2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil

Editor's Notes

360 version reviewed.

Introduction

This summer in June, 32 of the world's best soccer teams are descending on Brazil, home of the beautiful game, to determine a champion. And like every time before, EA sports has released a special World Cup edition of its annual FIFA Soccer game to commemorate the occasion. Promising 203 national teams, 7,469 players, 19 officially licensed managers, and the 12 World Cup venues, '2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil' would seem like must-own for soccer fans. The game is even billed as having a Road to the FIFA World Cup mode for fans looking to really get into the lead-up to the World Cup as well as the actual congregation. That said, this is a game only for the 360 and PS3, with no mention of the Xbox One and PS4. And that's likely because it's only been a few months since 'FIFA 14' hit those platforms.

The Game Itself: Our Reviewer's Take

So should you buy this game? That depends on how you answer the questions below:

-Do you already own 'FIFA 14?'
-Do you get angry when DLC is passed off as a full game?
-When a game's framerates drops below 15 do you chuck your controller at the TV?
-Does the lack of a functioning lobby in online multiplayer make you scream into your microphone?

If you answered yes to any or all of those please DO NOT BUY this game.

For those that have read our FIFA 14 review much has stayed the same. Defenders still magically catch up to you by shrugging their shoulders and the full backs still have no idea how to play an offside trap. Of course, these are issues that have plagued video game incarnations of soccer for years so it was semi-expected. What wasn't expected is the drastic decline in playability due to a horrendous drop in frame rate. In 'FIFA 14,' I play in tele camera mode with maximum zoom out and the highest tilt possible. This enables me to almost see the entire field and is also what allows the cross field passing and long balls that are essential to realistic play. In '2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil,' the frame rate absolutely drops through the floor when in this view. Surprisingly, I have yet to find any new graphical upgrades or new textures that would warrant such a drastic decline. I can only guess they must have spent all that processing power on new audio commentary that they implemented. Thanks guys! I really needed to know that tidbit about Hong Kong's political history with China and dragons.

This slowdown isn't limited to just in game. Scrolling through the menus, trying to pick a formation, subbing a injured player off, all these subtle things take a lot longer to get through. It's almost like there is too much information to load and the processor just can't keep up.

On the plus side, where EA has always shined is the presentation and this game has it in spades. '2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil' contains almost every national team on the planet with all 204 nations that participated in the qualifying included, each complete with fully updated rosters and stats for every single player. If you wanted to know what the fourth center back for Niger's name is and what he's rated, this is the game for you.

After booting the game up for the first time, you will be asked to pick your favorite national team. Afterwards all the menus and game screens will be outfitted with a custom back ground and the nation's flag and colors. I have to admit it really does give you a dose of national pride.