On the eve of this review being written, EA Sports released an update for the game that fixes some bugs, improves stability in some game modes and adds transfers and some licenses. We didn't, however, have the opportunity to properly test the game with the new update, so this review only deals with the default version of FIFA 16. The biggest criticism we usually hear from non-FIFA players is that EA Sports' football simulator is always "the same as last year." In the sense that it is a football game, filled with official licenses, and many offline and online modes, yes, that's always the same. FIFA fans however, can easily attest that FIFA usually changes a lot from year to year, and sometimes even in a shocking way.
FIFA 15, for example, marked a dramatic change from FIFA 14, so much so that the game lost focus, stability, and overall quality. The on-pitch gameplay remains mostly similar to last year, with only a few noticeable changes. In the past, crossing the ball would be very difficult, and more often felt like luck rather than skill. To fix that, FIFA 16 introduces a new crossing system that reworks some of the physics and ball direction. This makes the cross-field passes much easier to complete. Few things are more rewarding than sprinting and shooting a cross to your striker for a running header. It’s a simple move in soccer, but it never stops being enjoyable to watch. Apart from that, passing has received a slight tweak. In the past, you would have a few passes that would not head in the direction you desire.
Instead of going toward the intended target, it would head towards the nearest opponent. That rarely happens anymore, as passes feel more precise. FIFA 16 also has four brand-new teams and modes; one of which is, finally, the Women’s National Teams. For the first time in sports video game history, people can finally choose to play as female athletes. There are a total of 12 national teams to choose from and compete in Offline and Online Tournaments, Online Friendly Matches, and Match Days. Though the incredibly small number of teams is an obvious issue, it’s still an important step forward and one can only assume that future installments will include more content. Career Mode, which hasn’t seen any improvements or add-ons for quite a while now, delivers both Pre-Season Tournaments and Player Training this time around.
Unfortunately, they don’t really change or add too much. Player Training lets you set up a handful of drills for players to do in order to potentially increase their overall ratings, but the whole thing feels rather shallow. Defenders have received some love in refinement of fundamentals, including an all new fake tackle that, when utilized properly, is a fantastic tool to take out attackers. Defenders will also have new found agility, allowing the ability to close down on defenders with new styles and animations, including swing-steps that look very natural. Keepers are still part of the defense, of course, and the improvements from last year's game have been refined, eliminating many of those little AI glitches that caused issues. Keepers move in manners that make more sense tactically, such as playing a certain distance off the line, come out to clear balls, and make far more punches on set pieces.
Not that all the FIFA 16 crazies (myself included) are going to need a critic to tell them whether they should buy the game or not, but since we conventionally provide our readers with review roundup for most of the games that are important, here we are with a list of reviews for the next FIFA too. There are good points too of course and as you'll see in our review below, we are full of praise for this years title. Will what's on offer be enough to tempt you to part with your cash though?
While this year’s FIFA entry might not be the complete overhaul I wanted, the changes have significantly improved the meta-game and almost chess like war between two equally good players, with the nuances of the gameplay becoming more apparent as we head further out from launch day. FIFA 16 is as close to the real game as players will ever get and continuous support in the way of match day updates and Ultimate Team challenges will further cement it as the best football sim on the market.
