The Scotsman Games review: FIFA 15

AS IS customary with each iteration of the long-running football series, EA’s marketing department provide much fanfare in introducing new features.

The graphics have been ramped up as well as the game play in the most recent incarnation of FIFA. Picture: EA

FIFA 15

Platforms: Xbox One (reviewed) / Playstation 4 / Xbox 360 / Playstation 3 / PC / PS Vita / Nintendo 3DS

Score: 9.0 / 10

For the 2015 version, the unwieldy phrase of choice is ‘emotional intelligence’. Quite how it translates in practice is unclear, but there can be doubt the most up to date game benefits greatly from little cosmetic flourishes which add greatly to the atmosphere of match days. From the ever contorting facial expressions of players to the full-throated renditions of partisan anthems from the crowds (playing a home game at Anfield with a good AV setup sends a shiver down the spine) the differences are tangible and pleasing.

Dynamic counter attacking system

On the field, the changes are less pronounced than in previous years, with the ball control and player physics familiar to those who played FIFA 14. The most noticeable alteration is the pace of the action, which now pings from end to end at a sharper rate, albeit never at the expense of the exacting simulation EA Canada have worked to hard to hone. The increased speed of the games - which can, as always, be modified in the settings - does not herald any significant difference to tactical approaches, although it undoubtedly suits the dynamic counter attacking system in vogue across Europe.

The other additions may be less eye catching, but remain important modifiers to the time-honoured FIFA formula. The Team Sheets option allows more in-depth tinkering than ever before, allowing you to assign player specific strategies. During a game, meanwhile, the overall offensive and defensive options have been bolstered with ‘All Out Attack’ and ‘Park The Bus’. These are best deployed as a last resort in the final tense minutes of a closely contested game, given the risk is just as great as the reward; time it right in a keenly fought online game, however, and they can pay off.

Largely unchanged from FIFA 14

Other than Friendly Seasons (allowing you pit your skills against a friend over the course of a mini-season), the main game modes are largely unchanged from FIFA 14, with the sense that the blood, sweat and tears have gone into improving the popular Ultimate Team option. The work done here is commendable, in particular the ability to sign players on loan. Elsewhere, unfortunately, there is a sense of a lack of ambition. The Career Mode in particular feels dated, and would doubtless benefit hugely from the kind of Online Franchise option EA has rolled out to great acclaim in its Madden games.

Assessed in relation to last year’s game, FIFA 15 is far from a seismic leap. The core mechanics remain largely the same and there is no new single player or online offering that can be said to bring something new to the table. As such, the question of whether it is worth upgrading demands, as ever, a subjective response. In isolation, though, the bells and whistles complement rather than detract from the package. EA’s glacial pace of evolution may stick in the throats of some, but they have once again produced the best football game available.

TIPS AND TRICKS:

1) Although it may be tempting to invest big money in high-profile loan players on Ultimate Team, a careful and thorough search through the transfer market can turn up cheaper, permanent signings that can be just as effective.

2) The flair and finesse shots feel slightly overpowered at the moment, so if your team has a powerful and skilled strike force, don’t hesitate in unleashing a long range shot.

3) As always, the EA Catalogue is a source of useful purchases, especially if you are playing Seasons games and looking for an extra game to help scrape towards promotion.