I probably play more FIFA Ultimate Team than is considered healthy for the average human, but soccer being the grandiose opium of the British people; I believe my addiction, if not desirable, is at-least explainable. Being the great money spinner it is for EA due to the influence micro-transactions can have on your squad, you can understand their desire to expand the feature, that a few years ago was considered no more than a gimmick for those who had exhausted the previously dominant modes of play.
In Ultimate Team, players build the football team of their dreams, using coins earned through playing matches to purchase players, who all have their own unique stats and attributes, presented via ‘trading cards’ which can be sold on via the in game auction, or stored in your ‘club’ never to be heard or seen again.
The first news of how this feature will be improved upon in FIFA 14 have been released by EA, with a lot of the focus seeming to be on expanding the chemistry system, and also attributing players with monikers that will distinguish their play style, based on how you want the team to function.
EA’s official statement is as follows:
FIFA 14 Ultimate Team-Create your own unique squad to play your style of football. Ultimate customization is possible with all-new Chemistry Styles that make every player and every team unique. Like real-world football, chemistry influences a team’s performance so building ideal chemistry within a squad enables a team to perform at its best. Each Chemistry Style has a unique effect on the way a player performs by enhancing different player attributes.
There are a variety of different styles that can be applied at every position. After crafting squads, fans will be able to test their talents in the popular Seasons mode-now expanded to 10 divisions- or in online single games and tournaments. Plus, new streamlined search filters will help target coveted players in the Transfer Market as fans re-shape their teams based on the real-world performances of their favorite players.
Other confirmed additions include:
An expansion to the ‘Seasons Mode’ from 5 divisions to 10.
Players stats can now be influence by consumables called ‘Chemistry Styles’, which alter play style to expand on a players unique strengths and attributes; this is replacing the previous ‘Formation Modifier’, which had gone some way to improving your player/team chemistry in the past.
The squad screen has been improved upon, with a sleeker design, highlighting your starting 11 and removing some of the focus from your substitutes and extra players.
In response to community feedback after FIFA 13’s release, single online matches will be included.
A loyalty system, which in turn builds on the focus in team chemistry, players found in packs automatically start with the loyalty feature enabled, players purchased on the in-game market need to play 10 matches before this feature becomes available to them.
Previously unavailable to ultimate team, you will now be able to customize your squad numbers, and choose your default free kick, penalty and corner takers.
A sleeker, streamlined and more accessible transfer market, making it easier for you to hunt players down and compare them with your current squad.
FIFA 14 is shaping up to yet again another great installment in the long standing series, with the new game engine, and ever improving features such as Ultimate Team, I’m more excited than ever to get my grubby mitts on the game. My wallet however…is trembling.
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