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FIFA 21 arrived amidst a year of upheaval, with the gaming world experiencing significant shifts. Konami’s PES, FIFA’s long-time rival, effectively bowed out of the annual competition, releasing a mere season update for eFootball PES 2020, rebranded as eFootball PES 2021 at half the price. This presented EA Sports with a golden opportunity. While EA diligently introduced improvements to their flagship football title, the question remains: does FIFA 21 truly live up to the hype?

Enhanced Gameplay: A Mixed Bag

The FIFA series has often been criticized for its iterative nature, a claim not entirely fair given EA’s continuous efforts to introduce new features. FIFA 21, however, brings some welcome changes that enhance the gameplay experience, although not without some significant drawbacks.

Improved AI and Player Movement

The AI in FIFA 21 demonstrates improved intelligence, exploiting spaces and making smarter runs without constant player direction. Players react more responsively to situations, finding advantageous positions before user intervention. This creates dynamic attacking opportunities, especially with players possessing strong positioning attributes. Defensively, high-rated defenders showcase improved responsiveness and tactical awareness.

alt text describing player movements and improved AI

A significant addition is the directed runs feature, offering unprecedented control over attacking player movement. This allows for intricate passing combinations and coordinated attacks, although mastering this feature requires practice to avoid chaotic player positioning. Previously, runs were AI-driven and predictable. This new level of control adds a layer of tactical depth to the game.

FIFA 21 directed runs

Further enhancing realism is the “Natural Collision System,” which improves player interactions during physical challenges. Players now actively avoid obstacles and seek the most efficient path to the ball, minimizing unnecessary falls and chaotic scrambles.

Agile Dribbling and Rewind Feature

Agile Dribbling provides players with responsive and fluid close-control dribbling. Unlike previous dribbling mechanics like “Physical Play Overhaul” in FIFA 17 or “Precision Dribbling” in FIFA 12, Agile Dribbling is quick, nimble, and visually impressive. It allows for quick changes of direction and skillful maneuvers without sacrificing momentum, proving effective even for players who prefer a less skill-intensive approach.

Agile Dribbling demonstration

A small but welcome addition is the improved Rewind functionality. Players can now instantly rewind crucial moments directly during gameplay, eliminating the need to navigate through menus. This streamlined approach enhances the flow of the game.

Rewind feature in FIFA 21

Game Mode Enhancements

FIFA’s Ultimate Team mode remains a major draw, and EA has bolstered its appeal with the addition of Co-op functionality. While playing with friends isn’t new to football games, its inclusion in Ultimate Team adds a fresh dimension and renewed excitement to the mode.

Ultimate Team Co-op gameplay

Volta Football, introduced in FIFA 20, returns with some expansions. The addition of Agile Dribbling injects further flair and skill into Volta matches, making them even more dynamic and engaging.

Career Mode receives several tweaks, with player development playing a more significant role. Training exercises directly impact player attributes and playing style, allowing for greater customization. Transfers are also more realistic and challenging, with players demanding more from negotiations, forcing players to manage finances carefully.

Significant Shortcomings

Despite the positive changes, FIFA 21 suffers from some glaring weaknesses.

Imbalance Between Attack and Defense

FIFA 21’s most significant flaw lies in the imbalance between attacking and defensive gameplay. The focus on enhancing attacking options has seemingly come at the expense of defensive mechanics, creating a lopsided experience, particularly noticeable in online matches.

Defensive struggles in FIFA 21

The directed runs feature, while effective offensively, can be exploited to easily break down defenses. Coupled with Agile Dribbling, defending becomes a frustrating exercise, especially against skilled opponents. Defensive AI also struggles, with players making questionable decisions and leaving gaping holes in the backline.

Defensive AI issues

Regressive Opponent AI

The opponent AI in FIFA 21 is noticeably worse than in previous iterations. Even on the highest difficulty settings, the AI exhibits baffling behavior, from aimless clearances to poor decision-making in one-on-one situations.

Opponent AI shortcomings

This regression negatively impacts single-player modes, particularly Career Mode, making the experience less challenging and less engaging.

AI impacting gameplay

Conclusion

FIFA 21 introduces some exciting new features that enhance attacking gameplay and offer greater control. However, the glaring imbalance between attack and defense, coupled with the regressive opponent AI, significantly detracts from the overall experience. While EA has taken steps forward in some areas, it has unfortunately taken two steps back in others. This leaves FIFA 21 feeling like a missed opportunity to capitalize on the absence of a true competitor.