Video Game Buttons Blog

August 23, 2006

FIFA ‘07 and Pro Evolution Soccer 6 will be next-generation console exclusive to Microsoft for twelve months, Microsoft revealed at a press event in Leipzig.  Officials also announced the November 3, 2006 release of Xbox 360 in Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, and the Czeck Republic, as well as the September 29th South African release and the October 21st release in China and India.  This is a big boost for Microsoft internationally, especially in soccer-hungry Europe.

Microsoft confirmed specific bundle deals and release dates for the Xbox Live Vision camera (for more info. on this, read videogamebuttons.com’s August 21, 2006 blog), which enables players to chat via video, customize their game tag for Xbox Live, put their faces in the game, and send photo messages.  The camera will be available in the U.S. on September 29th, and in Europe on October 6th.

August 4, 2006

For FIFA ‘07, Electronic Arts really gets you in the game with the inception of the game’s Interactive League.  Very cool.  You simply enter Xbox Live as a fan of your respective team, and the game matches you up with a fan of a rival team.  Wins and losses from everyone playing around the world are tallied, and the winningest team (worldwide!) gets 3 points for the Interactive League standings.  This is almost better than real soccer; if your team is getting thrashed, don’t cry about it or start a riot.  Get online, slidetackle somebody, score some goals, and help your team pick up 3 points.  Individual wins for each team are tracked, and the top 100 players for each team are displayed.