happens, but it is easier to control and also beneficial to do so. It can be useful to setup quick reaction plays, i.e. pass the ball and immediately have the next player continue passing the ball to someone else.
Overall, this demo version is worth the few minutes (or few hours depending on your internet connection speed) to download and setup on a Memory Stick Duo. The game is addictive, and while the demo is limited in options and modes, it is still proves to be fun. Fans of sports games will definitely want to look into trying World Tour Soccer 06 out.
Graphics:
Visually this game looks okay. It is clear there was not a lot of time invested in the development of how the game looks. The models are not overly detailed and somewhat rough in appearance. The models during the replay animations offer slightly better detail. The environments are decent in appearance. There is an acceptable level of detail.
Audio:
There is not much to this department. Since this is a demo with limited features, there is no play-by-play commentary and very little sound effects. You will hear the crowd cheer, the referee's whistle, and a few other assorted sound effects.
Conclusion:
When I first downloaded and started playing the demo of World Tour Soccer 06, I could not stop for several days. I enjoyed playing the demo, although in fairness after several days of play, it was getting redundant without the full modes of play and various achievements to strive for. Nonetheless, I enjoyed playing the demo quite a lot and it made me pine for the full version. Overall, if you are looking for a fun, addictive sports game, World Tour Soccer 06 is worth looking into. Be sure to download the demo by clicking on this link and try it out!
A review of the full version can be read here.