What are your impressions of the FIFA Soccer 14 Demo?

Jayson Young: The primary problem with FIFA 14, as has been the case throughout this generation, is the game's limited AI. While FIFA 14's weak computer play is mitigated by an arsenal of awesome online modes, it's still worth calling out considering how many sports gamers still play exclusively offline.

Your AI teammates do not understand field spacing, often cluttering together and getting in the way of the ball carrier instead of spreading out and giving him passing options. While moving forward, It's rare to see more than one teammate making a run, as players away from the ball tend to jog upfield in straight lines, oblivious to the fact that they are being closely marked.

For computer teams, even highly rated clubs like Manchester City and Barcelona have a tendency to dribble into trouble or hold onto the ball too long, ignoring open passing lanes and needlessly turning the ball over. Soccer is a game of quick decisions and rapid passes, yet the AI remains so unwitting and so slow to act that it simply can't replicate a professional quality of play. Aside from obvious differences in speed and kicking skill, all the teams in the demo seem to play the same dribble-heavy style of soccer.

While defenders possess enough intelligence to hold shape and maintain their formation, they remain largely unaware of the offensive threats around them. Defenders are unable to anticipate through passes or cut off obvious runs behind them. Thus, through ball breakaways are still far too common and easy to come by in FIFA 14, even when controlling a lesser team like the New York Red Bulls and taking on Barcelona at the professional difficulty level.

If FIFA's kicking mechanics weren't so archaic -- why are we stuck using four buttons and a golf meter to kick the ball when a single joystick would feel so much better? -- I would have filled up the score sheet in this demo.

It is highly unlikely that any control innovations will be coming the fall, but at least FIFA's AI should finally receive a significant upgrade this November when FIFA 14 launches on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Offline gamers should skip the current generation version if they have any plans of purchasing a next-gen system.

Glenn Wigmore: There's a lot that FIFA 14 continues to do right by the franchise, with its excellent presentation, deep feature set and extensive licensing. Ultimately, though, gameplay is where it really matters, and there have been some nice changes this year that augment the gameplay in meaningful ways. I can't say that it's quite as dynamic as what PES 2014 is offering -- at least, not with the current-gen version of FIFA 14 -- but it does make FIFA a better game, to be sure.

The demo showcases some nice changes in terms of physicality, with less comical collisions and more weight on challenges. Players will also display momentum when trying to reel in the ball, and this helps create a sense of risk when you're going full-out. I also thought the positioning, release and feel of the shots was somewhat different this year, but it's still not quite as organic as what's available in PES 2014. Even so, I noticed a nice variety of goals, with elite players like Messi and Neymar providing some clever side-foot shots and wired drives from outside the box. Headers seem a little less prevalent this year, but I only played a few games, so who knows.

Defensive AI is somewhat improved on your own team, as they do fall back a bit better, but they are still prone to some easy throughs and misdirection. The other team's CPU is definitely a lot better, and you'll have to be incredibly patient to get by them. I do find some of the challenges from the CPU to be a bit bothersome, as it seems like they'll be able to steer you out a bit too easily -- or at least without getting the occasional foul called. Also, CPU teams don't commit offsides that often, which is a bit annoying.

Even with a few annoyances, I still had a decent time with the FIFA 14 demo, and it's nice to see a new menu system that cleans things up, a more complete commentary team, and new features for "seasons" mode. While PES may edge out FIFA in terms of overall game flow, the total package of FIFA (by what I'm seeing in this demo) continues to offer a great deal of value.

Chris Sanner: The problem with FIFA Soccer 14 is that most all of us are already looking ahead to the next-gen offering, so a lot of the things which are wrong with the current gen offering are made even worse. Your AI teammates have issues, and the control scheme does indeed feel old hat.

But there's a lot to like about this year's demo. I think the game overall is more refined and more polished. It plays a better brand of FIFA than any installment before it, which means if you aren't upgrading to next-gen or if you really just want new FIFA Soccer, this game is going to be right up your alley.

The new momentum is definitely noticeable right off, and it feels as if your big players are even more effective than in previous years. The defense appears to be more aggressive, at least to me with passes being tougher to complete. There are still the aforementioned AI issues to contend with, but it seems FIFA does play a better game of football than it's predecessors.

This year's game is more like one small step for the FIFA franchise, any giant leaps will have to be achieved on next-gen consoles.