FIFA 15 Demo Gameplay Impressions

Feature Article

Submitted on: 09/11/2014 by

The FIFA 15 demo launched this week with OS'ers giving plenty of feedback about what they observed. With several playable teams and the ability to really see much of what the gameplay is bringing this year, customers are going to be able to approach their buying decision of FIFA with a quite informed opinion.

We got a chance to play a few games of the demo ourselves, and here are our thoughts on this year's FIFA based on the demo...

Glenn Wigmore: I have logged many hours with the Xbox One version of FIFA 14, and I'm certainly an admirer of how the FIFA dev team approached that transition to the next generation of hardware. By focusing on resolution, animations and framerate, as well as getting most of the modes and features over, it helped keep things familiar while demonstrating the power of the new console.

From my time with the demo, FIFA 15 pushes everything further, and the additions end up being meaningful. I'm really enjoying the emotion that all aspects of the game possess, from the crowd to the individual players to the on-pitch action. The concept of telling an "in-game story" via reactions from players and replay packages works well, and it's neat to see players react when a teammate misses a chance after through pass or when a goalie and another player cross paths.

The man-to-man battles, including possession slide tackles, feel a lot better, and there's much more control on the pitch when moving at low speeds, as the dribbling animations and touch on the ball feels improved. Goalies still have a few odd behaviours, but the new animations and goal possibilities are apparent right away, as goalie Joe Hart sailed through the air with new animations and let in some deflection and other non-FIFA type goals. The AI on default settings seems unable to stop speedy runners, which is a worrisome sign. Hopefully harder difficulties provide different results.

Visually, the crowd, kits, player faces and pitch all show improvement, and the audio package continues to be impressive. I'm certainly looking forward to the full release.

Chris Sanner: There's definitely a lot of good in the demo. The player emotions are great to see and the visuals are noticeably better. The presentation package is still tight, and the crowds sound better than ever.

Players have more weight this year on the pitch, which means you can't do a lot of the cheaper things you were able to do last year, although running past defenders still seems a viable option on the lower difficulty levels. The additional control afforded to you on the pitch, especially when you are moving at slower and faster speeds is much welcome.

The tactics feature is nice, although admittedly my first few games haven't really given me enough to go on what they are offering. Goalkeepers are said to be improved, but I really didn't notice much on the demo difficulty level that'd indicate that is the case just yet. The man-to-man battles really do shine, as matchups are much more dynamic and unpredictable. I saw some real flops out there on the pitch.

Overall, FIFA 15 is looking like a winner on the pitch. If the modes follow suit, and if you are a fan of football at all, you will have a hard time saying no to this game when it launches later this month.

FIFA 15 Videos

Member Comments

# 41 Pappy Knuckles @ 09/12/14 07:54 PM

I love this demo! I stepped up to World Class the past few games and I really like how it plays on this difficulty a lot. In my last match against Borussia Dortmund they committed 3 individual fouls in the first half alone (2 yellow, 1 red). That type of thing was pretty rare in Fifa 14.

To the guy who says that the computer dribbles all around you, how are you defending them? When I first started playing the demo I felt that way as well, but once I jockeyed more and timed my tackles better, it didn't seem quite as bad as it did at first. I was in a habit of making a beeline to the soccer ball and pretty much trying to run into whoever had the ball based on old habits in soccer games. That doesn't quite work in in Fifa 15.

# 42 emelki1968 @ 09/12/14 07:56 PM

I am sorry but I might received another Demo in my PS4. The first game I played I beat Chelsea 5-0 and I made a goal with Pedro ( F.C.Barcelona) running 3/4 of the whole field without anybody try to stop me. Is there a problem with the defense AI. It is just ridiculous. I don't know if the Demo sliders are crazy, but if I don't see a change his is the year of skipping FIFA. I love how the grass is degrading, but the light ing and the way players move are not impressive at all.
The other thing that I don't understand is, NBA 2K can get the feeling that your are playing with a particular player, because it reacts like him, but FIFA still can't give you that feeling with Bale, Iniesta o Ronaldo?

# 43 emelki1968 @ 09/12/14 07:59 PM

Sorry for my English problems, between the autocorrect of the iPad and that it is not my first language, my comment looked like a Enigma message from the Nazis. I apologize

# 44 BL8001 @ 09/12/14 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emelki1968


	Sorry for my English problems, between the autocorrect of the iPad and that it is not my first language, my comment looked like a Enigma message from the Nazis. I apologize

Cheers, no worries.

Agreed, the players, stars in particular, need to be more distinctive and noticeable that you are controlling a superior player on the pitch.

I want the CPU to do the same thing. Please CPU push your attack through your best players...

The main part of the problem is RS (right stick) dribbling.

