After the extremely successful release for the other Football game on the market (Pro Evo 2016), it’s now FIFA’s turn to give the Football crowd their version of what they think a Football simulator should be like. FIFA’s biggest addition this year, and most hyped up addition was the inclusion of women’s teams to the game which we will talk about in more detail later in the review. Firstly, there are a number of other new features in the game that we should cover. EA has also dramatically improved player AI in "FIFA 16." For one, AI players haven't been colliding into each other and collapsing like utter idiots as often as they did in "15." Great! 

 

They're also much smarter defensively all over the pitch. AI player positioning is far better, as they close down space like (most) actual players. Defending players on both sides can also stay more with an attacking player, and you get the slightest assistance from the CPU that keeps the defender you're controlling on an attacking player who slips past you so the gap isn't so wide when he breaks away.

 

Once again, the audio cements an experience that’s just begging to be recognized as a progressive simulator. Sound is always a critical part of just about any popular sport but as any soccer aficionado will tell you, the sound of a loaded arena during a tight match is unparalleled in the world of athletics. EA tries to capture this as best they can, offering the player a mélange of appealing audio, ranging from subtle gameplay effects to the explosion of a hard-earned goal. The announcing is spot-on (with only a few minor flaws), the soundtrack is appropriately diverse and the field effects continue to impress throughout. In general, you really do feel as if you’re watching a real soccer match, which is an illusion any good simulator tries to produce.

 

The banter, the thrash-talking, the rivalry that develops, the way that the two engaged gamers come to relate to each other both on and off the pitch enhance the mechanics of the game and make each goal scored feel like the most important thing in the world. A lot of gamers want to have more long-term progression and they will head straight for the Seasons mode or for Ultimate Team, which still has the same core mechanics and is a good way to occupy a lot of time while mixing team building with tense matches.

 

FIFA Ultimate Team Drafts is a simple fantasy football-like, draft mini-game at the core of FIFA Ultimate Team, where you choose every player in your squad from a number of randomly selected players and then pit them against other like-minded football fans. Win games, and you can earn Gold Packs and what not for your Ultimate Team. Lose, and you’re back to Ultimate Team scavenging coins for another valuable FUT Draft token so that you can do it all over again. It’s beautiful.

 

Sure, you’re only going to get the most out of FIFA Ultimate Team if you have a huge amount of time – or cash – to spare, same with FUT Drafts as you have to pay your way in – using either real cash or the FIFA in-game currency – but it’s a satisfying journey if you’re willing to put the time in.

 

FIFA 16 may not look dramatically different to last year’s version but under the hood there are certainly enough enhancements to justify a purchase. New modes are welcome and addictive, while tweaked gameplay does result in a more realistic and complete game of football. As addictive and frustrating as ever, there is certainly plenty of keep you busy until next year’s instalment.