While the Treble mode is a good first start, some might feel that it wasn't enough to warrant a purchase.
User Rating: 7.7 | UEFA Champions League 2006-2007 PS2
Let me get out the biggest problem I have with UEFA Champions League 2006-07 is that while it has the UEFA license, it doesn't use it to its full capacity. You'll notice from the beginning if you decide to play the Tournament mode that while it contains all the teams from this season's line-up, the Eastern European teams other than Levski Sofia are not licenced. So if you happen to be a Spartak Moskva (like myself) or CSKA Moskva fan, than you are out of luck. They are in the game, but they are not set up with their real names or logo. Also, the selection of rest of Europe selection is pretty slim. While you do have a few Greek teams, the rest of europe is filled with non-licenced teams. Even Shaktar Donetsk, which has been licenced in the past. Another problem is that Sparta Prague, which is a decent club, didn't qualify for the Champions League or the qualifying stage. This omission of a more elaborate Rest of Europe selection will disappoint a few people, especially myself, as I was in Belgrade when Red Star Belgrade missed out on the Champions League to Milan. Now that I've gotten that off my chest, let me now talk about the game itself. From the get go this game is definitely going to be used as the mold for the last FIFA game on the PS2. The graphics and sound are similar to FIFA 07 and it doesn't seem like it will get any better. The gameplay hasn't changed much either. The game still has the same great FIFA gameplay, which if you've already grown to love will be really used to. Yes, you still have the problems of defensive player selection and sometimes the analog control isn't as responsive as it could be, but for the most part, if you've played any other FIFA game, you'll be right at home. The most notable addition to the gameplay is the addition of the quick play option. By tapping the L1 button, you can quickly take free-kicks, goal-kicks or corners. It's a lot like in real soccer where teams will rush to take re-start the ball in the hopes of catching their opposition out of position. It works pretty well on the throw-ins, you don't really notice any real advantage on kick-ins or free-kicks. While it still will need a bit of tweaking, in the future, it should work out well.
The next big addition to the game is the new Treble Mode. In this 'story' you essentially get to take your favorite club (from either England, Spain, Germany, France or Italy) and have them win the treble (League, Cup and Champions League). While this is great, once you get into the game, you'll be surprised how restricted you are. Unlike the old manager mode, where you are in complete control from start to finish, in The Treble, you play it out like a story and you are given a lot of rules and objectives you must complete. For example, your second match a player of yours will get injured and you have to buy a new one (I played as both Chelsea and Schalke and in both situations during my game I lost a key defender and had to buy a new one). The mode is set up where you have to endure a lot of difficult situations in order to help your team achieve the treble. This will probably detract a few who will just want to win it easy, but if you enjoy challenges, then this will be really enjoyable for you. Another quirk that might give you a hard time with the treble mode is that you will end up having to sell a star player from your team. With Chelsea, you'll have to Sell Sheva in January, but with the money you get for him, you'll be able to get a decent star (I bought Ronaldinho with the cash). It's kind of disapointing since that kind of change wouldn't happen mid-season.
If you're looking for a decent soccer title that will bide your time before the next FIFA, than Champions League is a decent title. This is the next to last Soccer title for the system and hopefully with the work done on this title that FIFA 08 will be a great final game. At a discount price, you can't go wrong with buying this game, but be prepared to not be knocked off your feet.
