Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release Date: September 22, 2015
ESRB: E
Reviewed on Xbox One, also available on PS4
Overall Review
Madden, NHL, and the Show are sports titles that have no competition. They march on by themselves and it can be argued that they suffer for it. FIFA isn’t in that same situation because Konami publishes Pro Evolution Soccer every year. This means that we should be able to expect more from the FIFA franchise. Competition breed innovation and all that. Right?
Well… not necessarily.
FIFA 16 is an excellent game. Don’t get me wrong. It is visually stunning. Player animations are clean and natural. If you aren’t paying attention it would be hard to distinguish the game from an actual telecast if you weren’t paying attention. It also comes jam packed with different game modes like create a player and online play. This version even includes the Women’s World Cup teams (a first for the series) which might be enough for some families right from the get go.
Unfortunately, FIFA 16 does not include any single feature that makes it stand out from previous iterations or its competition. Instead The developers have doubled down on its core soccer elements and have produced a game that more accurately reflects the game’s finer strategic elements. Jostling for position on defense is a bit more difficult, the opposing teams will take VERY efficient angles on the net. All of this equates to a more challenging game, but one that is more satisfying to the true soccer fan.
Family Gaming Assessment
If you would feel comfortable letting your child watch a soccer game on television, then this game will be appropriate for them.
Online play carries the same caveat that I include with most games. You never know what your opponent will say so you should disable voice chat unless you want your child to hear some…. things.
Playability Review
Sports simulation games are, by default, hard to control. FIFA 16 avoids some of that, but still manages to use just about every button on the controller. The good news is that the game has an on field trainer (similar to the on ice trainer in NHL 16) that will help tell you what buttons to pretty and when to press them.
Conclusion
FIFA 16 is as strong an entry to the series as there has been recent years. If you are a soccer fan then this is a great purchase.
