FIFA 14

FIFA 14's a great game--of course it is--but the series seems too big and bloated now to make any substantial changes. FIFA 14 requires more patience than most of its predecessors, and even when your patience is rewarded, it often feels like it's flattering to deceive. Slow and stodgy in midfield but dynamic and physical at either end of the pitch, it's possible that some might think this the best FIFA ever--but you'd be splitting hairs, not defences.

Ultimately, FIFA 14 is a refined culmination of the past 7 or 8 generations of football game on current generation consoles. It’s been tweaked and polished into the best FIFA yet. I look forward to seeing how it plays on next generation consoles, as it was thoroughly enjoyable on what is considerably aged machinery now. I won’t pretend that FIFA 14 will be considered universally as the best football game ever though.

The option to change formation on the fly without any hindrance to player chemistry or coherence is a blessing, and freedom to experiment means players now spend more time on the pitch than in the transfer market. It may be baby steps, but it's a big baby. FIFA 14 has tons of modes you can get lost in, but this would all mean nothing without quality gameplay. Fortunately, EA has delivered an exhilarating game of football.