For me, football (or soccer, depending on what part of the world you occupy) is an integral part of who I am. While it might sound like an exaggeration, it's influenced the friends I've made, the clothes I wear and, in the example of EA Sports's FIFA series, the games I play.

Right off the bat, FIFA 17 throws you into the unfolding action of the ever-so-popular Emirates FA Cup match between Chelsea and Manchester United. Without hesitation, this football, or fùtbol, simulation is brought directly to the player like a greeting: "2017 is here, welcome!

EA's licensing rights; The Journey; Plenty of modes to keep you busy

Plenty of modes to keep you busy

Somewhat ironically, FIFA 17 isn't too dissimilar from Alex Hunter. The game feels like a young superstar in the making, destined for greatness but also a little too desperate to impress. It's got all the essentials, more than its fair share of flair, and the potential to do some great things in the future. But at the same time, it tries to hard, makes too many avoidable mistakes, and becomes unbalanced as a result. Consistency is what FIFA 17 lacks. That doesn't mean it isn't a great game. It just means that the EA Sports team have plenty of work to do before they reestablish themselves as the very, very best. Pre-order the FIFA 17 game here from Amazon

Frostbite Fidelity; Goals galore; Compelling story mode;

Set-piece nightmares; Hit-and-miss build up play;

Frostbite Fidelity; Goals galore; Compelling story mode;

Set-piece nightmares; Hit-and-miss build up play;

For all that FIFA promises something for every football fan, from the casual observer to the full-kit fanatic, I still find myself wishing that EA Sports would spend a little more time focusing on the basics.

The best thing a sports franchise can do is take a risk. In the standard annualized cycle, sports games tout smaller improvements that can help the overall experience, but these bumps rarely wow the player.

The Journey is a unique experience; Same enjoyable on-pitch action; Ultimate Team continues to improve; Improved visually

While unique; The Journey can get a bit repetitive; Gameplay needs a new feature

Real-life soccer players act out their own destinies on the pitch with each passing minute, but that's trickier in video games. FIFA 17's new mode, The Journey, has no shortage of inspirations; every match and season is full of them.

FIFA 17 is a good game but if you're looking for the beautiful game then you'll find it with PES.

There's a lot to be said for the popularity of the FIFA franchise over the past 10 years. Its rise has been pretty similar to that of the real game, to the EPL especially and to the ever growing marketing trend that aligns with the sport.

The Journey is great l Lots of Content l Ultimate Teams with new challenges l Production Value

Annoying commentary l Same AI issues remain l A bit too much emphasis on pace

Being consistently good can bring its own problems. Among the highlight gameplay changes in this year's FIFA we have: better throw-ins, low driven shots, and the ability to control the ball from a long keeper kick.

Set-piece overhaul eases longstanding frustrations; Career mode and Ultimate Team still brilliant; Excellent commentary and presentation; The Journey captures the romance of football

No huge gameplay changes; The Journey offers limited choice