FIFA 17: Reviewer First Impressions

Feature Article

Submitted on: 09/22/2016 by Fraser Gilbert

If you're a keen FIFA fan, you've probably started to notice the FIFA 17 reviews trickling in. I've had a lot of time with the game so far, but we're going to hold back on our review temporarily for a couple of reasons. First, a patch has just been released containing a number of pre-release fixes. Also, I want to get more time in an online setting before summing up my thoughts.

We'll be unveiling our review as soon as we can, but in the meantime, I'm going to take this chance to sum up my initial impressions of this year's game.

-FIFA 17 has enhanced the series' gameplay in a variety of ways. There are a bunch of new headline features that largely serve to improve this year's offerings, but it's the subtleties that shine brightest by merging to create a wonderfully authentic offline experience. Games play out in a more realistic fashion than ever, with only a few downsides to note. I haven't had much experience with online gameplay at this point, but it already feels much more arcade-like than its offline counterpart.

-The Frostbite engine has transformed FIFA's presentation this year. It's most notable in terms of the game's lighting, where stadiums glisten in the sun and sweat beams off players' faces. It isn't perfect, however, with some areas suffering from a lack of detail.

-The Journey has arrived, and it delivers a brand-new experience that will eat up your time and keep you invested for the long haul. It's an excellent story mode that incorporates a well delivered tale, engaging cutscenes and immersive gameplay. The way in which you perform and the decisions you make will affect the story, but it's designed to follow a specific outline throughout. Let it take you along for the ride, and you'll have a lot of fun.

-Those who spend the majority of their time in career mode might be disappointed to hear it's largely the same. There have been improvements in the form of new features centered around aspects like team objectives and financial matters, but it's mostly a familiar experience for anyone who played it last year. Ultimate Team has been upgraded considerably with the introduction of Squad Builder Challenges, and they're an excellent addition that should enhance the appeal of Ultimate Team going forward.

This is just a small taste of what's to come in the final review, and keep in mind that these are not final impressions -- they may change. The EA Access trial period is now rolling out, so let us know your thoughts on what you've played so far.

Member Comments

# 21 Moose Factory @ 09/23/16 02:15 PM

Some quick impressions of things that stood out to me:

These are from playing a few FUT matches. Since this is the mode I play mostly I decided to spend my trial time on FUT and dive into the Journey and Career once I get the full release. Although I noticed NO GAMEFACE THIS YEAR in career! Grrrrr

Gameplay / Difficulty:
I'm noticing some subtle tweaks though not an overhaul. Kind of like how this years Madden feels different to people who play hundreds & thousands of games each year. If you play a ton of FIFA every year you will notice the subtle stuff, which is nice (passing, animations, headers, long range balls). AI defending does feel deeper and difficulty has been increased, though a little strange when a bronze team on amateur difficulty (starter tournament) passing like Barcelona, WTF? What I found interesting is that the first half of the match would be scoreless and then possibly fatigue would set in during the second half and I would score a handful of goals. I don't recall if FIFA introduced a new fatigue system this year or was that NBA2k17? My team was gold 85 OVR versus a bronze 65 OVR on amateur and they held there own for the first half, which was fun. Second half I destroyed them. This was curious because it either means fatigue actually matters this year or something in the AI just has the better team get the upper hand in the second half. Either way I liked it. Of course my 85 team should beat a 65!

Graphics / Likeness:
The players that have had new scans this year (Juventus, Bayern, Man U, Liverpool) look amazing. My strikers have been Dybala, Rashford + Firmino at CF and the detail is awesome, plus that trio is fun to play with. I usually play matches with rain turned on it and the weather atmosphere was beautiful. Also having cutaways to the Premier league managers is a great addition, especially with this years iconoclasts (Pep, Mou, Klopp, Conte). It's spaced out nicely too so you don't see them too often as opposed to Madden where you see the damn coach after every play (settle down Chip Kelly). I hope they turn their attention to the crowd next year because it's really the only immersion breaker at this point.

FUT Pack Pulls:
Seem worse this year. "Rare" gold packs full of one "rare" gold player and rare contracts or fitness items, ugh. Honestly miss the days where you could just buy coins (sorry, not sorry).

Loan Players:
Seems like a lot more loan players are available in FUT this year, right out of the gate I have like 10 already. I like being able to test out some of these players before looking for them in the auction house.

These are just things that stood out to me.

# 22 DBMcGee3 @ 09/23/16 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyceN17


	Nope, only the 1v1 area mode exists again, no ability yet again to properly practice.

Dayumn......wtf EA??? Got that nice little soundtrack every year and no practice mode to take advantage of it. Drag.

# 23 cadalyst17 @ 09/23/16 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moose Factory


	Some quick impressions of things that stood out to me: These are from playing a few FUT matches. Since this is the mode I play mostly I decided to spend my trial time on FUT and dive into the Journey and Career once I get the full release. Although I noticed NO GAMEFACE THIS YEAR in career! Grrrrr Gameplay / Difficulty: I'm noticing some subtle tweaks though not an overhaul. Kind of like how this years Madden feels different to people who play hundreds & thousands of games each year. If you play a ton of FIFA every year you will notice the subtle stuff, which is nice (passing, animations, headers, long range balls). AI defending does feel deeper and difficulty has been increased, though a little strange when a bronze team on amateur difficulty (starter tournament) passing like Barcelona, WTF? What I found interesting is that the first half of the match would be scoreless and then possibly fatigue would set in during the second half and I would score a handful of goals. I don't recall if FIFA introduced a new fatigue system this year or was that NBA2k17? My team was gold 85 OVR versus a bronze 65 OVR on amateur and they held there own for the first half, which was fun. Second half I destroyed them. This was curious because it either means fatigue actually matters this year or something in the AI just has the better team get the upper hand in the second half. Either way I liked it. Of course my 85 team should beat a 65! Graphics / Likeness: The players that have had new scans this year (Juventus, Bayern, Man U, Liverpool) look amazing. My strikers have been Dybala, Rashford + Firmino at CF and the detail is awesome, plus that trio is fun to play with. I usually play matches with rain turned on it and the weather atmosphere was beautiful. Also having cutaways to the Premier league managers is a great addition, especially with this years iconoclasts (Pep, Mou, Klopp, Conte). It's spaced out nicely too so you don't see them too often as opposed to Madden where you see the damn coach after every play (settle down Chip Kelly). I hope they turn their attention to the crowd next year because it's really the only immersion breaker at this point. FUT Pack Pulls: Seem worse this year. "Rare" gold packs full of one "rare" gold player and rare contracts or fitness items, ugh. Honestly miss the days where you could just buy coins (sorry, not sorry). Loan Players: Seems like a lot more loan players are available in FUT this year, right out of the gate I have like 10 already. I like being able to test out some of these players before looking for them in the auction house. These are just things that stood out to me.

Appreciate the feedback! :-)

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