Thanks to the gameplay changes alone, FIFA 14 is an essential purchase for any football gaming fan. It feels so different that it may even gain back long-term fans lost along the way, though there's also a risk that EA Sports might lose a few for the same reasons.

isn't a major landmark for the series in terms of innovation. Unlike recent iterations, it doesn't ask you to relearn key skills. But the changes have made FIFA more attacking, fun, welcoming, and attractive, and ultimately it's a stronger experience.

Thrilling; attacking style; Improved animation; Smarter teammates; So many ways to play

Visuals starting to date

You could argue that FIFA 14 shows EA Sports is running out of ideas, then, but for me this is a developer that knows exactly what it's doing. Neither the football match engine nor Ultimate Team were broken in any major way, and the placebo effect of a suite of control and balance tweaks, along with...

While gamers anxiously await the arrival of next generation games in November, EA Sports reminds us that there are still great games on this generation. While not completely perfect, FIFA 14 delivers on its promise of an improved and lasting gameplay experience.

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+ Ball realism; + Ultimate Team additions; + Improved careers

- A little too fast at times; - Can feel overwhelming

Any worries I had about this year's FIFA are but a memory . 14 is very good. It feels different, and while it may not necessarily be superior, it easily matches its predecessor's quality. Unlike FIFA 13, strength takes greater emphasis over speed - this feels like a slower, more considered affair.

EA's FIFA franchise has a unique task when it comes to the creation of their games, one that doesn't heavily apply to other sports titles. With the whole world waiting in anticipation to play your product, it is pertinent to have a soccer game that captures the thrill of the sport, the national...

Fluid; masterful gameplay; Outstanding graphics; Plenty of varied challenges; Authentic on-the-pitch experience; Enjoyable soundtrack; Numerous licensed clubs and leagues; New physics are fantastic; Functioning AI

Practice Arena doesn't load

"It is a slower, more methodical game that can frustrate as often as it delights" "You're often forced to play the ball out wide to avoid the mass of humanity standing between yourself and the goal." "Goals feel more organic and varied here than they have in a FIFA game for years.

Stunning presentation and attention to detail; More varied and more attractive goals; Expanded career mode with better scouting

Stodgy midfield battles; Movement is stuttery and clumsy; Player errors take control from your hands