First of all in case of Fifa games we have to make a difference between the casual players and the hardcore ones. As not everything is about the football, first we have to combine certain elements of the game to make it playable, and we also have to create one of the most likeable sports game in the world. This is a pretty complex and difficult objective to achieve. This year the developers of FIFA created a more gameplay centric entry for the FIFA series. The commentators are realistic, we’ll feel more like the protagonist of a live football match, just as in TV.

An entirely new game is presented to is in terms of visuals. The players have been remodeled, from the hair to the sweat, to the authentic camera settings, and even the degradation of the turf can be seen. All twenty Barclay Premier League stadiums are in the game, from West Ham Boleyn Ground to Leicester City King Power. Before the whistle the camera starts at a bird view’s height and shows the characteristics of the stadium. For example in Liverpool we can see the famous Anfield board, that Liverpoolians are so proud of.

On the field the typical Premier League furniture is shown in their usual official blue/white composition. The developers paid especially attention to introducing the players which is done by Martin Tyler and Alan Smith in a rather life like way.

Let’s see those new innovations

During the game we can see new kinds of replays. We can rewind and watch a shot in super slow-motion, and if we zoom in on our player’s face, we can see the different emotions (dissapointment if the shot missed / or happyness if the shot went in) In fact if the shot was too dangerous and almost went in, the opposing team’s goal keeper can even sort of cheer our player up (for the valiant effort).

It is really authentic, and thank god the weird camera angles / unexplainable victory cheers are now gone. Here there will be more than just kicking the football around, and will focus more on the game’s addicting nature. The previous entries of the series did not appreciate the above, but here it is one of the biggest changes. If these initial changes sound annoying or frustrating no need to worry, with a press of a button we can skip all of these.

Pretty new soccer ball

One of the legitimate issues with FIFA is the uneven development. In game besides the new animations we will not see too many updates or differences. We did notice that while FIFA 14 the movement was more floaty and quick, here in FIFA 15 the movement is realistic and grounded.

Tactics have also been expanded, we can send people to the front in case of free kicks, or during corner kicks you can relay your players to the front of the goal post. This all can be controlled with the D-pad during the match. All in all we get a more comfortable gameplay unlike 14 but a less arcadey feel than it was in FIFA 13.

New leather, old shoe

The player’s physical structure is almost lifelike, and the developers scanned in more than 200 Premier League faces. Although even considering this, some of the player’s faces look weird, however they look more realistic than PES, and in some cases are perfect. The real changes are below the neck, as players now have a more muscular body, and thanks to the new engine, they look like actual athletes.

The strikers get angry if they miss a goal, and during the match, players that are in good position will signal to us for a chance to pass the ball to them. There are bugs unfortunately , as there was an instance where after a missed shot, he put his hands on his head and it got stuck there for the rest of the match.

Jersey switch in the end.

Beyond the playfield we get a new shiny menu full of new modes. Of course the developers did not overcomplicate the options, and nothing extra was packed in. In career mode we can play with anyone from Bursapor Shrewsbury to United. If we want we can select Match Days, where we get a players real life statistics, and with those we’re able to play the match. In this case even the team’s statistics are identical, while everything in career mode is determined by us. If we start a transfer the media will “sniff it out” and will be in next days papers. Then we will have to give an interview to the press as to why we started a transfer for players. This way every action will be reflected within the game to connect the player and the gameplay more closely.

Do not miss this shot !

“Feel the game” is the marketing slang for FIFA this year. It’s a bit of a tripe in terms of marketing, but once we start the game , we’ll feel it. The new stadiums , facial animation, player animations, will give a new flavor to this game, mixed with the fast paced game, you’ll enjoy FIFA 15.

-Malachit-

Editor Electronic Arts
Developer: EA Sports
Genres: sport, soccer, football
Megjelenés: 2014 Okctober