From the start, Fifa 16 looks as though it is very much the same and the observation wouldn’t be wrong but this is slightly redeemed by some small gameplay features that gives the franchise a new layer of paint. One of the highlights of Fifa 16 is the exceptional way of making the gamer feel the sense of occasion you get watching a real match. Cosmetic changes to the pitch allow you to feel as though you have endured a real game, along with player intelligence, we see players reacting to their team mates missing chances or battling feuds between two rivals but , unfortunately this has its own problems, as two players would come together after a challenge we would see an interesting animation then the players would return instantly to their jarring robotic selves which really took me out of the realism.
FIFA 16, the latest iteration in EA’s long-running sphere-kicking simulation series, is here and ready to delight and frustrate the well-established fanbase in equal measure. Now, I’ve been playing these things for a couple of decades now but this is my first proper go on a this-gen FIFA. As ever, what you get for your considerable chunk of cash is the most complete simulation of the beautiful/horrible game (delete as applicable. I support QPR, so right now I’ll pick the latter). The attention to detail is evident as soon as you pick a game mode. Broadcast-style camera angles show the build up to the matches, including the handshakes, players warming up, the referee getting ready and a whole host of nice touches (that you’ll be frantically button mashing through to get to the actual kick-off).
Aside from the fantastical career,
FIFA 16 Ultimate Team is another mode that has stayed put. It once again remains a combination of footy team manager and collectable card game. Players are displayed as cards as you decide the positions of where they are in your club or in your starting lineup. Need training or medical attention? Then cards for these can be collected too, which can be used as consumables. Fancy a new strip or trademark match ball? Then you’d better hope to gain one in your next pack. These can be bought using the in-game currency earned from hitting certain goals on any game mode. The main factor to keep into account when placing players in your FIFA 16 Ultimate Team is position and nationality. Players who belong to the same nation or team like to work near each other on the pitch, therefore it will raise your team’s chemistry level which in turn makes your team perform better on the field.
As I have alluded to, there’s no brand new modes which is disappointing but even so I’m not sure EA have reached maximum potential across all those included. Career mode I can tell no difference, Pro Clubs just has dressing room changes for latecomers to ready themselves for the next game and Ultimate Team just has Loans and Concept Squads (the ability to add players you don’t own to the team sheet to check out how they fit). Seasons for both Normal and UT have 10 Divisions a piece, following the same ascension through to Division 1. Skill Games have a couple of different fun games but generally it’s more of the same. The main change in FUT is the inclusion of a Concept team, which allows you to make up your fantasy line-up- which acts as an inspiration to work up to, but is essentially a useless feature.
But it’s not all doom and gloom, FIFA 16 is still a stunning replication of the beautiful game. It’s TV style presentation has reached a whole new level of authenticity, the vast range of stadia all look gorgeous (though there too much emphasis on English football as is always the case), whilst the crowd look far more varied and seem to respond more accurately to the on-field action. The commentary, whilst still feeling far too unnatural, has been improved significantly (though it can still be rather repetitive), the pitch cuts up, and the grass itself is gorgeous. Player models have been improved, their likenesses are clearly more accurate, their physiques more muscular (perhaps overly so) and the animation has been improved and expanded upon, whilst it is still far from perfect, there can be no denying that it is indeed a step in the right direction and at times the game does look breathtakingly good.
