FIFA 15 Available Now, Post Your Impressions Here (PS4, XB1)

[mfp]

A major issue with defending is that the AI isn't reacting to threats when they should. Here are examples of how defenders make no effort to close-down attackers in possession:

Here's that feared attacking force, Athletic Madrid's holding midfielder Gabi, dribble from inside his own half to the just outside the CPU's box. It's so easy when the CPU doesn't bother to defend:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMPw...40m14gJ818sW6c

Here's a great clip of how poor the off-the-ball threat detection can be. Watch how Gabi again is able to stroll his way up the middle of the pitch for an easy chance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkDi...18sW6c&index=6

Look at how easy it is to create this chance. CPU defenders aren't bothering to stop me, then they allow a wide-open run in the middle of the box. EA have added a bunch of shot error this year - obviously to account for all the easy chances this year - which is the only reason I miss the target. How this doesn't result in a shot on target is beyond me:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5s6...18sW6c&index=9

Here's me as Oscar creating an easy chance because FOUR Man Utds defenders don't bother trying to stop me:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCuY...8sW6c&index=21

Here's Gabi again keeping possession so easily. There's just no challenge in this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTSj...18sW6c&index=7

It's not just the defendsive AI that's bad - and it's horrible in this next clip - but the CPU attacking AI can still be boneheaded at times. Look at the space afforded the Juventus (CPU) player in the box by my defense, and then see him not attack for some reason:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWy3...40m14gJ818sW6c

Here's poor defensive AI, poor attacking AI, and exagerrated shot error all mixed in one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vn9...40m14gJ818sW6c

[BL8001]

MFP, I don't disagree at all. Valid observations.

[fearwhatnow]

@mfp, I have already posted that the cpu D is broken and you can easily beat the defenders with sudden change of direction. If you have a pc you're lucky as this is fixed by mods.

[therizing02]

Valid points, MFP. The dumbed down defending in FIFA 15 combined with the open space at the default settings gives you the "wide open gameplay" of NCAA 09.

Something that helped me deal with this and the CPU's incessant desire to dribble all over the pitch was changing the line settings and increasing the CPU Run Frequency slider. I have all of the line settings at 40 and CPU Run at 55. In past editions of the game it would be an issue but the improved sort of dynamic AI leads to goal scoring a variations and the necessary strategic adjustments based on game situations. It also leads to a better mid field battle, more realistic passing percentages, and a few more fouls. The game has a more sloppy feel to it. At the default setting there is too much running, dribbling, and open space.

[kerosene31]

Just got the game today and have played 1 game (well 2 if you count the opening Liverpool v Man City, but I think that was on a very low difficulty).

I played Sounders vs Chivas on pro difficulty, all manual everything.

Early on I had more possession and shots on target, but the Chivas keeper held them in (it didn't feel over the top). On pro it was a little too easy to dribble defenders out of their cleats (I fear I may be stuck between difficulties).

Although for as well as I was doing, I went down 1-0. Both my CBs allowed a striker to go in on a clean breakaway (did not like the AI on this one at all, they were not pushing up the pitch and weren't even close).

The CPU got called for a foul just outside the box. I put a shot off the crossbar which dropped straight down and just crossed the line (I'll put the replay in the highlights thread). Honestly the wall and keeper left a little too much space, but I'll take it to tie the game.

Later on I get some space in the box and Chivas pulls the jersey and gets called for a penalty (which the keeper saved).

The game was tied with me having a small advantage in possession until the 87th minute when the CPu gets called for another penalty. This one I bury in the top corner and the keeper has no chance.

Initial thoughts:
-I know some people like the presentation and the replays and TV atmosphere which is great, but I'm an impatient button masher. Sometimes it takes multiple buttons to get through the replays when I don't want to watch. Not a big deal, but those of us with zero patience should be able to skip with one button.

-I was not happy with the CPU defensive AI. While it is better than the demo, CPU centerbacks are still vulnerable too often. I found myself switching to one of the CBs just to prevent another breakaway.

-The keeper improvements seem good overall, but maybe there are a few too many "juicy" rebounds? Maybe it is just me but it felt more like hockey sometimes with players crashing the net.

-Overall I'm happy with the game so far. First game was enjoyable overall.

[FoBs2007]

I knew I should've passed on this game, but I went ahead and got it anyway...

The CPU ping-pong-around-the-box for 15 minutes is back and better than ever. If the CPU wants to maintain possession, they will. How many players in real life dribble the ball around in circles around defenders? My teammates NEVER intercept or attempt to intercept passes on their own. However, the CPU is very well versed in the art of interceptions. It just seems as if my teammates are dolts.

Haven't seen many fouls, no where near the amount that it appears other people are seeing them. Fast breaks are overpowered, because when the CPU does FINALLY turn it over, they have 2 people back defending.

And it seems as if all the goalies in this game are based on highlight videos of the best saves ever. They make incredible, improbable saves at times, and let through wimpy ones.

I just don't see the fun in watching the CPU pass up a good opportunity at a shot attempt to pass the ball to someone else instead. I stood on the penalty spot with John Terry, literally just stood there, and watched the CPU and my teammates. The CPU would dribble to the edge of the box, and either pass it to the top of the box, or dribble down to the corner everytime. I purposefully kept Terry a good 5 yards off of the attacking CPU, who was just entering the box, and he didn't take the shot.

Orion makes it a little better, but I need a patch or line settings or something to make this game shine. The defending is the worst I've seen in awhile.

EDIT: Here's what I mean about CPU dribbling around the box and avoiding good look shots. Credit goes to mfp. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWy3...40m14gJ818sW6c

[ezio]

Quote: Originally Posted by Inhocmark

I mean its going to come down to your own skill and preference. Right now as I relearn the mechanics and because my reflexes and ability on the skill stick are not up to the level of some people, I've started at Professional. I used some of Orion's sliders are a default starting point and set my game speed to slow. Beyond that I've made a few adjustments to address things I didn't like in the gameplay and I'm getting a good challenge. I've found last night playing that I'm bossing the game more so I may bump my difficulty up to world class shortly. Sliders and difficulties are tough because we each kind of want something different. I play the game after work and after my daughter goes to bed so I want a challenge but not one that's going to have me throwing my controller. Some people are different. If you're a middle of the road player, Pro skill with Slow and Orion's sliders as a starting point isn't the worst way to start off. I'm seeing a reasonable representation of football and am enjoying the unpredictable nature of the game.

Thanks for the reply. I tried Orion's and Drunken Ferrets and have a mix of the two right now I think with some of my own adjustments but may need to change a few things still.

[chrispepper]

Anyone else having problems with pro clubs? It's basically unplayable. Accomplishments are not registering and neither are the results. Team has been on 7 points after the third straight league win now and my "matches completed" accomplishment is stuck on 15.