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For football gaming enthusiasts, the annual rivalry between EA Sports’ FIFA and Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) is a well-known spectacle. While PES has faltered in recent years, FIFA has consistently held the crown as the king of football simulation. However, the release of PES 2016, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the PES/WE franchise, saw significant improvements, culminating in the “Best Sports Game” award at Gamescom. With its dominance challenged, how does FIFA 16 respond? Does it offer a revolutionary overhaul or stick to EA Sports’ strategy of iterative improvements? Let’s delve into a comprehensive review of FIFA 16.

FIFA 16 Gameplay

Gameplay Improvements: A Focus on Defense

In recent years, EA Sports has implemented incremental gameplay tweaks in its annual FIFA releases, enough to provide a fresh feel. FIFA 16 continues this trend. EA Sports introduced features like “No Touch Dribbling” and “Defend As A Unit.” The most noticeable improvement lies in the defensive capabilities of the players. Defenders exhibit enhanced AI, resulting in better tackling, positioning, and overall defensive organization compared to FIFA 15.

FIFA 16 Defensive Improvements

Crossing has been refined, making it more challenging to deliver pinpoint crosses into the box. Passing mechanics have also been tweaked for greater realism. The “first touch” control of players has been significantly improved. Notably, the ball no longer feels magnetically attached to the players’ feet, demanding more skillful ball control. This change eliminates the “superhuman” dribbling often seen in previous iterations, emphasizing the importance of midfield play and teamwork. The overall pace of the game feels more balanced and strategic.

Revamped Game Modes: Career Mode and FUT Draft

FIFA 16 introduces several changes to the Career Mode. Before the start of a new season, players can participate in pre-season friendly tournaments to generate revenue, mirroring real-world football. The transfer negotiation system has also been refined, addressing some previous inconsistencies. Most notably, players can now implement training regimes to develop their squad members according to their desired playing style.

FIFA 16 Player Training

FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) receives a significant addition with the introduction of the “Draft” mode. In Draft mode, players select players randomly from a pool of cards, build a squad, and compete in a series of matches. This mode offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional FUT experience.

The inclusion of 12 national women’s teams marks a significant milestone for the FIFA franchise. These teams add diversity and provide new gameplay options. The female players have been meticulously designed, with detailed character models, faces, and kits.

FIFA 16 Women's Teams

Lingering Issues: Demo Disparity and Presentation Shortcomings

Surprisingly, the final release of FIFA 16 deviates from the experience offered in the demo. While the new features are present, the overall gameplay feels less refined than the demo version. The pace of the game is faster, and shot trajectories appear somewhat unnatural. The demo seemingly over-promised the final product.

FIFA 16 Gameplay Issues

Some minor issues detract from the overall experience, including lifeless player faces and stiff animations during pre-match sequences. Refereeing decisions can also be inconsistent, with frequent yellow cards and seemingly generous penalty calls. Goalkeepers occasionally exhibit erratic behavior, making improbable saves.

In terms of presentation, FIFA 16 offers minimal improvements over its predecessor. The familiar commentary, sound effects, and stadium atmosphere return. While player faces have been scanned in greater detail and kits appear more realistic, the overall graphical and audio experience remains largely unchanged. The game’s interface also receives only minor cosmetic changes. The somewhat dull color palette, particularly the drab appearance of the pitches, is a noticeable drawback.

FIFA 16 Presentation

Conclusion: A Step Forward, But Not a Leap

FIFA 16 delivers incremental improvements, particularly in defensive gameplay and game modes. However, it falls short of expectations in terms of presentation and addressing lingering gameplay issues. While the inclusion of women’s teams is a welcome addition, the overall experience feels more like a roster update than a true evolution. With PES 2016 stepping up its game, FIFA 16 needs more than iterative changes to maintain its dominance.