FIFA 16 Reviews
With so much content on offer, both old and new, alongside its many accessibility options, it's still hard not to recommend FIFA to footy fans of all ages and skill levels.
With a refined gameplay that requires a more tactical approach to achieve success, fine tuning of numerous details, and deeper options for both online and offline play, FIFA 16 has proven yet again to be the quintessential title for fans of the beautiful game.
It's maddening, beautiful and downright frustrating all in the same utterance; an unpredictable, oftentimes surprising, experience that gives and takes in the same breath. It's more like the sport that it's trying to replicate than ever before and oddly enough that's not always as laudable as one might think. Though not as refined as optimally as one would hope, there is undoubted progress in this year's FIFA.
EA's noble quest for authenticity certainly has its benefits, but there are times when the slower pace and more deliberate build-up play takes the shine off what is, after all, a video game representation of the beautiful game. It makes those wonder strikes and team goals all the more magical when you pull them off, but you're going to have to work a little harder to make these moments happen.
Something of a return to form after 15, but sooner rather than later EA will need to stop re-arranging pieces of their existing code and actually develop a properly new and substantial FIFA engine.
FIFA has abandoned some of the fast, furious, end-to-end play of FIFA 15 in favour of a tighter, more believable defensive game, but if that saps out a little of the fun, there's compensation in the improved Career game mode and the more accessible Ultimate Team Draft mode. In fact, FIFA's problem isn't that it doesn't play a great game of football, but that this particular version might not be great enough. With Pro Evo looking incredibly strong this year, the more conservative, authenticity-focused FIFA seems a little less exciting than it is.
While there are some rough edges, FIFA 16 stands out as the best football game in recent memory. The new dribbling mechanic adds a ton of depth to the game, and women's soccer is finally represented (even if it isn't the high point it should be). Die-hard fans will be glad to know it is as fun as ever, and there are enough hooks for even casual fans to have a ton of fun.
More than a roster update, but not quite a footballing revolution, FIFA 16 adds enough changes and gameplay tweaks to keep longtime fans happy and help introduce new players to the series.
Having women's soccer is a welcome addition to the FIFA 16 formula, which continues to have the advantage as far as its bells and whistles beyond the play on the pitch. Changes with defense and passing also improve the core gameplay though it still feels the same overall. One thing's for sure, the series will really need to step up its game next year if it wants to fend off its surging competitor.
Dragon Ball Z is off to a solid start this generation, with XenoVerse. There's still plenty of room for improvement, but fans are going to find plenty to love with the latest chapter in this long-running saga that tells the same story but with a different spin.
FIFA 16 is an excellent football game, but while the gameplay tweaks and minor improvements make it the best FIFA yet, the limited scope of new additions and modes make it feel like EA has missed an opportunity to completely establish itself as the king of the football sim.
FIFA 16 is a return to form for the world's most popular sports video game, and although it has a couple of issues, it's a definite step forward.
FIFA 16 is a beautiful game about the beautiful game. Driven by a need for authenticity, EA has created an unparalleled soccer simulation that improves upon FIFA 15 in every aspect. While the game's elaborate controls and elite presentation still make it challenging for the uninitiated, steps have been taken to help welcome new players.
FIFA 16 delivers the beautiful game, in a beautiful way. While it's not perfect, it does the best we've seen in a football game in a long time.
Where last year's game sometimes felt like a non-stop shooting gallery with blazing ping-pong action across the entire field, this year's game more closely follows the pace of a typical real-life match. And that's a good thing.
FIFA 16 delivers another deeply satisfying game of soccer replete with beloved franchise staples such as Ultimate Team, Co-op Online Seasons, etc. The core game is largely the same. But key additions in the Women's International Tournament and the new Ultimate Team Draft add depth to a game already full of immersive play options. With the addition of Ultimate Team Draft, EA could honestly put out Ultimate Team as a stand alone release.
A marked improvement over last year, but the absence of pace is sorely missed. FIFA 16 is not as good on the pitch as PES this year – again – but it's a great football game regardless, with unrivalled off the pitch options.
Calling FIFA 16 a bad game would be an unfair remark, as the game is incredibly fun and well-made, but it’s simply very safe in nature, which will be very noticeable for returning players, where the game offers a slightly less exciting rendition compared to last year’s stellar release. None the less, FIFA 16 is still a very solid title, albeit a bit Messi (horrible pun intended.)
With EA reworking much of FIFA's gameplay and mechanics, there are going to be FIFA fans who will struggle initially when playing the game. Personally, I welcome the change in mechanics. I haven't struggled with the game, though the legendary setting is slightly more challenging than it was in FIFA 15. Overall FIFA 16 is a very good game, and an improvement on last year's offering.
The best FIFA yet. Improvements across the board make this a must own title for any sports fan.