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The world of football gaming has long been dominated by two titans: PES and FIFA. These two franchises have engaged in a decades-long rivalry, each vying for the top spot. While PES 6 remains a benchmark for football game mechanics, FIFA 10 marked a significant turning point, propelling FIFA ahead of its competitor. Recent years have seen a resurgence in PES‘s popularity, pushing EA to innovate and reclaim its dominance. With PES 2017 offering incremental improvements, FIFA 17 seizes the opportunity to introduce significant changes, setting the stage for a new era of football gaming. EA Sports has poured their efforts into FIFA 17, aiming to deliver the most diverse and realistic football experience yet.

FIFA 17 Gameplay

Fresh Gameplay Mechanics

FIFA 17 introduces four key gameplay features: Set Piece Rewrite, Active Intelligence System, New Attacking Techniques, and Physical Play Overhaul. These additions don’t revolutionize the core gameplay, which has been largely refined since FIFA 12, but they inject a welcome dose of variety into matches.

Set Piece Rewrite offers unprecedented control over dead-ball situations. For the first time, players can dictate run-up, angle, and player movement for free kicks, adding a layer of strategic depth. This also impacts penalties and throw-ins, and even alters the camera angles for goal kicks and corners, minimizing interruptions and enhancing focus.

Active Intelligence System enhances attacking play by diversifying player movement. With appropriate tactical adjustments, teammates intelligently position themselves for short passes, facilitating intricate build-up play.

FIFA 17 Attacking

New Attacking Techniques introduces driven ground shots, providing a powerful and precise finishing option for skilled strikers. It also adds new counter-attacking options, including goalkeeper initiated attacks, and the Driven Pass, offering greater control over through balls.

Finally, Physical Play Overhaul allows players to shield the ball, adding a new dimension to possession play. While not always practical in fast-paced scenarios, it offers a valuable tool for retaining possession and controlling the tempo of a match. These four features, while not groundbreaking, breathe new life into the FIFA formula.

Enhanced Visuals and Presentation

FIFA 17 transitions to the Frostbite 3 engine, paving the way for future graphical advancements. While not a dramatic leap from the Ignite engine, Frostbite 3 adds subtle yet impactful visual enhancements. Player faces are more realistic, with distinct skin details and expressive eyes. Close-ups reveal subtle details like sweat and fatigue as the match progresses. Licensed teams, like Juventus and Bayern Munich, boast strikingly realistic player likenesses, accurately reflecting their physique and appearance.

FIFA 17 Managers

The inclusion of real-life managers on the sidelines further enhances the matchday atmosphere. Witnessing Mourinho, Guardiola, or Klopp react to the on-field action adds another layer of authenticity. These small details contribute to a more immersive and engaging experience.

FIFA 17 Graphics

The Journey: A Story-Driven Mode

FIFA 17 introduces “The Journey,” a narrative-driven mode where players experience the career of Alex Hunter, a rising football star. From academy training to professional stardom, players navigate the world of football, encountering tactical discussions, fan reactions, behind-the-scenes drama, and rivalries. The mode incorporates RPG elements, allowing players to develop Alex’s skills and influence his interactions through dialogue choices. Cameo appearances from real-world stars like Marco Reus, James Rodriguez, and Angel Di Maria add to the immersive experience.

FIFA 17 The Journey

While “The Journey” shows great potential, some limitations remain. The dialogue choices have limited impact, and player position choices are restricted. Despite these shortcomings, “The Journey” offers a compelling new way to experience the world of football.

Areas for Improvement

While FIFA 17 introduces welcome changes, some issues persist. The Set Piece Rewrite, while offering greater control, can be inconsistent, particularly with long-range free kicks. The Driven Pass can also be unpredictable, occasionally targeting the wrong player. The transition to Frostbite 3 hasn’t eliminated all graphical glitches, with some lingering issues from previous FIFA titles. “The Journey,” while promising, suffers from limited dialogue impact and restricted positional choices.

FIFA 17 Glitches

Conclusion

FIFA 17 marks a significant step forward for the franchise. The new gameplay mechanics, enhanced visuals, and the innovative “The Journey” mode offer a refreshing and engaging football experience. While some areas need further refinement, FIFA 17 lays a strong foundation for the future of the series. From gameplay innovations to the immersive story mode, FIFA 17 offers a compelling experience for both seasoned veterans and newcomers to the franchise.