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.

Players noticeably react with threats of retribution when on the receiving end of a two-footed horror lunge, while teammates' facial animations show real contempt when their striker misses a sitter. Aside from the notable exception of Alan McInally's hammy goal alerts, in-game match commentary has gone up another notch in its breadth and eerie realism. Elsewhere, an extended deal with the Premier League means all 20 top flight grounds are modelled, giving a welcome opportunity to play at the likes of Turf Moor and Selhurst Park as well as the more familiar Old Trafford.



Very importantly, the situation with pressure is increasingly different in modes which involve one human per team, compared to those which involve two, or, in the case of Clubs, more. To a fairly large extent, EA have 'dealt' with pressure by limiting the number of players who can actually go in for a tackle, but this doesn't work in Co-Op Seasons very well and it doesn't work in Clubs at all.

There are also a few slight tweaks to make the game harder than before. Goalkeepers have been updated so they'll block shots in a more realistic manner, whether through sticking a foot out to try and save a deflected shot, or their new diving animations. New tactics can be implemented during matches such as 'Park the bus', as made famous by Chelsea, and 'All-out attack'. More usefully, goalkeepers can now order players to push up the field, ready to receive the goal kick and push on for that crucial last second goal. In a nice touch, goal line technology also makes its debut in FIFA 15, following its introduction in real life after we was robbed by the Germans at the 2010 World Cup.