If you thought FIFA 15 had countless animations, you will be in for a real treat with this year’s version as some of them are just breathtaking. With an increased level of physicality attributed mostly to the refinement of the Ignite Engine, players no longer act like rag-dolls when colliding. When coupled with a foul system that gets it right the majority of the time, the gameplay can be quite organic and unpredictable.
At times though, it feels like the defensive AI was tuned too far in the direction of space coverage. Headed clearances and other loose ball situations are taken rather lightly by defenders, preferring to hold shape than chase a favourable ball. Similarly, dangerous players are given a wide berth in the centre of the field - too wide for my tastes. Tactical changes can help alleviate this apparent defensive complacence, but this is the one defensive area that feels less than natural.
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So, 650 words in, I’m about to mention carrying the ball. Yes, FIFA 16 really is that different defensively. It’s the best kind of different - more authentic, more interesting, and most importantly, more fun. Defending has become an engaging and noteworthy game phase, rather than the bit between attacking runs. And now, onto the glamorous part of the game: attacking. The midfield matters. Defensive overhauls now force more deliberate and thoughtful build up play, resulting in incredibly satisfying through balls and offensive runs. Scoring goals feels much more rewarding this year, because doing so is infinitely less gimmicky. Silly plays have no place here, but legitimate soccer strategy pays dividends realistically.
Career Mode perhaps has less to shout about but the changes that have been made, are very welcome additions. Player Training allows you to mould and develop young talent as you see fit for the first time, and Preseason Tournaments have changed a normally turgid first four games into an event of their own. Again in combination with a host of other balance changes, Career Mode is quite clearly the best iteration for a few years. But it also carries its usual baggage of “what might have been” had EA really pulled out all the stops. I live in hope for another year but either way, it’s best in class.
At the time of writing the inevitable Day One Patch has arrived too which has along side stability changes, also reduced the ability of goalkeepers, who were in fairness overly efficient from close range. So that in itself is a good tweak for EA to make and hopefully a positive sign that they remain committed to fixing imbalance, whilst also staying true to their core vision for FIFA 16’s gameplay. What they mustn’t do, is abandon a year long vision for FIFA 16 because of a few dissenting voices.
One major area of improvement is the need for clubs to play to their star players. In several exhibition matches vs FC Barcelona, Leo Messi (the FIFA 16 Cover boy) was mostly a virtual spectator. There were even times where it seemed like he would be back in his own half defending while their right-back, Danny Alves, was more forward than him as Barcelona attacked. As someone who watches Barcelona frequently, I can say with confidence that this rarely happens. Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the lack of an online Career Mode. This has been atop the OS Wishlist’s for years now and is long overdue.
Finally, there are twenty-five feature changes to mobility and locomotion that allow defenders to close down space and quickly change direction. Offensively, passing has been improved with the help of ping-driven ground passes to help locate teammates in tight spaces. A new dribble control system has been added that allows for separation between the player and the ball to perform skill moves without having to touch the ball.
