FIFA World
Overview -
By basically taking the Ultimate Team concept introduced in 'FIFA 09' and moving it online, EA Sports has just launched the open beta for 'FIFA World,' a new kind of free to play online sports game for all soccer fans across the globe. The game marries 'FIFA 14's gameplay engine with a collectable card game as well as bringing a bit of RPG elements into your team building in the process.
As for the Ultimate Team concept, it's basically 'Magic the Gathering' with soccer players. You play with 18 cards in a match, 11 starters, six bench players, one (very important, but not during matches) coach. Other cards are used between matches to improve existing cards, and you get cards through winning or through buying. The coach is key for contract negotiations, and a good coach card should be one of the first cards pursued by new players.
Video Review
The graphics are nice but nothing special. If you've played the newest 'FIFA' on PS4 or Xbox One you've experienced a much better visual experience than anything you'll get in 'FIFA World.' That being said, the game doesn't look bad. In replays and pregame introductions, the detailed animations and player models really do shine. Depending on the level of your PC you can scale the graphics to different levels but overall don't expect a new gen experience.
Audio Review
Quite middling fare really. The sound is definitely serviceable but nothing that will pop out at you aurally. The downgrade of the commentators track is quite a blow to the in-game ambiance but seeing as almost all of the teams are custom rosters, I understand the choice they made.
Final Thoughts
EA Sports 'FIFA World' is really the next logical step in sports games, and I would be shocked if a similar platform doesn't roll out for NFL, NHL, MLB, and NBA in the near future. The game is fun, fast paced, addictive and best of all free. If you like soccer, especially international soccer you owe it to yourself to check out 'FIFA World.'
