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The 6 most exciting FIFA 18 features
How EA is changing the game with the latest in their huge football series.
FIFA 18's new features were unveiled as part of the EA Play games showcase event in Hollywood. There's a lot to digest, but as always, certain new features stand out more than others.
We've picked out six things we're most excited about thus far. If they prove as successful as hoped, we'll all be eagerly anticipating our copies of FIFA 18 come September 29. Let's take a look!
1. Varied team styles
FIFA 18 is adding new team styles to the franchise, with examples such as tiki-taka and high press cited so far. We're hopeful CPU sides will be able to take advantage of this feature, too, adding more diversity to offline gameplay in the process. Improved tactics have also been highlighted, as have player positioning enhancements, which will hopefully fix some of FIFA 17's issues in this area.
2. Presentation improvements
A lot of work has gone into stadium atmospheres
© EA Sports
The power of the Frostbite engine is being utilized this year to improve presentation in a big way. The atmosphere in FIFA 18's stadiums look set to receive a huge overhaul, with improved crowds, commentary and many more improvements on the way. It's the authentic replication of crowds from across the world that we're most excited about, helping to add significant immersion to the FIFA matchday experience.
3. Authentic player personalities
Ronaldo and Griezmann will move realistically
© EA Sports
FIFA 18 will incorporate improved player personalities. In layman's terms, this means that players should behave with more authentic traits both on and off the ball, with EA highlighting "Ronaldo’s signature sprint, Sterling’s unique turns, and Griezmann's technique" as examples. With any luck, this should help to add enhanced individuality to an assortment of the world's best players.
4. Enhanced dribbling
FIFA 17's dribbling mechanics often feel unbalanced, particularly in online situations. Fortunately, a dribbling overhaul is planned for later this year, allowing players to "inject more creativity into 1v1 situations." As a game that feels all-too one-dimensional at times, FIFA definitely needs more variety in this area. We're hopeful the overhaul will pay off.
5. Upgrades to The Journey
FIFA 18's The Journey will follow the tale of Alex Hunter once more. The mode, which debuted in last year's version, is set to feature more star-studded names, varied locations and, as hinted by the mode's trailer, the potential of real-world cutscenes. Many fans hoped to see a create-a-player feature this time around, but Hunter's journey remains far from over, and we're excited to see where EA takes him next.
6. Ultimate Team on the Switch!
FIFA 18 on Nintendo Switch
© EA Sports
The Journey won't make its way to Nintendo Switch, but Ultimate Team will. Features like Squad Building Challenges, Online and Offline seasons and FUT Draft will still be available in both docked and portable modes at 1080p and 720p respectively. And while it's disappointing that certain features will miss out, the Switch looks set to become the most immersive way to play FIFA's most popular mode on the go. For that reason alone, we can't help but feel excited.
