'FIFA 16' vs 'FIFA 17': Should You Upgrade? Engines, Modes, Gameplay and Other Details Compared
Soccer is all the hype right now, both in real life and in video games. If you're into the video game version, chances are you are familiar with "FIFA". With "FIFA 17" coming close to an official release, how does it ultimately stack up against "FIFA 16"?
Game Engine
"FIFA 16" featured the Ignite gaming engine, while "FIFA 17" will introduce the new Frostbite Engine. As featured in the video below, the Frostbite Engine features a smoother gaming experience, complete with a more visually-appealing aesthetic. Players look more realistic as they have a lot more nuances and detailed characteristics. The atmosphere and ambiance of the game is also rendered a lot better, which ultimately affects the overall experience.
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Journey Mode
"FIFA 17" introduces a new gaming mode called My Journey. The user plays as Alex Hunter, a neophyte in the world of professional soccer and must move his way up to the premier league. His decisions on and off the field are completely controlled by the player. Playing on any club would be possible in "FIFA 17", but creating your own character is not allowed. This story mode is nonexistent in "FIFA 16" or in any previous iterations for that matter.
Actual Gameplay Improvements
"FIFA 17" introduces new features and game-wide improvements to the overall gameplay. The shot power of the first attack in "FIFA 17" has been increased. This gives the opposing goalkeeper a harder time to defend the goal. The goalkeeper AI will then further improve as the game progresses to further enrich the gameplay.
Driven Shots and Driven Headers are now more possible in "FIFA 17". It was previously criticized that this shot always goes beyond the goal in "FIFA 16". There is also the Driven Finish that keeps the ball down low when shooting.
"FIFA 17" also employs the Pushback Tech that gives the players the ability to control the ball better. This changes the trapping, dribbling and defending mechanisms to more realistic representations. Players can then shield and pass the ball to another open player without interruptions.
Goalkeeper collisions are also introduced for the first time in "FIFA 17". The physical play will see better 50/50 battles, player jostling and battles for position while the ball is in the air, as compared to "FIFA 16".
Active Intelligence
"FIFA 17" will be focusing more on smarter players through the Active Intelligence system. This technology allows the players to be aware of their surroundings and to precisely assume their proximity to their teammates and opponents. This then gives better reactions toward the ball, while smartly moving, reading, and reacting to the gamer's decisions.
