FIFA 15 takes what EA has done in the past with football games and takes it to the next level. It really is one of the best games we have played in 2014 and is likely to be on a lot of top 10 lists for the year. EA started well last year on the new-generation consoles, but FIFA 15 feels like EA delivering on what these systems can do. If you like the Premier League, you are in for a real treat, but even fans of other leagues or smaller leagues will find a lot to like here. FIFA 15 is, right now, the best football game around, but with PES around the corner, and looking more impressive than it has for a few years, it may not keep the crown for long.

EA will tell us that their "Ignition" engine was a massive change, but long-time FIFA fans will know better. The animation has gotten a little smoother, the shirt textures a little more detailed, but deep down, in how the players move on the pitch and how everything feels through your controller, the bones of this series haven't seen a total overhaul since FIFA 07. And it's all starting to feel a bit stale.

Playing on an Xbox One, the realism is surreal. Game-play enhancements provide unparalleled responsive control when you dribble and evade defenders. Stepovers, fakes, backheels -- it's all there, and rather easy to execute with a bit of practice. Man-to-man battles are as rewarding as a Vincent Kompany vs. Diego Costa standoff. The back of the net quivers when you score, grass wears and gets ripped up during the course of a match (EA Sports calls this the "live pitch"), while new shoulder barges, push-pull mechanics and shirt-pulling will make you feel as at home as Ryan Shawcross in the penalty box. There's even "big fall physics," though it doesn't seem to apply to referee Phil Dowd. Maybe next time.



As with most games in the sports genre, graphics and presentation are very important, especially with the capabilities of the now current-gen consoles. Luckily, FIFA 15 provides the best looking football action you will find in a video game, which is enhanced by new character models and improved lighting all around. Perhaps the most impressive is how the clothing and field itself dirties and wears as the matches play on, especially in wet weather.

When it comes to graphics, they have definitely gone one up from FIFA 14. Although not so noticeable during standard play due to the camera view and the distance, it’s when you get up close and personal during replays that you truly see how amazing it is. Right from the shirt tugs by players to the splashing of water as players run on rainy conditions. Furthermore, as the game progresses, one can see the jerseys of players getting dirtier after every tackle and the pitch itself wearing down as the match plays on. Look close enough and you can actually notice players breathing, talking and their hair flying realistically as they vie for the ball. Another neat feature is the live advertisement boards that border the field. The ads actually move across and keep changing giving a more realistic feel to the game. Also, the player likeliness with their actual counterparts has been vastly improved from previous versions of the game.

    Pros

    Enhanced gameplay. Even more emotional than previous titles. Redesigned Team Management system. Most realistic FIFA game yet.

    Cons

    Players appear ridiculously muscular during close-ups. Still too easy to make high-through ball passes for cheap goals. No improvements in refereeing.

    Bottom Line

    EA has added several small enhancements to FIFA 15 that improves the look and feel of the game, but some minor annoyances still linger.