Always trying to improve yearly production of sport video games isn’t the easiest of jobs. There are obvious things like new players that you can add every year but that does only a small portion of what the game actually is and can offer. It amazes me how year after year EA Sports seem to surpass all expectations when it comes to topping themselves and improving the game in ways sometimes we can’t even imagine.
I read somewhere that FIFA is like the Coldplay of games, and I have to quite agree with that. What does FIFA have that appeals to so many? It would have to be in its simplicity; it has the potential to produce something that is inoffensive as well as appeal to many and only manage to repel a few, in the same way it is hard to find someone who doesn’t like Chris Martin, right Anisha?
Gameplay
Last year EA was able to make major technical and graphical improvements for FIFA 14 and that was quite a feat in itself. Therefore in that aspect of things FIFA 15 can’t exactly boast about anything new, unless you are lucky enough to be able to play the game on a next gen console, then tho saab first class hai.
There are much smoother animations this time around and perhaps a number of slightly better looking player models. Probably the most obvious change from the previous installment is that matches seem to have a quicker pace to them. The ball seems to travel faster making the gameplay smoother. FIFA 14 worked on slower offensive build ups and counter attacks, much like a La Liga match. Whereas FIFA 15 feels more like you’re running up and down the pitch, more like an EPL game, but this is something that will come down to personal preference.
This makes everything way more intense. Last year’s edition had defenders stick to their assigned players so it was hard to make runs past them. However, if you happen to have a fast player then you can sprint past them, but it is easier said than done. Nevertheless, I like the intensity it brings to your overall gaming experience. There is a lot of tactical variety in the game. Especially during goal and corner kicks, you can crowd the keeper, and even ‘park the bus’ during actual play.
Graphics
A great deal of emphasis has been implemented on the strength physics of the game. For example, if a small and slightly bigger player confronts each other in a tackle, the inferior player spins furiously which looks pretty funny and then gets a bit sad, like he’s being bullied. But if you’re playing with someone like Messi you don’t need to worry as FIFA 15 favors attackers and the dribbling is tight and controlled, which makes exceptional players hard to stop. Midfield tackles are quite rough and 30 yard volleys are easy to come by- isn’t the Sky Sports element pretty clear here!
Scoring seems so much more fun, I think it has to do partly with the improvements they’ve made to the goal-keepers. Now they move and dive realistically, so when a ball rolls between the legs of a keeper, it is made to look more like a clever finish than a glitch in the game.
Something that I felt was very different from the previous editions of the game is its accessibility, as tactical options are quite simple and just as effective. It takes just a little effort to make vital changes. Menus are bright and clear which makes it easy to follow and understand.
Soundtrack
FIFA also somehow manages to compile a good playlist every year. All their songs are upbeat, jumpy and really catchy. Two songs that I liked are Sixteen Years and Magic Man. Here is a preview of the songs so you can see for yourself.
During games, the new replays really stand out. And if you take a screamer then you are treated to a slow-motion replay of your player’s disappointed face. It looks really authentic I must say.
Conclusion
“Feel the game” was the slogan for this year’s edition of FIFA. When you first hear it, it comes across as a meaningless phrase put together by the marketing team, but once you play the game you’ll realize that with FIFA 15 it makes sense.
Enhancements are largely on the presentation side of things, but are aspects that are crucial in making you feel closer to the game. The new stadia,the remodeled player, the live news feeds, the slow motion replays is probably the closest you’ll get to the game without actually playing in one.
