FIFA 15 Review

     FIFA 15 is the first game in the series that was built primarily for the new generation of consoles, but if you are a veteran of the series, you might have a hard time noticing it. FIFA has always been one of the most polished of the sports games, so this iteration begs the question: How much more beautiful can The Beautiful Game get?
     Those that have not played the series in recent years are in for quite the surprise. No sports series has incrementally improved as smoothly as FIFA. The controls are daunting at first, but it is not difficult to learn the basics and slowly layer your game with the minutia of the sport. Dribbling is precise, and whether you are sprinting or protecting the ball while you advance has a tangible impact on your success. Similarly, the differences between passing, crossing and sending a through ball are all subtle, but you quickly learn which to use in each situation. Due to the nature of the sport, goals are sparser than in Madden or NHL, but it makes it all the more rewarding. Soccer experts and the casual gamer alike can appreciate the depth of FIFA 15's gameplay.
     The graphics are gorgeous, but it’s hard to notice during standard play. The default camera is just so far out, the smaller details often go unnoticed. That is more of an issue with soccer than it is with the video game its self. However, it doesn’t take long to appreciate the replays that give the player a closer look at the details. From the shirts tugs between defenders and ball carriers, to the water splashing up as a striker sprints down the field on a rainy day, everything looks great, and runs just as well.
     The commentary is as strong as ever. The main team of Martin Tyler and Alan Smith spit out musings that are so accurate it is scary. Too many times do we see games push the boundaries of commentating, becoming overly specific at the cost of accurately depicting what is actually happening on screen. That takes a player out of the experience, and reminds them it's just a video game. This is something that is rarely done here. FIFA has always been a leader in this department, and FIFA 15 is no different. When I was playing with Chelsea or another Barclays Premier League team, nearly every player was called by name. Obviously, when I was playing with my local Toronto FC, this level detail was omitted, but this is understandable considering the scope of how many teams are included. Supporting the stellar voice work is an equally impressive soundtrack. The music choice is varied, and feels as if it was curated with the world-wide nature of the sport considered. Discovering unknown tracks is always a pleasant surprise, and expect to do so a lot while playing.
     For those new to the series, or the sport in general, do not fret; a skills training collection of mini-games teaches players the more complex techniques while pitting them in entertaining scenarios. The challenges and the scoring progression of each technique is addictive. When compared to Madden’s skills trainer, it is certainly more fun, but maybe not as practical. The explanations are occasionally too brief, teaching a technique but not necessarily explaining when to use it. Ultimately, this tutorial is a must for first-timers, but also a competitive mini-game collection with extensive leader boards for self-proclaimed pros.
     The bulk of the game modes include the standard career mode, in which you can be a player or a manager, and the notorious Ultimate Team. The career mode is deep, allowing managers to not only run their club, but potentially be chosen to run their national teams. Like-wise, if you are playing as a pro you could be lent out to other clubs while you progress to a starter on your original club. Ultimate Team is EA’s trademark micro-transaction mode in which players buy packs of cards, either with real cash or in-game currency, that have various players to improve their team. FIFA 15 does a fantastic job of explaining the intricacies before you hit the pitch, running you through how to maximize chemistry and even shows you the benefits with a stacked team, with 100% chemistry before you get your own deck. This acts as a taste of how good your team can be given enough effort, and works as a strong motivator. This is something that fellow EA Sports game NHL 15 failed to do entirely.
     It’s hard to find much wrong with FIFA 15. It wasn’t until I played FIFA 14 following my time with this year’s game that I realized how little is new. FIFA 14 controlled beautifully; the game looked good, almost indistinguishable in the standard camera view; the commentary was just as accurate; the skills trainer was nearly identical; all the game modes mentioned above were included. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. However, it would be nice to see a significant addition this year.
     For those who are impartial to updated rosters and own last year’s game, the upgrade may seem almost negligible. However, if you are new to the franchise, or a die-hard soccer fan, FIFA 15 is an incredible experience that is sure to eat up hundreds of hours on the pitch.
Score: 8.0 out of 10
*Disclaimer: Review is for next-gen versions only. Xbox 360 and PS3 versions are not necessarily the same game. Was reviewed on Xbox One, and possible with EA Access, a subscription service allowing 5 day early access to EA games.

FIFA 15 Review