FIFA 15 Available Now, Post Your Impressions Here (PS4, XB1)

[mfp]

Re: FIFA 15 Available Now, Post Your Impressions Here (PS4, XB1)

FIFA 15 is the most open game of football I remember playing. Ripping apart opposing teams, even on the highest difficult settings, is a piece of cake.

Here are examples (all on Legendary):

This clip here sums up so many of FIFA 15's problems. Watch how easy this counter attack is. Look at the acres of space afforded me. Notice how the CPU hardly even tries to get the ball off me. Then see at the end where I highlight the easy 1-2 through pass for a goal, in which the defenders just let me go by:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9-P2W-OoB0&list=PLf4AYvcy3Faij62cNmL40m14gJ818sW6c&index=1

What's amazing about this goal is that the CPU - on Legendary difficulty! - does not attempt one single tackle. Maintaining possession, moving the ball to the final third, and then an easy 1-2... it's all so unbelievably easy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9gFCrmM6IE&list=PLf4AYvcy3Faij62cNmL40m14gJ818sW6c&index=4

Look at how easy it is to bring the ball down the length of the pitch, and how easy it is for me to maintain possession in the attacking third, leading to an easy shot. No skill involved whatsoever:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mthEZQ0S_AE&list=PLf4AYvcy3Faij62cNmL40m14gJ818sW6c&index=10

Another easy counter-attack resulting in a goal. I find myself double-checking to make sure I'm playing on Legendary and not whatever the easiest difficulty setting is:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQPDvO_g15Y&index=20&list=PLf4AYvcy3Faij62cNmL40m14gJ818sW6c

Me ripping Juventus to shreds. Another easy counter:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F9_djNjNIA&list=PLf4AYvcy3Faij62cNmL40m14gJ818sW6c&index=18

[mfp]

Re: FIFA 15 Available Now, Post Your Impressions Here (PS4, XB1)

A major issue with defending is that the AI isn't reacting to threats when they should. Here are examples of how defenders make no effort to close-down attackers in possession:

Here's that feared attacking force, Athletic Madrid's holding midfielder Gabi, dribble from inside his own half to the just outside the CPU's box. It's so easy when the CPU doesn't bother to defend:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMPwQX69jRg&index=2&list=PLf4AYvcy3Faij62cNmL40m14gJ818sW6c

Here's a great clip of how poor the off-the-ball threat detection can be. Watch how Gabi again is able to stroll his way up the middle of the pitch for an easy chance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkDicoy6X8E&list=PLf4AYvcy3Faij62cNmL40m14gJ818sW6c&index=6

Look at how easy it is to create this chance. CPU defenders aren't bothering to stop me, then they allow a wide-open run in the middle of the box. EA have added a bunch of shot error this year - obviously to account for all the easy chances this year - which is the only reason I miss the target. How this doesn't result in a shot on target is beyond me:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5s6YYzS5ck&list=PLf4AYvcy3Faij62cNmL40m14gJ818sW6c&index=9

Here's me as Oscar creating an easy chance because FOUR Man Utds defenders don't bother trying to stop me:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCuY6TV3hac&list=PLf4AYvcy3Faij62cNmL40m14gJ818sW6c&index=21

Here's Gabi again keeping possession so easily. There's just no challenge in this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTSjqX29UE4&list=PLf4AYvcy3Faij62cNmL40m14gJ818sW6c&index=7

It's not just the defendsive AI that's bad - and it's horrible in this next clip - but the CPU attacking AI can still be boneheaded at times. Look at the space afforded the Juventus (CPU) player in the box by my defense, and then see him not attack for some reason:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWy3nbpo954&index=15&list=PLf4AYvcy3Faij62cNmL40m14gJ818sW6c

Here's poor defensive AI, poor attacking AI, and exagerrated shot error all mixed in one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vn9TUc2ecY&index=23&list=PLf4AYvcy3Faij62cNmL40m14gJ818sW6c

[BL8001]

Re: FIFA 15 Available Now, Post Your Impressions Here (PS4, XB1)

MFP, I don't disagree at all. Valid observations.

