Controlling the ball is all-important in FIFA 16 area of the pitch, because a slight error, or a misplaced pass can directly lead to an overload, or leave you in no position to effectively defend, and having to give away a foul in front of goal. It’s the quickest way to get to the area, too, with through balls becoming less important, leading to a bigger pay-off when they do happen. And with each annual update, there is always that nagging question of whether it’s worth the investment for those who already own a previous version. So with that in mind, this review is going to point out the shortcomings of last year’s game and what’s new in FIFA 16. For all of the improvements to the goalkeeper AI over the years, there was still room for improvement. Goalies would often ball watch when dangerous crosses were lobbed in; or even worse, just gently palm the ball straight back into the path of strikers when blocking mediocre shots.

 

This game also feels a lot like EA’s NFL game I reviewed earlier this year. That’s not a bad thing, or surprising since it's the same developer, but I can’t categorize it as “original.” The game and finish any type of games will make you earn coins. Be sure to complete the matches are going to play. Do not leave a game even when you’re losing, even a loss gives you a certain amount of coins FIFA as to the rewards of the parties. You can see the amount of coins you have earned with details on the party list of awards after completing a match.

 

In this day and age that means going free-to-play, which is a process that’s turned FIFA into something of a Pokemon style lottery. You buy packs of random players, you turn them over in dramatic fashion, and you attempt to piece together the ‘ultimate team’. It’s a process EA set in motion years ago and one that’s proved especially popular on console because it combines an element of chance - buying packs full of players you can't see - with skill, with much resting on your ability to put together a squad that works on a team.

 

As for passing, there are all the classic types (regular, through, high ball...) plus the introduction of "passing with purpose," which in practice is a much stronger and faster pass. While pressing R1/RB, you can send the ball at high speed to a colleague, ideal for long distances, but it can go very wrong in close proximity. This can cause a faulty take from the player receiving the ball, giving it to the opposition.

 

Switching the play in FIFA 16 is something that I found useful, and no longer are players consigned to floating balls from one side of the pitch to the other, which would traditionally give opposition midfielders time to make an interception. You can ping bouncing balls across the pitch, or hit bullet passes that while harder to control, are more likely to find a teammate in space on the opposite wing. Beat the defensive line and control these faster balls on the turn and you might just find the space you need to make a quick break.

 

Plenty of other features make FIFA 16 a must play. The inclusion of 12 women's national teams is a wonderful touch, despite not being able to play friendlies against the men. Additionally, the FIFA Trainer provides graphical overlays to help you get accustomed to the new features and general gameplay mechanics; veterans can switch this off. You'll also see cool presentational touches, including cameramen walking along the sidelines and referees laying spray on the pitch. All in all EA has pinpointed the problems which annoyed players in last year’s game and fixed them. What’s not to love about that?