FIFA 14 (PS4)

Product Information

Meanwhile, going shoulder-to-shoulder with an opponent yields better results, slowing down attackers while avoiding yet more weird limb-knotting that was a common occurrence in previous instalments. Not only is this a great way to get you into the action quickly, but it's also the perfect opportunity for the title to show you just how much things have improved. Fuelled by EA SPORTS™ IGNITE, which blends new technology withthe best rendering, run-time physics, animation, intelligence, locomotion and online systems from across EA into one powerful, new engine, FIFA 14 will elevate itsaward-winning gameplay to new heights*. Since the game's camera is mostly sweeping across the breadth of the pitch with fast lateral movements, it's largely inconsequential that these high contrast details are quashed. Online features and live services connect you to the heartbeat of the sport—and to fans around the world—and game modes like FIFA Ultimate Team leverage thousands of real players from real leagues and clubs for unparalleled authenticity.

The best aspect of next-gen FIFA 14 is undoubtedly the extended range and depth of player animation. Plus, the artistry and athleticism of footballers will come to life with Elite Technique that world class players express in every match. In terms of visuals on last year's Wii U release, there is a distinct lack of AA on player previews during team selection, but in-game we see a post-process solution producing a similar bar of image quality to PS3. New cloth technology ensures player kits look and react to movement just as they do in the real world.Combine that realistic speed with all of the fluidity that we've mentioned above, however, and FIFA 14 is, without doubt, the most well-realised football game ever made. This is largely down to the lack of a mandatory HDD install, where discrete caching of data is instead performed during the game's initial load to hasten asset streaming later on.

Overall, commentary is much sharper and on point, removing most, if not all, instances of obvious repetition. For the first time ever, fans will feel the electricity of a living stadium, and experience the majesty of the world’s greatest football theatres. But EA needs to improve the way it plays touchscreen football if it's to keep the paying punters happy for FIFA 15. At times, it can feel like you're watching a match live on the television, with the roars of supporters echoing around the perfectly lit arena. Plus, the artistry and athleticism of footballers will come to life with the addition of hundreds of new types of skills and hundreds of new behaviors.FIFA 14 may not sport the single, defining mechanic of previous titles, but through slight and subtle refinements it makes the familiar feel fresh, exciting and engrossing. Going by the crystal clear results of this year's PC version set to 1080p, it'll be well worthwhile if the team can fully deliver here.