FIFA 16 is out across the world - although EA Access Members on Xbox One have been playing for almost a week now. With every sports franchise, the question almost always becomes, “How much has this title improved on last years game.” Sometimes, the improvements are subtle, making consumers decide whether to actually upgrade last years game over this years improved version. For FIFA 16, the answer to that question is an easy, most definitely. EA Sports has developed and released the best FIFA 16 game to date, and probably the best football title this year.

 

There is a marked improvement year-over-year for the FIFA franchise. FIFA 16 feels re-tuned, with an all new engine driving what is on the field. While games like NHL 16 and Madden 16 have seen improvements from 2014-2015 to 2015-2016, FIFA has been completely rebuilt. The mode starts off by giving you one or two decent players and a number of bronze cards. The players with the higher stats will obviously be your starters since you don’t have anything else. Don’t be too quick to Quick Sell your consumables as FIFA recommends activating consumables that may boost your fitness rating, for example.

 

The bronze players you receive have low stats, but they can be helpful as some of them stand out in pace or defending. In your first team, you also receive a manager, contracts and a few other cards. These cards are very important as you will need them when a player runs out of contracts or gets injured during a match. The first thing you’ll notice about FIFA 16 is that it’s harder to score goals. Messi may be on the box art again, but the latest edition of this best-selling football sim focuses on defence.

 

In previous games it was fairly easy to draw out opposition players, creating space in behind for an attacker to occupy and a pass to be played into. FIFA 16’s teams, however, have been watching Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid and now hold their shape much more stubbornly. Consequently, playing with the women's sides in the demo feels like a noticeably different experience. There is more space, and consequently more time in which to pick passes and curate moves.

 

A new suite of 25 feature changes to defensive locomotion creates agile defenders that track attacking opponents. Defenders are able to seamlessly close down space and change direction using swing steps, creating balance in 1v1 situations. Defender acceleration time to top speed and greater freedom of movement help defenders stay with their opponents as they look to break up attacks.

 

You begin the FIFA Ultimate Team mode with 500 coins. Once you’re familiar with your roster, head on over to the Store and to Browse Packs. Open the complementary packs you have to get started. You want to sort your assets here. Go to Quick Sell to get rid of any players you’re comfortable are not going to work with your roster, and you’ll earn a few coins. Keep any high ranking players using the Send to Club option, and separate the consumable assets, such as managers, stadiums and kits.

 

As a last piece of advice to FIFA Ultimate Team Mode fans, we ask you to restrain from going into "rage mode". We understand that sometimes it can be an extremely frustrating experience, but for the sake of your health, your controller, and even future coins (you will be penalized for leaving games), take a deep breath and try to relax. Other than that, all that remains is to wish you good luck!