Didn't see a thread up for these, so figured I'd rattle off some early thoughts after a few hours with the game. Had the opportunity to run a few matches against electrickeeper and elprez98 using full manual settings and slow speed. To be honest, my first few games felt very similar to my FIFA 13 experience, but after several games, the changes became more and more evident. The movement, spacing, and ball physics have all improved with this release. The game in general is slower, and moreso than ever, the ball and player really do feel independent. Big players play big...really big. If you are Zlatan or Giroud or Mario Gomez, you it will be VERY difficult for weaker defenders to get the ball off of you. Skillful players also shine. Little jitterbugs like Cazorla or Iniesta are very difficult to put a foot in on. Dribbling felt cumbersome at first, but after a few games I felt very comfortable performing rolls, flicks, and tricks. The key is, you now really have to use your body to keep the defender away from the ball. Since players aren't able to cut on a dime as much as year's past, you can really set up defenders by using change of direction and guile. Since player builds matter more, you REALLY have to be on your shit while trying to dribble through the midfield. There will be times where there is no option and you must recycle the possession by passing square or backwards (unless you have a bulldozer like Pogba or Yaya Toure). If you just try to bomb the ball forward or blast your way through midfield, for the most part you will lose possession. This makes for a much more tactical battle. Someone mentioned it in another thread and I agree---tactics are going to be very valuable this release. Instead of being an unorganized blob on the pitch, teams there are clear divisions amongst the lines of say a 4-2-3-1. I noticed that more tactical astute players like Totti, Özil, Oscar, and Pirlo floated between the lines and made themselves difficult to mark. Passing was an absolute delight. With manual settings, I felt like I really had to concentrate to hit my passes...but at the same time the game's spacing rewards you 10 fold. Passes no longer feel on rails---if you eye out through ball, you can be much more creative on the angle you take to get the ball to your target. The keeper mechanics have improved. I LOVE that a GK can quickly drop a ball at his feet and ignite a counter-attack. In previous games, there was a severe lag in how well a GK could get the ball back into play. It does feel like heading is a bit too powerful--but that could be partly because I was used manual controls vs. some assisted users for a few games. Overall, really enjoying the game. Definitely some improvement over '13 so far.
Awesome review. I played a ton on Friday and agree with your thoughts. I feel this as very reminiscent of the NHL series whereby subtle changes tighten up an already solid title. One can only image (read = hope) this will top the charts as best new title on the next-gen platform.
There will be a patch for headers issue: Re: Heading accuracy, finesse etc - patch isn't live for that yet. Will let you know when it is— Rob Hodson (@RobHodson_) September 23, 2024
They screwed the pooch with the Career. How are Deulofeu and Rafinha still "owned" by Barça B!!!!! They were promoted to the senior team in mid-June! Other than that, I will be starting some type of career later tonight. Lobs over the head on online seasons or Interactive World Cup are getting annoying though. Only played 6 games thus far. But every game they lob it over and over and over again. Only remedy, once I score I shush them up with the left analog stick and make them watch the replay
CPU kills me with the lobs over the center backs as well. The damn auto switching on air balls kills me, as I take them over and can't see it unless I'm looking at the map. So they stand still and the CPU is in on goal.
Yeah the CPU over uses it as well. Only cure for that is to out possess them. Although you could have 70% possession and they could lob it over you in the 90th to take a 1 nil lead and win. Ah FIFA.
Was playing a pre-season game agains the Spurs, I was Barça, played possessionly good. 67/68% or so. 4 Shots for me, 2 for them on counters. I somehow lose possession on their half, they start a quick counter, Lamela lifts it over both CB's and Defoe outpaces them and scores. Good thing it was only a friendly eh. I had missed 2 clear goals, so I guess like the spanish saying "El que perdona pierde" (he who forgives loses?) loses some of its meaning translated
It really pisses me off when the ref's shirt matches one of the kits. Unfortunately, this is the case about 80% of the time, I've noticed.
I don't how how EA did it, but they managed to make throw-ins even worse in this year's game. It's actually impressive.
so bottom line is this game worthy of purchasing? im picking it up today either way but I just wondering what you guys think.
Absolutely. Best FIFA made and it's not even close. Much better than FIFA 13. Anyone who tells you otherwise is smokin' dope.....and on their cellphone.
wow those are strong words right there, and also music to my ears. ive been hearin a lot of negativity. but thanks for gettn back to me. u got me excited to play it again now
What's the negativity? I mean I'm sure everyone has an issue or two with the game, it's certainly not perfect, but I agree with blaza; this is the best FIFA this generation easily.
really? I don't know how to feel about fifa 14 at the moment. I played a couple games for the first time yesterday. Maybe I need to play a few more games but I think last year's version was a bit better imo. I hope it's just a case of me needing to play the game more I really do.
graphics seemed better to me. gameplay was more exciting. better collisions which I enjoyed watching. very hard to score this year. I had some others but I forget
So, finally have the game and was able to play it for a minute and like some of the other guy's, I feel this is the best FIFA yet. Really have to lay off the speed burst but that's a great thing! It's a straight up brilliant game. My one complaint is the fact that all last release I was able to jump into the manual lobby room and find a game whenever I wanted, no matter the time. Tonight, I couldn't find crap! Is it the fact that it's a Wednesday night or does everyone just roll with UT and Clubs these days?? I guess I'm old school and want to play some straight up 1V1 manual play.. It's going to really suck if I'm stuck playing assisted noobs all release. Good god I love the defensive play thus far.. Granted, it's only been 3 games but I dig 1 nil games
I've played elprez98 and electrickeeper some games in FUT. FUT friendlies on manual are fun. Build your team and go against friends. You even earn coins so it's not a complete waste of contracts. And unlike previous years, the gameplay is pretty good in FUT.
The rain is killing this game for me. I don't mind a rain game every once in a while, but it's been in the vast majority of the games I've played. Absolutely horrible.
UTTER frustration so far. The difference between this release and pretty much every other release since manual controls came into play, is ASTRONOMICAL imo. The reaction of players seems to be miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiles off the pace. My passing is way off the mark and I feel like the players are skating on ice. It's going to take some time to get up to speed with this one. Just can't get a grip on how things work at the moment. thus making the vastness between manual and assisted match up's even more significant than before. I do like the menus and such. Especially the way that your most frequently used aspect of the game is pinned to the home screen. Rather than having to navigate through menus all the time. Very nice change.
