My FIFA 21 review is in progress, but the gameplay is making a strong impression early on. As the game completes the install process, you’re only allowed to dive into some UEFA action, which comes with some stylized presentation.
Liverpool is my favorite club, so I chose them to match up with Manchester City in my first match. Caution: I’ve never been excellent at the game, but watching below you can get a feel for the animations, collision-detection, visuals, and ball physics.
It’s only one half of play:
FIFA 21 officially releases on October 6 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One X, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
The game will also feature the return of VOLTA Football, enhancements to Career mode and Ultimate Team. However, in the gameplay video, we can focus a bit more on the designed improvements in the following areas:
- Agile Dribbling
- Positioning Personality
- Creative Runs
- Directed Runs
- Directed Pass and Go
- Player Lock
- Natural Collision System
- Competitor Mode
- Fundamentals of Football
The Directed Runs and Directed Pass and Go are mechanics I’m familiar with because it is similar to something that has been in Madden for years, and it’s called Playmaker. The commands work much the same as you flick the analog stick to briefly control the player who is intended to receive pass, and you direct them to an open area where you can them the ball in a safe area.
If mastered, this can be an excellent mechanic. There will be more to come on this and other aspects of the gameplay as I move toward publishing the review.
