Alex Hunter's adventures as an up-and-coming player in the glamourous world of football continue in the Hunter Returns story mode, and while the game adds little touches to its other modes, this is FIFA 18's major piece of business in the offseason transfer window.

FIFA is an interesting franchise. You're either somebody who picks it up every single year, knowing that most of the changes will be minor or you're somebody who can't understand why so many gamers pick it up year after year and spend hundreds of hours perfecting their skills.

While there are often many years that sports games phone it in, FIFA 18 doesn't feel like one. From head to toe this game is both dripping in style and substance with so many compelling game modes it's really just a matter of where should you start.

You know how Spurs never made a superstar signing in the summer but are still really good and should really end up in the top four of the Premier League Well, FIFA is Spurs this year.

Right now a lot of people are probably eyeing up FIFA 18 and asking themselves the annual question of whether to upgrade. In much the same way as the iPhone 8 which arrived last week, it's difficult to weigh up the improvements and justify the cost for anyone who purchased last year's edition.

By making the core on-pitch experience even better, you're further encouraged to play deeper into every offering, from Alex Hunter's tale to trying to score a last minute winner with or against your friends.

Noticeably improved on-field gameplay; Top-notch production values; Enhancements and tweaks pervade every game mode; Players behave more like real-world counterparts; Great commentary and soundtrack

Easy to bypass midfield too often; Still leans on scoring emphasis

The best footballing package available, with myriad improvements – yet still unlikely to convert fans of the opposition.

Strong; if necessary; on-field improvements; Unsurpassed for likenesses; as ever; Frostbite looks absolutely dreamy in year two

Lower-tier football is no fun for anyone; Familiar FUT elements won't appease sterner critics

Electronic Arts's famous football series continues with FIFA 18 , a sequel that fans should keep their eyes on. The game returns with familiar modes: Alex Hunter's The Journey, Career Modes, and the fan favorite Ultimate Team.

Hunter strikes back!

The Madden franchise may take center stage in the minds of many American players, but given its global appeal and overall quality, FIFA is the biggest jewel in EA's sports crown. The series has continued to grow and improve, adding huge modes like The Journey, advancing existing ones with tweaks and features, and tinkering with on-pitch play. Some years, certain aspects of the latter don't pan out, even as the game around it continues to mature. It's difficult to nail down the feel of the real sport while balancing it for fun (and widely accessible) gameplay, but EA has struck a sweet spot with FIFA 18. It's fast, and arguably too attack focused, but changes to the ball winning, handling, crossing, and overall presentation make this year's version a better simulation of football from top to bottom. The Beautiful Game It should come as no surprise that FIFA 18's presentation is a nearly unparalleled sharp, flashy package. The series has consistently boasted high production values ...

FIFA 18 delivers the best in-match experience the series has seen in years, while adding enhancements to virtually every facet of an already-polished package.

Noticeably improved on-field gameplay; Top-notch production values; Enhancements and tweaks pervade every game mode; Players behave more like real-world counterparts; Great commentary and soundtrack

Easy to bypass midfield too often; Still leans on scoring emphasis