It’s here, FIFA 16 has officially landed… For those quick enough out of the blocks to pick up a code for the closed beta version of the game. EA have once again been very active this year in highlighting their sparkling new features, but now is the time for players to get up close and personal with their new virtual companion for the next year, but what is the game like? On Tuesday, September 22, FIFA 16 will release for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and PC. The uber-popular series is putting a distinct emphasis on players’ cosmetic differences and their varied skill sets. Now that AI-controlled players work harder to maintain their shape, exclusive use of basic short passes (X button/A button) will lead to one-dimensional build-up play. To drag capable opponents out of position and create space, you’ll need to employ more varied styles of distribution.
Though it takes a bit of practice, use of short through-balls (triangle button/Y button) to roll the ball into space ahead of a nearby team-mate, rather than just knocking it into their feet, can enable you to open up new angles for subsequent passes. The through-ball isn’t just a method of playing slide-rule passes for strikers or wingers to chase - it adds texture to a passing move. You can also use it to draw players behind the ball into play without completely losing momentum. Another benefit is that the risk of a poor first touch is rarely an issue when a player is running onto a rolling ball, unlike passes made to feet. In the FIFA 16 demo, you get to choose from Chelsea FC, Manchester City, Inter and a few others. The women’s teams included in the demo are USA and Germany.
EA Sports wastes no time getting you into a game. After the demo finished loading, I was immediately thrown into playing an El Clasico match between Barcelona and Real Madrid. The big news regarding FIFA 16, at least in terms of marketing, is the introduction of the long demanded (especially in the USA) women's game. Only twelve women's football national teams will be present in the final version, and they can only play each other, but the playable demo already includes two teams - Germany and USA - allowing us to get an idea of ??how it will be to play with female athletes. We liked what we played. EA Sports made a decent effort to represent this side of football, with individual modeling for the players and a mountain of specific new animations. In terms of actual gameplay, the flow seems a bit slower then the male counterpart, but it largely plays the same, albeit with different animations.
Consequently, playing with the women's sides in the demo feels like a noticeably different experience. There is more space, and consequently more time in which to pick passes and curate moves. When it comes to the ability of the players in comparison to the men there is little to choose between them. With EA making it impossible for the two sexes to compete against one another, both in the demo and full game, it has allowed for the female players to be rated on their own scale. USA World Cup winner Carli Lloyd is the stand-out player with a score of 91. In the men's game, only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi exceed this, with Luis Suarez on 90.
“FIFA 16 innovates across the entire pitch to deliver a balanced, authentic, and exciting football experience that lets you play your way, and compete at a higher level. And with all new ways to play! With innovative gameplay features, FIFA 16 brings Confidence in Defending, Control in Midfield, and gives you the tools to create more Moments of Magic than ever before. Fans new to the franchise, or skilled players looking to improve their game will have a chance to Compete at a Higher Level using the all new FIFA Trainer. Innovation Across the Entire Pitch. New Ways to Play. Compete at a Higher Level. Overall FIFA 16 is much improved this year. The integration of AI interceptions and the increased agility of defenders creates a much more even battle between attackers and defenders. Something that’s been desperately needed for a while. The general gameplay feels far more realistic. I feel like when I play a match in FIFA 16, I’m playing it the way I would see it played on television. This is huge for me. I think I’m falling in love again.
