LIKE the old tale of the Forth Bridge always having to be painted - every year FIFA has to be bettered. Makers EA have to constantly find faults in their own games to better them for the following year’s gaming.
FIFA 21 has hit the back of the net. In fact I think it’s one of the most improved games I’ve played in the football franchise for a long time.
The much maligned Career mode has been given a huge revamp, and for those of us who are used to living and breathing football and football sims then it’s a welcome upgrade to a part of the game that everyone has wanted to be great for years but has always felt let down after a few hours.
Now though, EA have added more in depth options in training, transfers and player development featuring a revamped growth system and the new and improved menu system helps it greatly, although the silent treatment of characters in the transfer negotiation cinematics stil remains which could have been improved upon this year I feel.
Gameplay tweaks are always the topic of the day for any new FIFA, and thanks to a re-imagined collision system and dribbling upgrades for all players whatever your style of play, this year the game feels much more life-like along with new player animations creating smoother player interactions all over the pitch.
Volta after having been added last year has remained and offers a great alternative to the regular gameplay and also is home to “The Debut” which players can choose a path through a narrative-based introduction to VOLTA FOOTBALL that features some of the biggest names in the game.
As always though, the incredibly popular FIFA Ultimate Team mode in game is where the real fun is to be had, with new co-op play, more events and the ability to play friendlies against anyone including your mates with your newly assembled team of legends or grind your way through new Squad Battle Challenges to earn coin and help buy packs or players on the transfer market.
It’s as much fun as you’ll have while playing the game online in my opinion and when you buy the game on PS4 or Xbox One you will receive a free upgrade for next gen as and when you purchase one of the new consoles in November.
With the threat of lockdown again and with many of us working from home FIFA 21 is the perfect tonic to get lost in for hours and hours.
