Only managed to sneak in a single match last night, more to come. 8 min halves, world class, full manual. United v. Leicester (ha):
Good:
- The game feels spectacular. As someone else noted, slower, heavier and more considered. Pass the ball from Blind to Di Maria and it feels like you've entered a cheat code, the difference in feel is that much.
- Long passes still work as in the demo. Amazing, had been broken in FIFA for years and makes a big difference when you've got fast wide players - you can put the ball in space with a diagonal
- The CPU can be lethal. I tried to pass out of defense instead of hoofing, and an interception and 3 quick passes later they'd scored before I could even react, beautiful laces shot in off the upright from Ulloa. De Gea with an excellent standing and staring reaction.
- The CPU changed tactics. It was 2-2 and they clearly decided to hold on with 15 left. I can't decide if it was them, or because I went more attacking though. Either way, left one up at the half way line and retreated into their bus. Hopefully only 'small' teams will do that and we won't see unrealistic reactions. (yes yes, 5-3)
- The game is visually stunning. I know eye candy shouldn't matter, but man. The rain is beautiful, seeing players slide in, their wet shirts clinging as their twist and what not, water flying off the ground - it really is impressive. Old Trafford looks great too (though lacks Giggsy/Neville hotel).
- Manual passing is better than semi. I have power assist on, and love it. Really does what you tell it to. For better or worse (normally worse for me).
Bad stuff
- I use tactical defending, and the CPU still dribbles circles around me. I'm pretty handy at corralling them into non-dangerous areas, but I seriously struggle to get the ball of them - regardless of who teh CPU is controlling (tricky, diving winger like Vardy or big man like the Nuge). I think I'll need to change buttons around so it's easier to get teammate press and contain pushed together. I think to be effective you'll need a way of:
Almost always use teammate contain (R1)
Use your contain (X)
Be ready to sprint to match their speed (R2)
Generally be ready to jockey too (L2)
Is hard for my hands to manage that tbh.
- The CPU's passing is waaaaayy too good. Especially when they ping one touches around the box, shredding my defense to pieces. Kind of ridiculous. I had their error up to 60, but will need more. Had 93% pass completion.
- I scored 2 goals - both from keeper parries. To be fair, I could see both situations happening in real life, but it's somewhat concerning. My keeper didn't parry anything, just got scored on (like Sunday). It was also raining, which I guess could make a difference
That's my 2c so far, will hopefully sneak some time in this evening.