#1 I rarely if ever see the CPU do skill moves. So messi for example has 5 star skill. But when the CPU controls him it might as well be 1 star because he won't do any of the moves.

#2 the skill stick itself. we go one more year without the regular players getting new moves. Why is there no dedicated RS down = pull back/drag back? And why does RS up not equal the little scoop move all players can do that would get the ball above a boot/toe poke? RS UP UP UP is not cutting it. That is a 3 star move and more of a direct lift.

#3 at least the CPU doesn't do that stop the ball and go again move they did 99% of the time last year. I hated that with a passion. But they still do these delicate little moves that are just enough to avoid a challenge or get space for a shot. That is their bread and butter move. While they have the subtle lane change type moves we are stuck with a body feint that doesn't do much and a ball roll that is stuck in some animation of going sideways crab walk style.

#4 because the stick moves are canned animations you have to do the move at a set distance from the defender that always seems to be evolving

The RS I want to work like this. If I am dribbling to the left goal and approach a defender and want to scoop it to the right with the outside of my right boot then catch the ball with the inside of my right boot and sweep it across and exit left then if 12 o clock is up on the RS I would push 10 o clock then push 7 o clock and exit using the left stick.

The canned animations assigned to the stick are stale. I would even like it to just be contextual. If I push it to the right do a push away move if I push it left do a pull it back move. Or just have an option of Simple Dribble where you hold the R stick a direction and some appropriate dribble happens.

Basically, the majority of fifa players I know and from a lot of things I have read online over the years, it seems most good fifa players don't even bother with skill moves.

# 45 talucchesi @ 09/13/14 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by statum71


	Beware. I tried soccer in place of hockey a few years ago and I haven't looked back. The demo is awesome. I cannot wait for the release. Broadcast camera looks AND feels like I'm watching a game on TV.

SAME. It's scary actually. Been about 3 years running now

# 46 mondeslicht @ 09/13/14 08:20 AM

I played the demo. I am somehow disappointed, graphics are very good, presentation is nice, smoothness not bad.

What for me essential is, it�s the gameplay. I think that for people like me who are seeking for a true football simulation, this game is unplayable without changing the sliders again.

I wish EA would implement in this game 2 options: arcade and simulation style. Good looking game but still too �arcadish� to me.

I will buy it and work hard on the sliders to try to achieve my goal.
In FIFA 14 the goalkeepers where maybe too good, I played with the slider at 40, this year seems like the keepers in some past editions of PES, really bad. Too many goals through the legs.

In General too many dribblings are still present in this game and what makes me a bit mad (this is present in all editions of FIFA) is that when the CPU gets read of the ball, it reaches almost every time their forwards in the middle of the pitch.

I took this decision: I will buy FIFA but also PES for the gameplay.

# 47 FBeaule04 @ 09/13/14 06:15 PM

I've not played FIFA since 12 and since NHL is such a deception, I was about done with EA Sports games. Well, this morning, just downloaded the FIFA 15 demo, just to take a look at it.

I was really impress with the visuals and the sounds of the game. First game I played, I was beaten 2-0. I paid for the mistakes I made. Second game, won 2-0 and the goals we're worked, just like real soccer.

I'm still wondering if I will get the game, because it's EA and I'm also leaning toward getting NBA 2K15. I'll think about it. If it wasn't for the fact that FIFA 15 is an EA title that would be must buy at launch date.

# 48 orion523 @ 09/13/14 06:51 PM

Tried out the individual tactics today, and they work extremely well. The best example I have is this: last five minutes(world class) I'm down 1-0 to PSG, I decide to bomb forward for one last all out attack, I also use the individual tactics to play Subotic as a striker. Long story short, Subotic scores in the 90th minute to level it. Awesome!

# 49 Crystar500 @ 09/13/14 06:52 PM

I like the demo, even though I'm not a HUGE fan of football. I like it a lot.

I just want to know if there's going to be any create a player and/or create a team, because I like being creative! You can't surpress my creativeness, EA! I want to know!

# 50 BL8001 @ 09/13/14 07:02 PM

I wish I could add more than 1 photo to a post when using iPad. The issue seems to be each photo is added with the name image.jpg so each time I add a photo it overwrites the previous.

Ibra the magician

Check out that fabric detail.

# 51 Gnemi @ 09/13/14 07:39 PM

I'm super perplexed (vexed) by the defending in this demo.

I just played WC difficulty against Boca and they smoked me. Both contain and shoulder tackling have been majorly overhauled or at the very least, their effectiveness has been reduced.

Attacking feels pretty good for the most part, so I suppose FIFA 15 - going by the demo - might be the inverse of last year. It took me months to attack proficiently in FIFA 14.

