FIFA 14

Electronic Arts once again offers the best gaming experience for all lovers of football. FIFA 14 isn’t a major landmark for the series in terms of innovation, but the changes have such a significant effect on physic and gameplay.

FIFA 14 may seem like the same old song and dance on the surface, but once you get into the game you’ll appreciate what the developer has done to enhance the overall quality, even if the glitz and glamour suffers a bit by not advancing along the same path as the improved controls.

Clumsier players only slightly dent what's still the most comprehensive footy game ever made. [Dec 2013, p.58]

FIFA 14 confirms itself as the best football sim around. A great and improved gameplay and many play modes make it a worthwhile buy on Xbox 360 even with the next-gen version looming.

Although lacking a bit in terms of innovation when compared with previous iterations, FIFA 14 remains a well balanced, profound and addictive soccer experience, that will be enjoyed by rookies and veterans alike.

On paper, the changes might sound subtle, on the pitch though, they really influence your way of play. FIFA 14 wants you to play clever, and the AI, refined controls, better ball physics and richer animation all work in support of that.

Konami's Fox Engine is not enough to beat Electronic Arts' gigantic production. Even this year FIFA features solid gameplay, great graphics and much of the usual content that proves to be incredibly satisfying.

With a cleaned up presentation, deep gameplay modes, and new mechanics that bring a more realistic experience on the pitch, FIFA 14 definitely captures the beautiful game in all of its glory.

[Skill Games] aside, FIFA 14 oozes style, authenticity, and bold design from start to finish. It looks and feels better than ever - and that's no small feat considering the series' incredibly rich tradition.

FIFA 14 is still the amazing soccer simulation we know, with a host of improvements and the most complete set of players, teams and game modes.

FIFA 14 represents a difficult step forward for a very popular franchise, but a successful one nonetheless. The changes have such a significant effect, that returning fans may find them off-putting through the first five to ten games. But those that embrace them will be rewarded with perhaps the most satisfying, engaging FIFA yet.

PES presents a credible alternative in terms of gameplay – FIFA can’t replicate it’s artful passing style – but when it comes to exciting gameplay, impeccable presentation, and a generous year-long experience, FIFA is still in a league of its own.

14 is very good. It feels different, and while it may not necessarily be superior, it easily matches its predecessor's quality.

FIFA 14 takes yet another step towards being an even better football simulation than its predecessor. Small but considerate improvements like Precision Movement and advanced physics secure the sports game throne for FIFA for another year.

Looking past such a calculating diagnostic, losing yourself in this game is still easy. The kinds of shots players get off are varied due to how they strike the ball (and with which foot), and the controls hit a sweet spot of being easy to pull off and capable of letting you engineer some incisive attacks. These aspects are not to be underestimated, as they give you confidence going forward and the ability to score from some new areas.

FIFA 14 takes some risks with new improvements and new situations that offers more realism in general. Although the game isn't as fluid as its predecessor in some moments. Incredible in presentation and licenses.

FIFA 14 doesn’t bring any “game changers” to the table but what it does do is refine an already superb soccer game.

While I have mixed feelings about EA’s perch on this lucrative pedestal, it’s hard to to argue that the EA Canada team hasn’t earned it, and doesn’t continue to earn it, by delivering a game that really does feel better, really does feel different, every year, even if you have to be an avid player of the game to really appreciate how.

FIFA 14 keeps its crown as the best football game on current generation consoles. Football fans will not be disappointed picking this one up.

With its extensive licenses, bold and complex yet accessible gameplay, unparalleled online offerings, excellent tutorials, and clean presentation, FIFA 14 may only be a small step up from last year's game, but it remains a fantastic offering overall.

It’s still the only place where you’ll find cutting edge development in a sports game, and that alone is worth the price of admission.

FIFA 14 is a passable season update, but the FIFA team is obviously waiting for the next console generation and the World Cup version of the game coming next spring. [Oct 2013]

FIFA 14 pushes the franchise forward in baby steps without providing any major surprises or new “wow” features, yet is still streets ahead of the competition and a must for any footie fan.

Finely tuned football simulation that lacks only our national league. A perfect farewell to the current hardware generation. [Issue#234]

Learn the nuances then revel in the gorgeous results. [Issue#103, p.80]

This is the essence of FIFA 14 – a great package but a hefty sidestep, rather than a leap, as some of its predecessors were. The menus are fantastically designed, accessible and simple, which isn’t a mean feat considering the sheer amount of different modes and ways to play, and make it seem a shinier, fresher product than it is.

A slight improvement of the current engine again makes an excellent virtual football game out of FIFA 14, putting at the game's forefront its atmosphere, accessibility, and wide gameplay variability, especially in its multiplayer game.

With an increased focus on realistic movement, FIFA 14 takes a step away from the fast paced, easy accessible gameplay that has defined the series for years. It's a harder game to get into, but way more fun when you actually do. Some slight issues with the AI is annoying, but FIFA 14 is still a guarantee for hours of football fun.

The game's difference-maker is entirely on the pitch – that new movement system. In multiplayer especially, where the absence of an all-knowing AI sees imperfect humans make repeated mistakes, it leads to slightly clumsier, boggier, slower matches. All the same, the change is only incremental, and doesn't ruin the game by any means.

FIFA 14 is the same, fundamentally great game that FIFA 13 was before it. Hard-core fans of the series will doubtlessly enjoy the latest instalment, but casual gamers who picked up last year’s won’t miss much by sitting this one out. There is, after all, a next-generation FIFA game to look forward to.

Rather than aim toward a mass-market audience with an arcade approach, the developers have slowed the game down and required more finesse and skill out of players. Though still lacking in some areas, it is nonetheless an improved version of its predecessor with all of its strengths and fewer of its weaknesses.

There’s no doubting that FIFA 14 is an improvement over last year’s version, but that improvement is very slight and those who aren’t ardent FIFA fans would probably never notice the differences. Having already played the next-gen version – with the new Ignite engine – I’d have to say you’re probably best off waiting. That one at least feels and looks like a different game, this one does not. Still, FIFA 14 is as great as ever.

FIFA 13 took larger strides than this year's offering, but even with only minor improvements and changes, FIFA 14 remains an excellent soccer sim.

FIFA 14 is probably the least revolutionary football game in some years – a near carbon copy of its predecessor that makes tiny adjustments in key areas, the likes of which many players might not even notice.

It lacks commitment in some areas but there are enough new features and promising new ideas to keep fans busy for another 12 months, even if this is clearly a transitionary sequel.

In this year's installment FIFA doesn’t take any larger leaps forward. It is still a polished football game for the dedicated fan base. And for the player who doesn’t want to play alone Ultimate Team is probably better than ever. But it is still too bad that EA hasn’t worked more on improving the core mechanics of the game.

I think EA needs to go back to the drawing board on its interpretation of unpredictability's role in sports games, because while it might make the game look more realistic to watch, it makes it feel frustrating to play.

Everything’s there, just like last year. Hardcore fans will enjoy the revisited physics engine, but we were expecting some larger changes.

Despite the improvements in graphical fidelity and presentation, which are sure to be even more amazing on Xbox One and PlayStation 4, FIFA 14 is essentially the same game from last year.