FIFA 15 is the second next-gen release of the series, but since FIFA 14 was during the Xbox One and PS4 awkward adolescent stage, it’s fair to say that FIFA 15 is the first truly next-gen FIFA game. Thankfully, when finally sitting down and getting some hands-on time with the latest installment on Xbox One, it’s safe to say that for the first time in a long time, I have smiled and been impressed with what I was experiencing. EA Sports always adds improvements to new editions of its football simulation FIFA franchise each year. This year, with new-generation consoles already in the market for some time, EA Sports is expected to deliver something really exciting with FIFA 15.

 

As in many of the previous versions of FIFA the main attribute that you will need is speed. I have both scored and conceded too many goals where a striker has just ran through a defense with far too much ease; this could well be down to not mastering the new style of defending or it could be down to the improvements made to the dribbling in this year’s game. It is now far easier to take on and beat a player, where as in previous games there were little ‘one to one’ moments, where a player could beat a defender or two. This time around it feels a lot easier to just give the ball to a skillful player and let him run, as I have said though this could be down to players just not mastering the new style of defending yet. With it being suicidal, mash the tackle button like in previous games as you will only succeed in clearing a path to goal.

 

But when you boot up the game, everything looks familiar and nothing new grabs your attention. You have the usual Kick-off or quick match, Career mode and Ultimate Team. In Career mode, you can choose to play a manager or start out as a rookie player before becoming a superstar.The graphics are simply superb, with all the players’ faces and the teams’ jerseys faithfully reproduced down to the finest detail, with the exact hairstyles and facial hair.

 

The crowds in the stadiums are much more dynamic and well presented. They celebrate in jubilation as their team scores and show frustration when their team concedes. Each person in the crowd is different and will react differently compared to others. The game does a great job of making each football match feel like a broadcasted game with superb match day presentation and numerous improvements to the commentary. The menus have also taken a turn for the better with more tactical options to make your team’s playing cater to your playstyle.

 

FIFA 15’s single player modes remain similar to last year’s modes. Dominated by the Career Mode, players can play as a player or player-manager as they try to take their chosen team up the league ranks whilst sorting out loans, transfers, tactics, keeping their team ship shape and even attempting to reach international success. It’s relatively untouched and plays just as fantastic as it did last year. You have a real sense of incite as to the execution and operation of your team and success or failure depends on your very own decisive actions and it’s as close to the real thing as you’ll ever get to being a Premiership manager. Aside from the fantastical career, Ultimate Team is another mode that has stayed put. It once again remains a combination of footy team manager and collectable card game. Players are again displayed as cards as you decide the positions of where they are in your club or in your starting line-up. Need training or medical attention? Then cards for these can be collected too which can be used as consumables. Fancy a new strip or trademark match ball? Then you’d better hope to gain one in your next pack. 

 

Packs can be bought using the in-game currency earned from hitting certain goals amongst any game mode. The main factor to keep into account when placing players in your Ultimate Team is position and nationality. Players who belong to the same nation or team, like to work near each other on the pitch therefore it will raise your teams chemistry level which in turn makes your team perform better on the pitch. The main change in FUT is the inclusion of a Concept Team which allows you to make up your fantasy team which acts as an inspiration to work up too, but it’s essentially a useless feature.

 

FIFA 15 is truly a taste of what next generation gaming holds for us in the future. With amazing physics, graphics and animations that are there to lend a new element of emotion into the game. A perfect game for soccer fans, sports buffs and anyone in the middle. Highly Recommended.