Having recently found hours of unexpected fun with the 2010 Fifa World Cup game, finding it a throwback simulation, rather than the cavalcade of ridiculous long-range efforts and blistering pace that became more of a feature as the Fifa series has run on. Unfortunately, 2014 World Cup was well into that period - as so was a much duller affair.
The game offers the opportunity to replay the 2014 World Cup that took place in Brazil. Playing as any of the qualifying teams you can replay the tournament or bring a different team through qualifications. The Captain your country feature also returns.
What's undeniable is that in terms of graphics and immersion the game has improved immensely. This starts with the "talk radio" option that plays over the menu and acts like a radio station talking over the events of the tournament and is somewhat tailored to how your competition is going. During the matches, the camera cuts to virtual fan zones (a shot of a crowd with some landmark in the background and shows them reacting to the goal, as well as increased variety in the manager reactions. The players look better too, more accurate looks and movements, more unique goal celebrations and reactions.
But, you play a game, not just look at it and here, I think this Fifa is lacking. Shots from anywhere fly in, pace is all important and there's very little way to defend against an unprincipled use of the through ball button. It makes for fast, high flowing games - but ultimately a less accurate representation of actual football. I didn't hate playing it, but it was very disappointing coming on the back of how unexpectedly good the previous World Cups game was.
This was the last time that EA would produce a separate full released game for a World Cup, with the 2018 version becoming an free downloadable aspect of the FIFA 18 release.
