FIFA 16 encourages players to think fast and to act methodically
There is no game quite like FIFA when it comes to making you scream expletives at your TV. Whether you are playing alone, online, or when FIFA is (perhaps) at its best: locally, you’re going to swear at the ref, the developers, or the asshat sat next to you who just ran past your entire team and slotted the ball into the bottom corner in the 89th minute. This is a game that invokes emotion like no other, and while over the last few years rage has been a common feeling when playing, this year relief and satisfaction are much more common.
Despite those figures, FIFA 16 is a down year for the franchise. It’s difficult to reconcile that feeling with the game still being great in so many ways, but one big feature addition, FUT Draft, is a major disappointment and even borders on being sleazy in its implementation, and some new frustrations have emerged in the gameplay. Last year, many considered FIFA’s competition, Pro Evolution Soccer, to have surpassed it in terms of gameplay. It’s clear EA recognized they had work to do - they made considerable improvements on the pitch for FIFA 16 and added new options for use at the player’s disposal.
The complete package is as substantial as ever, and those who’ve acclimatised to FIFA’s play style in recent years will likely consider it good enough. But in the face of much stronger competition, ‘good enough’ might not actually be good enough. With its biggest rival matching its dynamism and beating it for fluidity and responsiveness, EA Sports has work to do if FIFA is to regain its title as king of the digital sport. With an emphasis on realism and authenticity, FIFA 16 also subscribes to a clear footballing philosophy, and the result is a much more balanced, deliberate game that arguably loses a little bit of magic.
With a much slower pace overall, players really have to fight for every inch of space, although FIFA 16 does, in fairness, give players more tools than ever to eke out that extra yard. Either way, you can still check out how the game looks thanks to some FIFA 16 iOS and Android gameplay. Compared to last year, the game is looking pretty amazing in terms of visuals and don’t forget that this is the experience which you are going to be seeing on your little display compared to the big screen. Let us know if you are also patiently waiting for news on FIFA 16 for Android and iOS news from EA. Evidence of the early Canada launch can be seen here. Watch the gameplay below and let us know if you will be downloading this year’s game.
Overall, 'FIFA 16' is a much improved version over 'FIFA 15,' with the AI making the game tougher and more realistic. With the addition of women and stadiums, this year's edition has more to offer than any other version in its history. In past 'FIFA' games, it was common to see defenders clear balls out of bounds at the back like high school JV squads. Now, defensive artificial intelligence is greatly improved, as those at the back look to play horizontally to other defenders and play out the back, rather than conceding possession. It was one of the features needed to make the game more realistic.
It’s that time of the year, people - the new instalment of FIFA is out and football fans will be clambering to the stores this weekend to grab their copy, but is it the pinnacle of footie perfection? Don’t expect too many changes these days with the turnaround of EA Sport’s annual release being so quick, but it seems the developers have done enough to keep the critics pleased for yet another season, although some had a few strong warnings for EA. Because it's easier to defend, midfield players need to work harder to find openings, a task made even more complicated by the fact that the through passes that gamers have long relied upon are limited in their effectiveness.
FIFA 16 encourages players to think fast and to act methodically, probing the defense of the opposition to find an opening and then moving fast to exploit it and get into a position where they can become threatening. It's an interesting addition to FIFA 16 but nothing groundbreaking, and it will be interesting to see whether Ultimate Team will continue to gain new fans or will mainly appeal to those who are already in love with it.
