If you don't ask, you don't get, and it seems player requests are paying off with the updates made for EAFC 26.
Fans have been wondering what to expect from EA Sports FC 26 since the reveal trailer back in July and there's a whole load of confirmed new features to enjoy.
As footie enthusiasts will know, FC 26 is now available for everyone to buy on Amazon and Loaded. New TopCashback customers can even secure an extra £17.90 off. Find out how to claim the offer here.
How to get EA Sports FC 26 (Xbox One/X|S) for less than half price
EA Sports FC 26 has dropped from £64.99 to only £49.99 on Loaded (formerly CDKeys). New TopCashback and new Loaded customers can sign up to the site at the link below to receive an additional £17.90 off the game. HOW TO GET THE DISCOUNT: Search for 'Loaded' and click ‘Get Cashback Now’ > Shop and checkout as usual > Cashback will then track and appear in your TopCashback account within seven working days of your purchase. The cashback will become payable (and available to withdraw and spend) after Loaded has paid TopCashback the commission for your purchase.
£64.99
£32.09 with cashback
So, is the game living up to expectations?
Ultimate Edition players have been praising the game so far as the most realistic yet, and many are particularly approving of the 'smarter' goalkeeping and more accurate dribbling.
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EA apparently took on board a whole load of player feedback from previous editions, and focused more on improving the actual gameplay, rather than throwing all the bells and whistles at it.
As such, there aren't any huuuuge updates to speak of for FC 26, but a general polishing and removing a lot of the bugbears people had with the previous games.
Developers have focused on improving the general movements, control, and Career Mode.
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James Salmon, the senior director at EA Sports FC, told LADbible Group that fan feedback was a ‘really key part’ of the new instalment.
“There were so many opportunities for us to listen. And now through the innovation that's happening in FC 26, we're responding to the top requests that are coming from our community,” Salmon said.
From where to buy the game to the new features on offer, find out everything you need to know about EA Sports FC 26 below.
Gameplay and Goalkeepers
One of the major complaints fans had about FC 25 was the goalkeepers.
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Chelsea forward Cole Palmer had reportedly asked designers to 'Make goalkeepers more intelligent', and it seems his wish has been granted.
Fans noticed the trailer made repeated references to fewer bounce-backs and deflected goals, something that fans had been grumbling about from previous instalments of the game.
Gameplay producer Paul Parsons added, “Expect goalkeepers to be smarter and more consistent in FC26. We’re using machine learning to train them in hundreds of thousands of in game situations, to find the best positioning. Including the little micro steps world class keepers use to close the angle.”
The designers added that they have focused on "fundamentals, positioning, new volumetric animations, and a revamped be-a-goalkeeper experience."
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Basically, they want the AI goalkeepers to make better, more authentic decisions.
£99.99
£69.99
Career Mode
This is the change that has caused the most excitement so far.
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There's a new Manager Live hub, with Manager Live Challenges.
This hub features a series of challenges inspired by the real world as well as fictional scenarios that will update as the season progresses.
According to EA, this will add more variety to the game, alongside existing career options. A new Archetype system is also being added, meaning you can develop specific roles by working towards one of Archetypes.
These roles include Magician, Finisher and Shot Stopper, with levels ranging from Bronze to Icon.
Competitive Gameplay vs Authentic Gameplay
FC 26 now has two distinctive presets to choose from.
In online modes like Ultimate Team and Clubs, Competitive Gameplay is the new default setting.
This will bring faster play, edge-of-your-seat decision making and more excitement to the game.
Authentic Gameplay slows things down, and brings a more lifelike style of play to Career Mode and offline matches.
There are new foot-preference indicators, and the authentic gameplay mode also includes more deliberate passing and build-up play.
James Salmon explained: "Based on my playing preferences from an FC point of view, it would definitely be the overhaul of gameplay. We have gone all in on overhauling our gameplay experience and ensuring that there's optionality in how fans can experience the game."
Fewer promos
According to one content creator, there are 'LESS promos' in the game, which many fans are happy about.
X user @DonkTrading wrote: "There will be LESS promos in FC 26. Reducing the amount of Store packs, Paid Evos & more to slow the power curve. The game might actually be BACK."
In response to this, one fan wrote: "Big fan of this. Go back to the good old days when it was TOTW POTM and red picks in champs awards so much more enjoyable."
New stadiums
There will now be more than 120 different stadiums in FC 26, including Bayer Leverkusen’s BayArena, UD Las Palmas’ Estadio Gran Canaria, St. Andrew’s, Real Valladolid’s Estadio José Zorrilla, Wrexham’s SToK Cae Ras and more.
Another fan request had been heeded, with EA confirming the addition of Napoli’s Stadio Diego Armando Maradona and Besiktas Tupras Stadium.
Sound good?
Shop the best EA Sports FC 26 deals in the UK below:
EA SPORTS FC 26 Standard Edition PS5
£62.95
EA SPORTS FC 26 Standard Edition Switch 2
£52.95
EA SPORTS FC 26 Standard Edition PS4
£62.95
EA SPORTS FC 26 Standard Edition Switch
£47.95
EA SPORTS FC 26 Standard Edition XBOX Series X / XBOX One
£62.95
EA SPORTS FC 26 - Xbox Series X|S Digital Code
£69.99
EA SPORTS FC 26 Standard Edition PC | Download Code
£59.99
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Jen Thomas