EA Sports lives up to expectations in another exceptional version of its FIFA franchise.
A new soccer season means its time for the new FIFA video game. As always fans awaited anxiously for news about the latest updates and features. This year’s version has again built upon last year’s features, making more adjustments to player movement, graphics, and more. I have broken down this year’s game into three key categories of graphics, gameplay, and realism. Each category has its own unique features that make this year’s FIFA another must-buy for soccer fans across the country.
GRAPHICS:
First things first, the first thing anyone looks for when opening up their new copy of FIFA is the improved graphics. Even though demoed on a PlayStation 3, EA made some noticeable improvements. Something players will be able to pick up immediately is the attention to the players in the game. When you select Wayne Rooney it looks as close to Rooney as you can get without it being a picture. The build of Lionel Messi is remarkable accurate to the real Messi. Also with player movement, that has taken the next step forward. In gameplay up to this point, while running there are no longer players running like they are peddling on a bike, or goalie dives where in one frame their arms go from the ground to in the air blocking a shot. It is an extremely smooth running game with minimal to no glitches.
Secondly, as a returning fan of the FIFA franchise, I find it exciting to see the continued effort to make the playing environment more lifelike. By this I mean when reviewing a play in instant replay, the fans have an actual three-dimensional body all the way into the upper decks. It was always worth a chuckle when watching pixilated blocks in the past jump up and down cheering for their favorite teams. The same can be said for the additions to the pitch. Advertising boards are now clear and legible and can actually serve as advertisement for EA and their brands. Something minimal is that the mics and cameras behind the goal look like they could actually be providing the instant replay on gameplay. For the true diehard fans of soccer they will get enjoyment from the smallest of upgrades to make every game feel more important.
Last but not least for graphics were stadium improvements. Something I was ecstatic about with FIFA 15 was the addition of all 20 Premier League club stadiums to the game, along with other key stadiums across the globe. Nothing was more frustrating then playing a mid-table club in FIFA and getting sent to a generic stadium. Villa Park, the Stadium of Light, Britannia Stadium and others are now integrated into the game. EA spent a lot of time checking each stadium for accuracy and you can tell that when playing the game. Finally to wrap up this section, EA spent the time to improve its stadium chants as well. Hearing the fans sing in support of their club is one of the best features of European soccer.
GAMEPLAY:
Moving along we will now dive into the gameplay of FIFA 15. Nothing drastic has been added or taken out of the game, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. EA has a pretty accurate feel and authenticity to its players. EA has mostly adjusted how players react on the ball when on the go. I was pleased to see that when running full speed then trying to make a quick cut, I was actually able to accomplish this without turning the ball over. Just a simple tap of the joystick and players are able to turn, on a moment’s notice. It truly allows players of high ratings to dominate possession as they would in a real match.
The next adjustment EA made was no longer is the game just about speed. For the past several editions of the FIFA games, any player who was fast was able to take over a game. I know I would put in players from the youth squad that were rated in the 60s, but due to their speed were beating the likes of Sergio Ramos, Pique, or Mats Hummels. Physicality counts in this year’s FIFA. Playing as Manchester United during free play, Angel Di Maria was amazing on ball, but once I tried running into the Manchester City defense, I got stopped immediately. This will force players to pass and strategize more then ever before, something many have been waiting for for many years.
Last under gameplay enhancements are the new precision set piece controls. During the mini games before each game, I was impressed by how much bend I was able to achieve during free kicks. In the past I know I felt like I was pushing the joystick through the controller just to make the ball move at all. Players that are able to curve the ball well will make a much larger impact in this year’s edition of FIFA. These new controls also fall over into regular gameplay. It caught me off guard the first couple games when I would cross to the far side of the pitch, but the ball would not go to who I wanted. It was so accurate when following where I was aiming that I would pass to someone twenty yards over. This will force players to again step their game up to become masters of FIFA.
REALISM:
One of the more important categories in my eyes for annual FIFA players is the realism and context of the game. Through the different new features listed above EA has again improved on the realness of its FIFA franchise. The ability to feel like you are taking part in a local derby or the Champions Cup final is what fans of the game love. The only problem I continuously have with the FIFA franchise is the ridiculously inflated transfer prices. Just to test it, before I downloaded the most up-to-date rosters, I attempted to purchase players to the teams they actually went to. I found that the game was asking for some players five to ten million more for players rated between 80-89. When getting into the high 80 rankings, some players went for almost 20 million more then what their actual worth is. In all honesty, this is the lone problem I have with the FIFA games as a whole. If that’s my sole problem, then there really is not that much to worry about. Overall, between the upgraded passing to the new physicality standards this years FIFA lives up to the hype. I am excited to dig in deeper and begin my annual process of taking a club from the bottom of the English tier system and make them Champions Cup winners.
In the end FIFA 15 is a must-buy for any soccer fan out there. I know my friends and I will spend many fall evenings battling it out in my living room to dind out who is the best FIFA player. Between the player and manager modes, not to mention the online mode, there are hours of entertainment at your fingers. Enjoy!
