This year, the gameplay feels genuinely different, but does that mean it’s good? Short answer – no. A much slower approach to gameplay gave the potential of genuinely satisfying build-up play, but, in true EA fashion, this was but a pipe dream for the player. It just doesn’t feel good, attacking is annoyingly inconsistent, and defending is potentially the most frustrating it has ever been, especially with an all time high of animation issues and glitches.
These gameplay struggles (especially defensively) are largely down to the introduction of a complete overhaul of EA’s tactics system, which, conceptually, is brave and refreshing to see. Unfortunately, however, this change is executed poorly in practice. This year, default tactics leave you exposed in a way that makes you question if your fullbacks possess defensive capabilities at all, or if your midfielders are prevented from defending your third by some sort of Yaya-Toure-esque curse.
To enjoy gameplay in the slightest, you are virtually forced to enter this brave new world of tactics – and it is far from pretty. To harness these correctly requires more mental effort than I’d like to put into this game. Its hostility to the casual only serves to compound the issues of it’s sluggish gameplay; you just can’t avoid it.
Despite my slandering, I want to keep playing.
The positives this year come mainly from the general principle of ultimate team (as well as yet another killer soundtrack). It is entertainingly addictive; assembling a team of personal club legends has a unique sentimental enjoyment to it that just keeps me coming back. The idea of ultimate team alone is almost enough to stand against all the negatives – despite my slandering, I want to keep playing.
Would I buy this game? Not for £70. Never.
Aside from that, general mediocrity continues for another year. Would I buy this game? Not for £70. Never. I think I’ll pick it up for about £30 over the Christmas sale. In the meantime, I’d recommend spending your money on a nice pair of shoes or a good night out.