I've been playing a lot of FIFA 14/16 & PES 17 the last 6 months.
However, I had this sitting installed and yesterday spent some time tinkering.
First of all, I totally edited Villa so they have their current squad. I'd say 80% of the players were on the game, I had to edit some of their stats to make them a bit better (Ramsey was 55 rated 😂) and then I created players like Duran, Rogers, Onana etc...)
I've changed the sliders quite drastically. Shot speed is at 55, line height 80, line width 25 amongst others.
The shot speed allows for some screamers and it is good to see it doesn't mean every shot is hit at 100mph. I scored a lovely goal with Bailey which looked very realistic and similar to one I've seen him score IRL. Played the ball low across the edge of the box, he beat his man to it and first time it a low, left drive into the corner of the net, it looked & felt brilliant.
Line height makes the Midfield more compact and allows some space in behind which we see more and more these days. Also watching real footy I noticed how often the full backs tuck in to a more narrow shape. Making the width 25 does reflect this, and means you can switch play or find a free man on the wing, but doesn't take the full back totally out the game.
I played about 8 friendly games yesterday and enjoyed them all. The AI mixes their play up, a nice variety of long balls, possession play, crosses and long range shooting. I think the most goals in 1 game was a 3-1 win for me against some rubbish Irish team.
I never do a career mode as Villa but will be starting one on here. I spent the friendlies testing the players I had to create. I've nailed Morgan Rogers - strong, agile and can beat 2 or 3 players but not Messi-esque. Duran I've given high shot power to and getting it to him in space 25-30 yards out is constant temptation to unleash but as of yet I've not scored with him. Closest was one that fizzed past the post. I upgraded Pau Torres so he can bring the ball out of defence and pick a pass. He is a joy to use.
I've also found I can play keep ball, much like Emery has us doing IRL. I had one move where the AI pressed me. I played a very risky ball with Digne back to Martinez. It just missed their pressing striker, but allowed space to then play it into Konsa. With the fact the AI had committed the press towards my LB area it opened up the pitch. Konsa to McGinn, switched out to Rogers, inside to Tielemans and then a through ball to Watkins which I shanked wide. It was great to see how quick I went from slowing the game, keeping the ball to then exploiting the space in a sweeping move which I should of scored but I watched the replay about 6 times.
Oh and finally I scored from my own half with Pau Torres 😂 I had the ball, saw Bailey making a move in behind and tried to play a L2 long pass. Instead the ball flew straight towards their goal, the GK back peddling and got a hand to it but it went in. I recorded it on my phone, I'll see if I can upload later.
Looking forward to this about time I did a Villa career.
