FIFA 14 Review

The next generation of gaming is here and with it, the world’s most popular sports franchise has a whole new version available for the PlayStation 4 gaming system. With FIFA 14, a whole new chapter has come up.

The new installation, however, doesn't bring much in the way of new features. So what has changed? What can you expect? Take a look.

For the last few years, the franchise has been on top of the chart due to realism, detail and gameplay. While the closest competitor, the Pro Evolution Soccer franchise, comes close due to the detail it gives to every aspect of the game, overall, FIFA has reigned supreme. This new edition has vastly upgraded graphics, a new physics engine, living world’s environments, a new precision movement system and much more.

Those long-used run-and-gun attacks up the centre of the pitch so beloved by FIFA players are met here with a steely wall of defence and a disheartening counterattack. This is a slower, more considered take on football that rewards careful build-up play.

EA has definitely put a lot of effort in making the gameplay feel more real. This has been a constant part of FIFA’s overall development over the past few years. The major difference that we could pinpoint between this franchise and Konami’s PES series is the delicate balance it maintains to keep each match grounded in realism. PES, on the other hand, has always been bogged down by slightly unrealistic gameplay. The team line-up is as expansive as ever, with even the lowest divisions being clearly detailed. Realism in terms of player details seems to range, though. While some players come with accurate facial builds, others seem to be slightly off the mark. 

Graphics

To truly be appreciated and enjoyed, the camera must be changed from the default setting to “Dynamic” or at the very least, put at an angle where the players are seen for all their glory. Clearly, the graphics of the player models are fluid, dynamic and realistic. The graphics have a sharpness that simply did not exist on the prior generation and the crowd moves fluidly to provide an authentic FIFA experience.

FIFA 14 on the new consoles features a new default camera that is angled lower and closer to the pitch to bring new 3D crowds life. The crowd is now a part of the action. Larger stadiums in the game will also feature stadium exteriors and broadcast-inspired stadium fly-overs to add more depth to the match-day experience.

FIFA 14 isn’t earth shatteringly different from the earlier installments. The tweaks in the latest installment, though, come out when you get down to playing a match. Every detail has been worked on from how the player runs, jumps, makes a pass or even the stance that individual players take on the field. 

The EA SPORTS IGNITE engine allows for greater graphical fidelity. New cloth technology ensures player kits look and react to movement just as they do in the real world. Particles of grass and dirt, and even splashes of water will be visible during matches. All of the enhanced detail helps each match tell a compelling story, on and off the pitch.

Audio

FIFA has the best audio in the sports gaming industry and that holds true in the PS4′s edition of FIFA 14. The soundtrack is impressive, but not anything new from the previous generation. The commentary is absolutely outstanding and relevant during all facets of a match, while the crowd genuinely reacts at the right time, as opposed to a collective sigh whenever there’s a strike at the goal. While the audio actually sounds about the same as it does on the previous generation’s version of this game, which does not mean it is anything other than spectacular.

Gameplay

With all of the changes brought about by the EA Sports Ignite engine, there is a lot for FIFA players to adjust to while playing the game. Even on easier modes, no longer will players just blow by unsuspecting defenders to get a 1:1 opportunity against the keeper. No longer, thanks to the improved A.I., will players simply run a formulaic triangle pass play with a through ball to create an uncontested opportunity. The game truly has changed, perhaps to the chagrin of players that enjoy a more casual “football” experience, but to the point where experienced players will totally appreciate all the subtleties that add up to big changes. The gameplay of FIFA 14 on PS4 is excellent, and while gamers might feel that this new generation is a tad on the difficult side and requires a fair amount of mental and physical re-calibration to master, it’s well worth the effort as the gameplay experience has certainly be elevated.

Pro Instincts

Players make decisions four times faster than on previous consoles. Decision-making is now based on multiple frames per second, resulting in players that are more aware of their surroundings and react accordingly. Depending on the situation, an attacking player may check his run, back into a defender or brace for an incoming tackle. During a sprint, a player may feint or leap over a sliding defender while still maintaining possession of the ball. Defenders will recognize more opportunities to support and pressure the opposition to help create balance.

Precision Movement

In FIFA 14, gameplay is built around True Player Motion and delivers a whole new feel in the game. Players will have unique step animations instead of blended run cycles, which mean that every step counts. Foot slides have been eliminated and players will use true bio-mechanics to shift their weight from one leg to the other as they run. This dramatically changes the feel, look and realism within the game as players will be more grounded as they move across the pitch.

Players will gradually gain or lose speed as they run but will still have a burst of speed available. Using it incorrectly or relying on it too much may prove costly. Momentum is preserved while sprinting, so there’s a balance to ensure each match still feels authentic. And more player personality will be visible in the way each player moves around the pitch.

Overall Impression

FIFA 14 on PlayStation 4 delivers the goods and fulfils the tremendous expectations set upon it by the gaming public. The game actually feels next generation with the new physics, graphics and artificial intelligence. It also plays markedly different than the same title plays on a PS3, and for the better, assuming gamers are long-time fans of the franchise. While there are certainly going to be a lot of growing pains for experienced gamers to basically make dramatic adjustments in hand-eye coordination as well as in-game strategy, FIFA 14 will deliver hundreds of hours of entertainment.