[fearwhatnow]

Re: FIFA 15 Available Now, Post Your Impressions Here (PS4, XB1)

@mfp, I have already posted that the cpu D is broken and you can easily beat the defenders with sudden change of direction. If you have a pc you're lucky as this is fixed by mods.

[therizing02]

Re: FIFA 15 Available Now, Post Your Impressions Here (PS4, XB1)

Valid points, MFP. The dumbed down defending in FIFA 15 combined with the open space at the default settings gives you the "wide open gameplay" of NCAA 09.

Something that helped me deal with this and the CPU's incessant desire to dribble all over the pitch was changing the line settings and increasing the CPU Run Frequency slider. I have all of the line settings at 40 and CPU Run at 55. In past editions of the game it would be an issue but the improved sort of dynamic AI leads to goal scoring a variations and the necessary strategic adjustments based on game situations. It also leads to a better mid field battle, more realistic passing percentages, and a few more fouls. The game has a more sloppy feel to it. At the default setting there is too much running, dribbling, and open space.

[kerosene31]

Re: FIFA 15 Available Now, Post Your Impressions Here (PS4, XB1)

Just got the game today and have played 1 game (well 2 if you count the opening Liverpool v Man City, but I think that was on a very low difficulty).

I played Sounders vs Chivas on pro difficulty, all manual everything.

Early on I had more possession and shots on target, but the Chivas keeper held them in (it didn't feel over the top). On pro it was a little too easy to dribble defenders out of their cleats (I fear I may be stuck between difficulties).

Although for as well as I was doing, I went down 1-0. Both my CBs allowed a striker to go in on a clean breakaway (did not like the AI on this one at all, they were not pushing up the pitch and weren't even close).

The CPU got called for a foul just outside the box. I put a shot off the crossbar which dropped straight down and just crossed the line (I'll put the replay in the highlights thread). Honestly the wall and keeper left a little too much space, but I'll take it to tie the game.

Later on I get some space in the box and Chivas pulls the jersey and gets called for a penalty (which the keeper saved).

The game was tied with me having a small advantage in possession until the 87th minute when the CPu gets called for another penalty. This one I bury in the top corner and the keeper has no chance.

Initial thoughts:
-I know some people like the presentation and the replays and TV atmosphere which is great, but I'm an impatient button masher. Sometimes it takes multiple buttons to get through the replays when I don't want to watch. Not a big deal, but those of us with zero patience should be able to skip with one button.

-I was not happy with the CPU defensive AI. While it is better than the demo, CPU centerbacks are still vulnerable too often. I found myself switching to one of the CBs just to prevent another breakaway.

-The keeper improvements seem good overall, but maybe there are a few too many "juicy" rebounds? Maybe it is just me but it felt more like hockey sometimes with players crashing the net.

-Overall I'm happy with the game so far. First game was enjoyable overall.

[FoBs2007]

Re: FIFA 15 Available Now, Post Your Impressions Here (PS4, XB1)

I knew I should've passed on this game, but I went ahead and got it anyway...

The CPU ping-pong-around-the-box for 15 minutes is back and better than ever. If the CPU wants to maintain possession, they will. How many players in real life dribble the ball around in circles around defenders? My teammates NEVER intercept or attempt to intercept passes on their own. However, the CPU is very well versed in the art of interceptions. It just seems as if my teammates are dolts.

Haven't seen many fouls, no where near the amount that it appears other people are seeing them. Fast breaks are overpowered, because when the CPU does FINALLY turn it over, they have 2 people back defending.

And it seems as if all the goalies in this game are based on highlight videos of the best saves ever. They make incredible, improbable saves at times, and let through wimpy ones.

I just don't see the fun in watching the CPU pass up a good opportunity at a shot attempt to pass the ball to someone else instead. I stood on the penalty spot with John Terry, literally just stood there, and watched the CPU and my teammates. The CPU would dribble to the edge of the box, and either pass it to the top of the box, or dribble down to the corner everytime. I purposefully kept Terry a good 5 yards off of the attacking CPU, who was just entering the box, and he didn't take the shot.

Orion makes it a little better, but I need a patch or line settings or something to make this game shine. The defending is the worst I've seen in awhile.

