Whereas many video game sports franchises have had their ups and downs in recent memory, FIFA has been nothing but consistent. After years of being in Pro Evolution Soccer’s shadow, FIFA has emerged as the clear go-to for fans of soccer. Despite its great action on the pitch, the series has been itching for a big new feature for a few years now. This go around, EA is heavily promoting its inclusion of the women’s national teams, along with some improvements to Ultimate Team and Career mode. With the addition of female teams being long overdue, many were curious if this iteration would bring about enough excitement to warrant another $60 purchase.
The catch, and the reason some players may be disappointed, is that there is a price of admission to the mode. Because the mode gives out player packs regardless of how far you make it, EA Sports has decided that players need to pay 15k coins/300 FIFA Points just to enter the mode. You get a free entry on your first go, but after that, you have to pay. This price is fair when it comes to the game's economy - you at least recover the entry fee in player packs if you make it through a match or two - but this also means that friends hanging out on a weekend can't just fire up the mode and see how well they do.
Perhaps a no-rewards option could have been offered, where players could simply play through FUT Draft offline and see what kind of teams they can build. But it’s the action on the pitch that has me hooked. Controlling a ball and making a killer pass - these things aren’t easy. They’re remarkable and FIFA recognises that. The goal that comes at the end of the move is often the easiest part, if the build-up is particularly well-worked and utilises the whole team. Football is about more than strikers and highlight reels, and now FIFA is too and all the better for it.
It all starts off well, with slower pace of the game and the ability to play a good passing football impressing, but delve further and the shine starts to wear off. This is mainly down to the changes EA has made to the defensive AI. It’s an element of FIFA 16 which, depending on whether you’re playing other humans or on your own, is indifferent to say the least. If you’re playing multiplayer (online or off), the new defensive AI is great. Your teammates will cover spaces well and track back intelligently, leaving you less exposed on the break or vulnerable to players with pace.
It’s a refreshing change compared to FIFA 15, making multiplayer matches lots of fun. However, offline, playing against the AI (on world class or above), it makes for a horribly frustrating experience. At the very least, it's one of the definitive advantages that FIFA 16 has over the suddenly game Pro Evolution Soccer 2016. It's also a refreshing change of pace as the women's side plays and feels differently from the men's game. My only gripe is that it doesn't include the Japanese women, although stalwarts such as the U.S. and Germany are at least represented among the 12 teams. Given all the negativity surrounding the FIFA organization's scandals, having one of the positive stories of the sport included is a big plus in my book.
There’s no doubt FIFA 16 is still a very good game. The depth of leagues and teams is unrivalled as is much of the presentation. Ultimate Team continues to go from strength to strength too. Overall, it’s a polished package. However, the gameplay remains a nagging doubt looming over FIFA’s renewed title bout with PES. It’s messy rather than Messi. Flimsy alterations such as no-touch dribbling are an unnecessary layer to a cake which is already toppling over. If EA’s modes and attention to detail off the field could be coupled with Konami’s excellence on it, football fans would be treated to the perfect game.
