FIFA 22's release is just around the corner and a number of key alterations and improvement have been made for this year's game.
Having had some hands-on time with the beta version of the game, as well as being filled with information from those who produced the latest in EA Sports' football franchise, here are ten of the most exciting gameplay changes to look forward to.
HyperMotion technology:
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For next-gen consoles, EA are using brand new technology to well and truly change the game in FIFA 22. Previously, players would come to the studio with optical motion but for the first time ever, the American gaming giant have used Xsens motion capture suits using 22 professional players in their natural environment.
EA dropped the trailer last week and stars such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Marcelo and Eden Hazard all featured.
The new tech, with more than 8.7 million frames of advanced match capture, brings over 4,000 new animations when it comes to defending, shooting, passing and dribbling to result in smoother transitions and football behaviours.
More responsive and fluid than ever before, the computer is trained to replicate exactly what we see on the pitch.
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Tactical A.I:
A criticism of A.I in the past has been that players and teams do things that just don't make sense and EA have worked hard to iron this out.
They are promising more intelligence from the players controlled by the computer. Attacking players can make up to six times more decisions per second, while defenders move as a unit and advance up the pitch in unison as they keep a strong shape.
Kinetic duels:
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Animations on FIFA 22 are set to be more responsive and with cleaner outcomes. Defenders and attackers will battle for the ball with incredible realism, particularly in aerial situations.
Player humanisation:
There's an unprecedented level of interaction between the virtual players in FIFA 22. Opponents will talk, argue and gesticulate during matches in the same way they do in real life in games all over the world.
Facial expressions will change depending on the scoreline and there is further recognition for high-profile players through their tattoos.
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In-depth stats:
Match facts have been a staple of FIFA games for years now but data has gone up another gear this time around. With the use of stats continuing to become more prevalent in the modern game, FIFA 22 will include heat maps and expected goals (XG) to showcase how well you have been performing.
Goalkeeper re-write:
Goalkeepers feel completely different on FIFA 22 - and in a good way. With a new system adopted, those between the sticks have more personality and the variety of saves is much-improved.
'Keepers are more reliable with their decision-making and so it will take a lot to get past the likes of Manuel Neuer, Jan Oblak and Ederson.
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Explosive sprint:
Speed demons like Kylian Mbappe and Kyle Walker will be even more devastating on FIFA 22 as there will be more control when it comes to acceleration.
Different to just double tapping the sprint button on your controller, explosive sprinting is more impactful and noticeable whether it's in attacking or defending situations.
However, the timing of this feature is absolutely essential.
New pre-match and post-match sequences:
Anthem jackets for players is a change we know is coming following leaks online but that is one of many tweaks designed to create an immersive matchday experience for players.
Shots of sprinklers, ground staff, player warm ups, dressing rooms and mascots have been added - as well as dynamic crowd behaviours that see your team's fans leave early if the players aren't playing well.
Pep Guardiola's passionate post-match celebration with his players has also been captured perfectly.
Composed ball control:
EA have implemented more logical and understanding for the way in which players control the ball. Courtesy of longer two-touch animation, there's more technique for controlling aerial passes and it promises to be very, very satisfying.
True ball physics:
The way the ball moves is completely different in FIFA 22, with EA using real-world data to incorporate a whole new level of realism.
They've focused on tuned parameters such as speed, swerve, air drag, air resistance, ground friction, and rolling friction.
Topics: GAMING, Football, FIFA, EA Sports, FIFA 22
