FIFA 21 will bring deeper player training and new simulation options to Career Mode among other improvements. FIFA, EA's long-running annual soccer series, is one of the most popular video game franchises in the world, largely due to the sport's global popularity. Despite its popularity, the games are often criticized for their glitches, greedy microtransactions, and lack of meaningful updates with each installment. With Madden 21 worrying fans over a lack of new features, EA hopes to create a more significant upgrade to its soccer juggernaut with a host of new features.
While FIFA Ultimate Team, or FUT, is where EA makes a majority of its profits, single-player Career Mode, in particular Manager Mode, is a fan favorite. Players control a player or team, and in the latter case set up training and handle transfers in order to lead their club to glory. FIFA 21 will use the Dual Entitlement system which will allow users to upgrade to next-gen consoles for free, unlike NHL 21 which will not appear on next-gen consoles.
As revealed in a closed press conference last month, and summarized by Game Informer, FIFA 21 will bring some significant changes to Manager Mode. Players' growth has been revamped, with new options to better train certain skills and position archetypes in order to improve or maintain skills and traits. Positions can now be re-trained, so a left-back can eventually learn to play as a winger, or a center-back moved up into midfield. These changes take time and commitment but can be vital to adding depth to a squad. Younger players will be more receptive to learning new positions, especially if given playing time. Match sharpness and morale are also taken into account. Players that don't feature in training will be less prepared for matches, and coupled with low morale will lead to decreased stats. Players will also be more affected by being played out of position.
FIFA 21 also brings a new Interactive Match Sim, where managers can jump in or out of the simulated game as well as make substitutions and tactical changes while the game plays out. The original Quick Sim option is still there. Managers will also have more control over the training schedule, balancing the training sessions with rest days to make sure players are sharp but not fatigued for matches. Transfers have been tweaked, with the ability to negotiate future fees for loans added. Players will also be more reluctant to join lower leagues. VAR will not be present in FIFA 21. EA also admitted that there will be no significant changes to Player Career Mode.
While even Madden 21's cover art gets mocked, and NBA 2K21 polarizing fans by increasing its price to $70, this year's batch of sports games is looking a little uncertain. These changes to Manager Mode are far from a complete overhaul, but the ability to re-train positions is a worthwhile change that fans are sure to appreciate. Along with changes to FUT and Volta, FIFA 21 could be the best sports game 2020 has to offer.
FIFA 21 releases on October 9, 2020 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. A PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X launch will happen at a later date.
Source: Game Informer