EDIT: Here's what I mean about CPU dribbling around the box and avoiding good look shots. Credit goes to mfp. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWy3...40m14gJ818sW6c

[ezio]

Re: FIFA 15 Available Now, Post Your Impressions Here (PS4, XB1)

I mean its going to come down to your own skill and preference. Right now as I relearn the mechanics and because my reflexes and ability on the skill stick are not up to the level of some people, I've started at Professional. I used some of Orion's sliders are a default starting point and set my game speed to slow. Beyond that I've made a few adjustments to address things I didn't like in the gameplay and I'm getting a good challenge. I've found last night playing that I'm bossing the game more so I may bump my difficulty up to world class shortly.

Sliders and difficulties are tough because we each kind of want something different. I play the game after work and after my daughter goes to bed so I want a challenge but not one that's going to have me throwing my controller. Some people are different.

If you're a middle of the road player, Pro skill with Slow and Orion's sliders as a starting point isn't the worst way to start off. I'm seeing a reasonable representation of football and am enjoying the unpredictable nature of the game.

Thanks for the reply. I tried Orion's and Drunken Ferrets and have a mix of the two right now I think with some of my own adjustments but may need to change a few things still.

[chrispepper]

Re: FIFA 15 Available Now, Post Your Impressions Here (PS4, XB1)

Anyone else having problems with pro clubs? It's basically unplayable. Accomplishments are not registering and neither are the results. Team has been on 7 points after the third straight league win now and my "matches completed" accomplishment is stuck on 15.

[xicpanad]

Re: FIFA 15 Available Now, Post Your Impressions Here (PS4, XB1)

I don´t understand... I don´t see most of the things people complain here. Playing in WC is a blast. I defend mostly with my Midfielders, always try to catch up with them and leave the defenders to use only if really necessary.
Also, playing against Napoli and against Barça is a huuuuuge diference.
I´m just strugling to shoot on target because I´m not very used to semi shooting, but I love the "ooohhhh" chances that the game gives me.
Possession stats are never awkward and the flow that the game runs is just so perfect for me!
Sometimes I´m on top, sometimes CPU takes control for a good time... Tactics make huge impact and of course, while defending I have to be super cautious and aware of all options.
Just loving it!

[gopher_guy]

Re: FIFA 15 Available Now, Post Your Impressions Here (PS4, XB1)

I knew I should've passed on this game, but I went ahead and got it anyway...

The CPU ping-pong-around-the-box for 15 minutes is back and better than ever. If the CPU wants to maintain possession, they will. How many players in real life dribble the ball around in circles around defenders? My teammates NEVER intercept or attempt to intercept passes on their own. However, the CPU is very well versed in the art of interceptions. It just seems as if my teammates are dolts.

Haven't seen many fouls, no where near the amount that it appears other people are seeing them. Fast breaks are overpowered, because when the CPU does FINALLY turn it over, they have 2 people back defending.

And it seems as if all the goalies in this game are based on highlight videos of the best saves ever. They make incredible, improbable saves at times, and let through wimpy ones.

I just don't see the fun in watching the CPU pass up a good opportunity at a shot attempt to pass the ball to someone else instead. I stood on the penalty spot with John Terry, literally just stood there, and watched the CPU and my teammates. The CPU would dribble to the edge of the box, and either pass it to the top of the box, or dribble down to the corner everytime. I purposefully kept Terry a good 5 yards off of the attacking CPU, who was just entering the box, and he didn't take the shot.

Orion makes it a little better, but I need a patch or line settings or something to make this game shine. The defending is the worst I've seen in awhile.

As far as the CPU maintaining possession, so you ever use RB to put pressure on the guy with the ball? It can be very helpful if you use it in the right spots, trapping the guy with the ball into a turnover.

[demencia_total]

Re: FIFA 15 Available Now, Post Your Impressions Here (PS4, XB1)

Several thoughts:

I know a lot of you guys don't like to give yourself advantages over the AI, but PLEASE raise the Pass Error slider indiscriminately for the CPU to fit your needs/skill if you're playing on all manual passing and on World Class/Legendary . It doesn't make the passes bouncy like in the past, it makes them seem more human because they will miscalculate passes from time to time and it puts the AI on an even level because most mortals are bound to make mistakes on manual no matter how good they are. The AI in itself has advantages over the human player given that on default they are almost perfect on the higher difficulties. Raising First Touch error too would be a good idea also if you're finding they are controlling the ball too easily with less skilled players. I have Pass Error at 80 for the CPU and First Touch Error at 60. 80 would seem like a high value, but the great passing players rarely misplace them even at that amount. Change from there as you see fit.