# 52 demencia_total @ 09/13/14 09:27 PM

I started up the demo with the Extender on PC right away and I played a game on whatever difficulty is below World Class because of all the stuff I read about how the AI is always on point and rarely makes mistakes...and I completely dominated every facet of the game. I had possession for 70% of the time, made easy tackles and I actually saw some errant ground passes from the CPU. I held PSG playing as Barca to 1 shot through the whole game while getting into the box almost at will and running circles on their defenders. I was playing on 15 minute halves on Slow (the fatigue rate doesn't adjust though with the extender, and it sucks because by 3/4 of the game most players have no fatigue left). I was able to keep my backline behind the defense at all times and didn't have a single breakaway moment from the CPU. I just don't see what many people are claiming with the disorganised backline, its not any worse than it has been years before. You just have to cover better rather than rushing every tackle as it was in years past.

However, once I turned to World Class, the CPU started with their ping pong passing and Ultra Attack modes that we all are used to. Saw plenty of outside the box shooting playing agaisnt Liverpool and had troubles containing them, but I do like a challenge so no biggie. The only problem I see is that there's still not enough fouls and that the CPU is still too direct with attack. If they actually took their time a bit more, they could come away with better shots as well as slow down the pace of the game a tad to make it a bit more realistic. Have to play more, but saw nothing unexpected from a FIFA game.

# 53 LionsFanNJ @ 09/13/14 09:34 PM

I know I'm not the only one happy that CPU clearances aren't just rocket passes to the foot of forwards anymore. I've seen so many cleared for throw ins. It's great.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using Tapatalk

# 54 Gnemi @ 09/13/14 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LionsFanNJ


	I know I'm not the only one happy that CPU clearances aren't just rocket passes to the foot of forwards anymore. I've seen so many cleared for throw ins. It's great. Sent from my GT-P5210 using Tapatalk

Noted this as well, pretty rad.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

# 55 BL8001 @ 09/13/14 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gnemi


	I'm super perplexed (vexed) by the defending in this demo. I just played WC difficulty against Boca and they smoked me. Both contain and shoulder tackling have been majorly overhauled or at the very least, their effectiveness has been reduced. Attacking feels pretty good for the most part, so I suppose FIFA 15 - going by the demo - might be the inverse of last year. It took me months to attack proficiently in FIFA 14.

I agree. I just hope the full game is different. There just remains that distasteful fifa component that is the CPU AI doing things you can't. So you see them playing good solid D but your team act like ninnies. Same goes for legacy things like your player standing while the CPU player goes for the 50/50 ball.

If the player switching system or the logic behind what player it selects was better it would be easier to control every single player on your team. Which would help. But that is it right there, too often you get zero help from your CPU controlled team mates.

But then like you said, on attack things are better. Here is a pass I haven't been able to make before 15. The cut back pass in the box. In 14 and before this pass would always go to someone farther away who was less of a threat.

# 56 BL8001 @ 09/13/14 10:21 PM

Also a tip for anyone playing...I have seen the CPU do this tactic frequently. It's borderline code exploitation.

They bring the ball over the half line, then pass deep to a player near the box, then one touch pass it back to someone around 35m out who then passes it back immediately to another player in the box.

What the CPU is doing is trapping you in either a contain routine if you are holding RB or A or abusing any offside trap moves your CPU controlled team mates are freelancing on.

Only way I counter this is to take a midfielder and run him back towards the box. Just his presence seems to turn off the CPU AI from employing this in out in ping pong pass tactic.

If you don't do that and the CPU exploits you, you can see in the replay, when you watch just the back four, that 3 of them pull out when the pass goes back out but the far side defender lingers keeping the return pass threat onside.

# 57 Gnemi @ 09/13/14 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BL8001

Nice one! I was *very* occasionally able to do this in FIFA '14, but yeah, exception to the rule territory.

By the way, I am 100% useless with dribbling, but how did you do the little dragback @ :14 in your video?

# 58 Gnemi @ 09/13/14 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BL8001


	What the CPU is doing is trapping you in either a contain routine if you are holding RB or A or abusing any offside trap moves your CPU controlled team mates are freelancing on.

What does holding the RB button do?

# 59 Gnemi @ 09/13/14 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gnemi


	What does holding the RB button do?

Ah, teammate contain, disregard.

# 60 BL8001 @ 09/13/14 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gnemi


	Nice one! I was very occasionally able to do this in FIFA '14, but yeah, exception to the rule territory. By the way, I am 100% useless with dribbling, but how did you do the little dragback @ :14 in your video?

Go slow. Not joking. Go slow. That was simply taking the CPU toward the end line and right before I cut I tapped LB to slow down and then just gently LS moved 90 degrees to my direction.

Think of LB as brakes in a racing game.

You just touch it here and there to "gather" your player to make a cut.

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