FIFA releases are a big deal, but not because people are expecting leaps and bounds in progression from game to game, but because we all want the latest FIFA game with the right team lineups and with slightly more realistic-looking players.
So why have EA fiddled with the perfect formula? The major difference between FIFA 14 and it’s predecessor is that FIFA 14 has sacrificed gameplay fluidity for even more “realism”, in the form of their so-called “Precision Movement”. EA’s obsession with creating a football simulator is the only thing that’s kept rival football title Pro Evolution Soccer in existence.
At times, players in FIFA 14 feel as though they are playing with the early symptoms of arthritis, particularly when they’re in pursuit of a moving ball or engaging in tackles (playing football). Clumsy challenges, over/under-run passes, being tackled by YOUR OWN PLAYERS and baffling ball control takes a little getting used to and at times can be frustrating, particularly when it leads to goals. But in FIFA 14’s defence, real life football is full of mishaps and unpredictability so perhaps the niggles I’ve highlighted are actually intended features – who knows.
On The Ball
But with all that said, there certainly are some improvements, when shooting it’s a lot easier to pull off what you intend instead of blasting the ball into the stands every other shot, you can score some pretty spectacular goals with relative ease as the ball feels more responsive and well-weighted.
Computer AI seems to be tighter for the most part, anticipating your every move with a little more intelligence than previous showings, save for the odd lapses in logic that cause random odd behaviour, such as your own players apparently forgetting they’ve tackled the opposition and instead of chasing the ball that they’ve won, they back off. But the rest of the time, players make really good runs when your in attack and seem to organise themselves much better in defence, rushing in to close off runs that you haven’t even seen yet which is good, and takes some of the pressure off defensive situations.
…career mode really shines as you hire up to six scouts based on their ratings and send them out in search of the next Neymar!”
Player interaction is solid, tackles are less likely to lead to fouls, and it seems you can jockey your opponents a little more before the referee will blow up and give away a free kick, which is good because it allows the game to be a much more physical experience. The stadium environments (crowd, pitch, weather etc.) all look a little richer and benefit from small details but we’re hoping NextGen will push the bar even further. Animations between plays are improved by players responding to the urgency of the game, for example, when approaching the end of the half, players will chase the ball into touch to get a throw-in off quicker.
The commentary seems a little sharper too, although at times they refer to random players and injuries that aren’t even involved in play which can throw you a little.
Off The Pitch
Career mode gives you the chance to take control as player and manager (same old), as a player you’re focussing on building your skills in-game and communicating with your agent whilst off the pitch. You can choose to play as just that one player in matches or control the whole team.
Management in career mode is a much more demanding experience where you will need to manage wage bills, cultivate a productive academy programme and keep your board happy by meeting specified targets. The global scouting network adds a further layer of depth to the mix and is where career mode really shines as you hire up to six scouts based on their ratings and send them out in search of the next Neymar. You specify exactly the type of player(s) you’re looking for and they’ll deliver reports on how much they’re worth and how likely they are to join your team if approached.
Ultimate Team places a lot of emphasis on player and team chemistry, encouraging you to play players in their preferred positions and linked to players from they’re native language speaking countries. It’s a good feature and plays out interestingly but at the same time it feels a little rigid and should consider more parameters for chemistry than the basic approach taken here.
We didn’t get a chance to get our teeth into the Online mode but it seems relatively unchanged from last time with 11v11, co-op seasons, ranked exhibitions and various other previous options all still available. Online points can then be used to buy in-game perks such as skill points, kits and celebrations.
Verdict
FIFA is still the undoubted king of couch football, despite some slightly irritating gameplay niggles (intend or unintended), you’ll get used to them and learn to laugh them off.
Improved shooting and the game’s ludicrous levels of depth protect EA’s FIFA Football reputation as one of the greatest sports gaming franchises ever, and will no doubt be loved by fans of the game as well as newcomers.
RATING
4.5 out of 5
