Month: September 2015

FIFA 16 is a sports game produced by EA Sports that is based on professional soccer leagues both in the United States and across the globe. FIFA is a global soccer authority and the game is based on the teams that fall under its umbrella.

The game was released on September 22, 2015 in the United States and September 24, 2015 in Europe. The title was met with some outcry over changes made to the series but it was still met with mostly positive reviews from game critics.

Story

There isn’t a story mode in FIFA 16. Players play through seasons, franchises and tournaments using their favorite FIFA teams and how the matches unfold makes up the story of the game. There is also a career mode that takes a more in depth dive for users who wants to pretend that they are actually FIFA level soccer players. There are summer tournaments and training sessions that will affect how a player progresses throughout their career in order to become a better player. The game does not have the kind of intensive story mode for this that was introduced in other sports games like NBA 2K16 or even WWE 2K16 where there are behind the scenes actions and interactions taking place.

Gameplay

In addition to the usual gameplay features that are included in most of the FIFA series games, FIFA 16 has added the revamped Career mode. Players will be able to play in 78 different stadiums, 50 of which are real world venues based and modeled after the actual stadiums. The game has also overhauled the FIFA 16 Ultimate Team mode. While that part of the gameplay has been included in a number of other games in the series. The game has added a new draft mode. The other modes that have been included in the previous games in the series return as well.

Teams

All of the men’s FIFA teams that have been included in previous versions of the game’s series return in FIFA 16. The new additions in this game are the women’s teams. There are 12 international women’s teams in this year’s game:

Australia
Brazil
Canada
China
England
France
Germany
Italy
Mexico
Spain
Sweden
United States of America

 

 

Outside of changes to core systems there are some bigger innovations, like FIFA Trainer and the introduction of Women’s Teams, which will make this the most accessible entry in the series to date.

Here’s a run down of the most prominent changes we’ve seen so far…

1. Defenders Aren’t Chumps
Most people equate excitement in football with offensive play. FIFA 15 probably gave too much of an advantage to its wingers and strikers who, blessed with pace, were able to get by its more static and lumbering defenders. When defending in FIFA, the default tactic is to track a player and apply pressure, limiting the passing options of the player in possession. But while tracking, defenders weren’t as nimble or as reactive as their real-life counterparts. FIFA 16 adds more animations, which enables defenders to pivot while tracking a run, allowing them to keep within touching distance of more skilful players for longer. If you commit to a tackle, the recovery time is much shorter – press tackle again, and the defender will get back to their feet. It means tackling is no longer an all-or-nothing dilemma.
2. Your Team Has Your Back
The team works much better as defensive unit, with players in support maintaining their shape and adapting in response to the attack team. It’s as if the centre-back now has the ability to communicate to those around them, shouting at team-mates to track a run or maintain their shape when under pressure.
3. Quality Tackle!
For as long as I can remember there’s been two types of tackle in FIFA: the subtle one, where you stick a leg out and hope to retrieve the ball, and the slide tackle, where’s it all or nothing. FIFA 16 let’s you tackle in the air when a loose ball is falling. You can perform a ‘fake’ tackle, which can be used to lure attackers into committing early. It’s the defensive equivalent of a step-over.
4. Players Better at Intercepting
Players across the pitch have much more awareness of the ball as it travels through space, and if it’s within reaching distance they will stick out a foot to trap an errant pass and steal back possession. It all means the midfield – the key creative area of a game – isn’t so easily bypassed anymore. Games can still be end-to-end affairs, but it’s one of the small changes that definitely gives renewed focus to midfield play.
5. Fancy Finishing
A lot of the changes above benefit midfield and defence, but attack isn’t neglected with a range of new finishing animations. There are multiple types of header which again makes crossing a more attractive and exciting strategy. But the new volley animations are particularly satisfying and attractive. Striking a ball sweetly as it falls out of the air is one of the most exciting things you can see in a game of football, and FIFA 16 now has something which comes close to that experience.
6. Women’s Teams
FIFA 16’s announcement led with news 12 international women’s teams would be included for the first time in the series. Obviously, it’s about time, and it’s something t