FIFA 15 Review: A blast straight to the back of the net

FIFA 15 review: A blast straight to the back of the net

EA Sports has two franchises that currently stand out above the rest. With both Madden and FIFA brands in its wheelhouse, EA Sports has created juggernauts that buck the trend of being a simple roster update each year.

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FIFA 14 was a launch title on new-generation consoles, but FIFA 15 feels like the launch of the next generation sports title.

Following a relatively quick download on the Xbox One, FIFA 15 throws you right into a Barclays Premier League matchup between Liverpool and Manchester City. Both storied football clubs, Martin Tyler and Alan Smith have plenty of insight to provide throughout the match.

Immediately apparent is the feel of a next generation title.

Looking around the stadium, the game feels as though it has come to life.

Both announcers seem to have outdone themselves. Plenty is offered in regards to commenting on the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, and through multiple hours of the game, everything still sounds fresh. Despite the abilities of the impressive duo announcing, the players also provide a much welcomed level of realism.

With a next-generation level of emotional intelligence added, FIFA 15 also drives off of footballers breathing the hype. Goals, penalties, and frustrations are all apparent each time you step foot on the pitch.

Passes feel tighter, dribbling feels smother, and the interaction between players while physically attacking the match is unparalleled.

This year, EA Sports has put an emphasis on correct contacts, a physics improvement that is witnessed in every sense of the gameplay. Passes feel tighter, dribbling feels smother, and the interaction between players while physically attacking the match is unparalleled.

A slide tackle that takes out or injures a player, is now represented in the cutscene with that player showing a bent limb or grasping in pain. Jostling for position feels as though a true physical stalemate is taking place on the pitch.

Outside of the interaction between the players, the dynamic feel of the pitch is also represented in a next-generation style quality.

Is rain pouring down at Old Trafford? Or maybe it’s a blistering day at Allianz Arena.

In both situations, the weather comes to life.

Rain sloshes throughout the match slowing down both player and ball movement, while appearing realistically in every replay. The appearance of the grass also shifts as it is dug up by boots cutting through it on a hot day.

Everything you could want from an appearance and gameplay aspect in a soccer game is apparent in FIFA 15. EA Sports has pulled out all the stops to make sure that FIFA 15 is not only a beautifully looking game, but also plays to the same level.

EA Sports has pulled out all the stops to make sure that FIFA 15 is not only a beautifully looking game, but also plays to the same level.

On the offerings side of things, no stone was left unturned. EA Sports has been known to cut some corners when it comes to the next-generation version of titles, but in FIFA 15, that simply is not the case. Whether you are looking to quickly hop into a play now game, set up your season either online or through a new career, play head to head against online foes, or grind for the long haul in the ever popular FIFA Ultimate Team, there is something for you.

Speaking of FIFA Ultimate Team, EA Sports also took extra consideration for one of their most played modes this year.

Throughout the experience, crafting your perfect 11 has never been more intuitive. Combing both chemistry and ability through setting your squad up for match day is a breeze. Whether you decide to read through the simplistic tutorials or not, FIFA Ultimate Team takes a significant step forward in the user friendliness category this time around.

Not to mention, EA Sports is offering an Ultimate Team Edition of the title for on $10 more giving gamers $40 of content.

No matter what way you slice it, with FIFA 15, EA Sports has outdone themselves.

As big as football is in North America, fútbol is the world’s game, and they got this one right.

FIFA 15 is not only an entirely upgraded experience over its predecessor, but it has a legitimate ability to lay claim to sports game of the year, and pave the way for the next-generation of gaming to truly be felt.

The Good

Extremely impressive graphics and presentation
Gameplay that feels more real than even next-gen
Enough modes for lengthy replayability

The Bad

Difficulty is definitely heightened depending on match conditions
The MLS still hasn’t made its way into the limelight

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