Review – FIFA 21
With thanks again to the folks at EA, today I’m taking a look through this year’s entry into the long running franchise, with FIFA 21. As usual, find the full video review just here, and keep reading for the extended written review, including our Pixel Bandits’ common sense parent’s guide.
The Basics
We’re assuming that at some point over the last 27 years you’ve touched base with the FIFA franchise. Some of you may have been there with us playing the very first FIFA International Soccer back on Mega Drive, but if you’re new to the title, where can we start. For nearly three decades EA have been bringing us one of the flagship sports sims, with gradually improving abilities as it moved through the generations.
Each title has brought improved AI, new features, changes to available modes and of course visual improvements too. Over the past few years EA have been pulling out the stops to bring new game modes, from all new career story modes to Volta’s FIFA Street goodness last year. The all important question though, is what’s new to this year’s entry into the FIFA franchise?
What’s New in FIFA 21?
The changes to this year’s FIFA aren’t quite as drastic as the entirely new career story and addition of Volta football, however there are still a few touches which mean it’s likely to be worth a punt for fans of the series.
Changes for this year seem to feature more about the title bringing you together with friends, potentially pulled through by the many lockdowns of Covid-19.FIFA 21 brings new cooperative play street football with Volta Squads, as well as the ability to team up with friends and compete for rewards in the new co-op mode for ultimate teams.
In addition, career mode brings a new interactive match sim. This new feature allows you to sim matches, with the option to jump into the action at any point to influence the game. In more passive benefit the title also brings revamped growth for players as well as enhanced opposition AI. There are also new options for transfer realism including loan-to-buy transfers, proactive AI managers and new expanded league themes.
As well as having a new story, Volta football includes various match modes including 3v3, 4v4, 5v5 and professional Futsal. In general changes, players can now take control of player runs, influencing where teammates will head when you send them on ahead.
Parent’s Eye View
FIFA 21 is rated by PEGI at 3 and above and above, and by the ESRB at E for Everyone. From a parent’s point of view there’s nothing within the content which is worrying. There are two elements which it’s still important to bear in mind however. First being microtransactions, and the second being the online elements of the game where micro-bandits will be interacting with others. As ever with decent management of parental controls these can be mitigated easily and with no content troubles I’m saying that this one is fine for the younger generation.
Accessibility
In terms of accessibility FIFA 21 is picking up a rating of casual. While the career, house rules, volta ultimate team and online modes do give a wide range of things to be getting on with, FIFA 21 is easy to jump into or out of for just a couple of games. It’s one you can pick up and play without worrying about having to dedicate masses of time to it.
The Run Down
Visuals – Great: It’s really tough to think about where improvements could be made these days, but while I wasn’t expecting any there are some upgrades to the visuals this year. The action on the pitch flows well, and I’ve not found anything to disappoint here.
Audio – Great: The usual sounds are good here and I’ve not found anything to mark it down for. The real stand out for me has been the voice acting through Volta’s career which I found to be absolutely spot on.
Narrative – Good: The new narrative is great in the Volta mode, but I’d love a bit more of a personal touch throughout the main game as well. Overall there’s some good story here if you chase it through Volta.
Replay – Great: Like all of the FIFA titles this was always going to be a strong one. A good number of different game modes, as well of course as the constant draw of online play. With regular football, volta and ultimate team all playable online there’s a fair amount to keep you going.
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The Verdict
Overall the Pixel Bandits They Think It’s All Over Level for FIFA 21 is that you’ll likely find it Enjoyable . Not quite as strong this year as last when it comes to new additions to the franchise, but there’s certainly a few bits which will be worth it to fans of the franchise. The new online and cooperative modes through Ultimate Team and Volta do mean that there are reasons to jump in here.
Pick It Up
If This one has tickled your gaming tastebuds, you can grab it on;
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