Try setting your midfielders to Man Marking as part of their instructions. It won't fix the defensive woes that are part of the game, but at least it seems to keep them nearer the CPU's mids thus giving you a bit more of an edge in protecting your back line from having to cover the midfielders as it is so often necessary in this game.

Try to lay off the pressure button, and when you do use it, press it continuously on and off instead of leaving it pressed. I believe the mechanic in itself is broken in comparison to how the offensive players are able to weave and move, and while almost completely useless, if you press it like this it keeps you closer to the dribbler without putting you completely out of position as it happens when its left pressed.

[woody2goody]

Re: FIFA 15 Available Now, Post Your Impressions Here (PS4, XB1)

Several thoughts:

I know a lot of you guys don't like to give yourself advantages over the AI, but PLEASE raise the Pass Error slider indiscriminately for the CPU to fit your needs/skill if you're playing on all manual passing and on World Class/Legendary . It doesn't make the passes bouncy like in the past, it makes them seem more human because they will miscalculate passes from time to time and it puts the AI on an even level because most mortals are bound to make mistakes on manual no matter how good they are. The AI in itself has advantages over the human player given that on default they are almost perfect on the higher difficulties. Raising First Touch error too would be a good idea also if you're finding they are controlling the ball too easily with less skilled players. I have Pass Error at 80 for the CPU and First Touch Error at 60. 80 would seem like a high value, but the great passing players rarely misplace them even at that amount. Change from there as you see fit.

Try setting your midfielders to Man Marking as part of their instructions. It won't fix the defensive woes that are part of the game, but at least it seems to keep them nearer the CPU's mids thus giving you a bit more of an edge in protecting your back line from having to cover the midfielders as it is so often necessary in this game.

Try to lay off the pressure button, and when you do use it, press it continuously on and off instead of leaving it pressed. I believe the mechanic in itself is broken in comparison to how the offensive players are able to weave and move, and while almost completely useless, if you press it like this it keeps you closer to the dribbler without putting you completely out of position as it happens when its left pressed.

Yeah this is spot on. I don't see it as an advantage, because we're trying to create balance so we can have enjoyable seasons.

I've made a lot of progress over the last two days in creating a less attacking game, and it's worked pretty well so far.
Shooting is in general a bit better than on the demo. I just need to know how to to get the CPU to shoot more. I'm guessing that reducing shot error by 5-10 points might just give them that incentive to shoot more.

The AI on Professional the demo seemed to run directly at you quite often, which was realistic in many cases, so trying to recreate a good balance between running and passing is my next little mission.

All while trying not to get sacked in career mode :P

[cadalyst17]

Re: FIFA 15 Available Now, Post Your Impressions Here (PS4, XB1)

Is it me or is the full version a slower pace than the demo? Also on higher difficulty the computer passes like crazy, takes a lot of shots from outside of the box and lobs passes to its team mates. Imo the AI overall is so much better. It really gets interesting late in the game. You can actually see the computer when down getting desperate or when up playing very conservative. Great game!!

[Und Lahm]

Re: FIFA 15 Available Now, Post Your Impressions Here (PS4, XB1)

Is it me or is the full version a slower pace than the demo? Also on higher difficulty the computer passes like crazy, takes a lot of shots from outside of the box and lobs passes to its team mates.

Well I just played 2 matches as Bayern vs FC Freiburg. One on full manual, the other on assisted.

Both times they had over 12 shots (8 min halves). The CPU will shoot like crazy if you block the passing lanes. Also they were dribbling and passing like maniacs! And they out-possessed me 60-40 both games. I pretty much could not get the ball from them until they where near my 18 yard box. It was a bit laughable.

The game is decently easy on WC playing assisted, since you can just ping pong like the CPU. But I don't think I can have fun playing full manual in career mode without sliders. I think I will have to cave.