Video game: FIFA 14; Version (tried): PC; Publisher: Electronic Arts; Price: Rs 2,499
It won\’t be wrong to say that almost every gaming enthusiast has played FIFA at some point in their life, making it one of the most popular franchise in EA?s line up.
Thousands of people throng game stores for the midnight launch across the globe to get their hands on the game and go back home to form their ultimate team. I personally know fans who eat, sleep and breathe FIFA, spending hours playing this game almost everyday. Over the years, the game has been constantly refined, with interesting features and realism added in every title. FIFA 14, launched last month, does manage to live up to some expectations. In ultimate team mode, players can purchase players for their team, which can be played against artificial intelligence (AI) or online players. You can then buy or sell players on the ultimate team transfer market using coins, which can be earned from winning matches, tournaments and selling players.
These packs can be purchased with either FIFA points (purchased with real money) or the coins earned as rewards. The best part about the game play is that if gamers keep a check on their teams, chances are that suddenly one of your players might become highly valuable due to his performance in a real ? life football match or you might just bag Lionel Messi for your team. Surprise elements such as these make it the perfect mode for fans of the sport, who feel proud to have rare or popular players in their team.
Who wouldn\’t want Messi on their side, right? FIFA Ultimate Team has ditched formation cards, so it?s now easier to find the right chemistry for your team, no matter what shape you want to play in. A useful addition is the style card, which increases the stats of a certain player permanently. In the career (manager) mode, the gamer can become the manager of a team and decide player wages, transfer signings, loans, squads and tactics. The well made system simulates real life happenings of a career in great detail. Other modes like pro clubs, create a tournament, kick off, be a pro player/goalkeeper, creation center and seasons among others have also got a mini makeover to keep you hooked on; with seasons now including co-op seasons, where the gamer can play 2v2.
Skill games and 1v1 head to head also make a comeback, with a more refined look. The manner in which these comprehensive game modes have been designed is highly commendable. The gameplay mechanics have become more realistic than ever, making the gamer feel like they are playing real-life football. Physics and graphics have been upgraded, with the pitches looking fabulous and the crowd being more interactive than ever. Compared to FIFA 13, the music is slightly better, while the commentary (with anecdotes about a club and whether an aging player in the opposition is considering retirement), sound effects and crowd reactions are decent. No stuttering, input lag and sluggish menus serve as brownie points in the PC version.
Overall, FIFA 14 is an incredible mix of everything good from the previous releases, with new features that presents an aesthetic performance in the football game genre. Buy FIFA 14 and no doubt, you will be hugely impressed.