FIFA 14 features players with more human-like interactions and dynamic movements. Players now have the ability to shift their direction more efficiently which places more emphasis on critical thinking and trying to calculate what your opponent will do next. The reaction times have been dramatically reduced with more restraints being placed on you due to the enhanced physics. FIFA 14 now focuses more on momentum alongside real ball physics to open up new opportunities to change the way you play the game.
The first thing players will appreciate in the new title is the extreme fluidity in the controls. The controls are more responsive allowing players to use momentum to their advantage and take out opponents with the sliding tackle which has become an effective part of gameplay. Since gameplay is smoother alongside improved frame-rate resulting in better animations that allow you to really enjoy your in-game actions like using the sliding tackle to thwart another player.
Some fans of the FIFA series may look at the new releases and see a few tweaks to the previous versions that are then repackaged as a new game. With FIFA 14, it is hard to debate the fact that the game has been drastically improved in all areas of gameplay and is ultimately far superior to past titles. FIFA 14's graphics are hauntingly realistic with every small detail being added to the game's environments and characters to make the player feel like they are inside a real soccer match. The game's cameras now pan and transition much faster allowing you to never miss a moment alongside the removal of loading screens to decrease repetitive cut-scenes.
FIFA 14's Ignite engine really delivers thanks to the power of next-gen consoles. One of the most noticeable differences in FIFA 14 on Xbox One is the real-world stadiums that seem more life-like thanks to the realistic camera angles allowing you to take in everything around you. Animations are now more context specific as well and offer more variety than ever before. Players now feel like real living and breathing humans and it is amazing to watch the way they shift and move their bodies which creates more precise gameplay. Pure Shot has breathed new life into attacking alongside the enhanced pitch that creates an entirely new movement system. The game has definitely got more physical in FIFA 14 since more players now go up to meet the ball with more emphasis placed on your precise timing and calculated movements.
While many of the game's offline modes are still present like Be a Pro and Career, FIFA 14 on Xbox One doesn't include Tournament Mode. Another disadvantage to the game on next-gen consoles is that you can't transfer over your player or manager from current-gen consoles. The alternative provided by EA is to offer extra points to be allocate on attributes to gain access to additional options within the game's menus. These upgrade perks for next-gen are based on how much you played the different modes on current-gen consoles. This means if you haven't played FIFA 14 yet then you may want to decide which definitive version of the game you want to play since transferring between current and next-gen won't be particularly easy. However, it is a little easier in regards to online features, players can still use Virtual Pro and can transfer over their Season stats with no alterations in Ultimate Team.
FIFA 14 on Xbox One also features Kinect functionality with the ability to use certain voice commands during gameplay. Players have a wide variety of multiplayer modes to choose from that adds a great deal of replayability to the game. Ultimate Team mode will allow players to pit their superstars against other real players online or you can choose to have some friendly matches with up to 10 friends online. Another great option is Seasons mode which allows players to follow real leagues and their progress in virtual representations. FIFA 14 also features the new Co-op Seasons that allow you to join a friend online to play against another team. It is easy to say that you won't get bored with all of the game modes that FIFA 14 has to offer.
The sounds in FIFA 14 have been greatly enhanced and offer a more immersive experience. You can now not only hear the chanting of the crowds but realistically feel their love or hate through the variety of phrases. Intricate detail has been placed on adding a high degree of realism and this stays true to FIFA 14's soundtrack. Every sound in the game matches up with its real world counterpart alongside music that is varied enough that it can appeal to every generation of gamer.
CLOSING COMMENTS
In the end, FIFA 14 is a great soccer simulation that has outdone itself with the newest release especially on next-gen consoles. FIFA 14 not only is visually superior to its predecessors but ultimately feels more realistic than ever before. FIFA 14 managed to maintain the gameplay that players loved from current-gen consoles and revamp it enough on next-gen to offer a slightly-new experience. While some may be only small tweaks, these have still impacted the gameplay and the overall experience. Pitch is definitely a game changer in FIFA 14, and while some may be disappointed in some of the game modes not transferring over to next-gen, in the long run it still offers a better game overall.
FIFA Soccer 14 is now available from all major retailers and can be purchased for the MSRP of $59.99 on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and PC. FIFA Soccer 14 is rated E by the ESRB. For more information on the game, check out the official FIFA Soccer 14 website.
Game Features:
- Single Player
- Multiplayer
- Online Seasons
- Trophy/Achievement Support
- DLC Support
Game Information:
Developer & Publisher: EA Sports
Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One (reviewed), & PC
Release Date: November 19, 2013
Pros:
- More fluid control and movements
- Enhanced visuals and sound
- Realistic gameplay
- Some modes don't transfer from
current-gen to next-gen consoles