EA is implementing many other changes outside of the gameplay experience, like the improved career mode, instructions during the game to educate newcomers about what to do in various situations, new Skill Games, and several other minor details. The demo itself didn't allow us to properly explore these and other elements, but we already have a good idea of what we can expect in the most important area.
The key difference between the two is that FUT Draft is pay-to-play. There is an entry fee of 15,000 Coins or 300 FIFA Points. Coins are earned through playing FIFA naturally, but that’s still an opportunity cost to participate, while the “points” are purchased through the marketplace. For all intents and purposes, each cycle with FUT Draft costs the equivalent of $2.67, and that’ll only get you one match with the drafted team should you lose the first before having to start all over again.
Shooting hasn’t undergone any significant changes as far as I can tell. Body position, timing, and player attributes all play their part. If I had to pick any area of concern with shooting, I’d say that manual shooting lacks some oomph. However, this can be remedied offline with sliders. A few years ago one of the major complaints with FIFA was goal variety. Too often it seemed like you would see the same goals over and over again; the dreaded 2-on-1 tap-in or even worse, the angle finesse shot into the upper right/left-hand corner.
Cynics would say this inclusion is purely a move for those US dollars, capturing the sizable female soccer audience within the States. However the decision was reached by EA, it’s an important step. The gameplay differs a little from the standard men’s matches and ultimately offers a greater level of enjoyment. Predictably, the ladies game is less reliant on pace and power, with a more technical emphasis. Because of that, weaving attacking moves is much more fun.
Although there is a marked improvement on goalkeepers, they aren’t perfect, and for the sake of realism, nor should they be. Heading the ball is a lot more challenging. Defenders are stronger than before and even if you make connection with your head to the ball, it won’t bullet into the top corner on the first time of asking. You really have to battle to get any chance of heading the ball. Player movements are as loose and varied as ever before, and it helps make this year's game look like the best “FIFA” game so far.
Most player faces look even more realistic and recognizable than ever. That said, EA may need to apologize to Memphis DePay and Anthony Martial for botching up their facsimiles in the game. (Who else looks nothing like they do in real life? Tell us in the comments section!) The contributions of two of the more heralded additions - the career mode’s training component and Ultimate Team’s draft mode - are not clear-cut winners.
The training is great because you progress your players in the areas of your choice through the season, and it’s been a long time coming, but it becomes a drag because you can’t automate which players you want to do what. Therefore, it becomes a chore to set up every week. Thankfully, if you don't use it, your players still progress.
