On December 4th, FIFA 21 makes its way to the new generation of consoles with its release on both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Players who already own the game will be getting a free upgrade from PS4 to PS5 and Xbox One to Series X/S respectively, but what’s actually different about these new versions?Here are the headline features of what to expect when FIFA 21 hits next-gen:
1 . Enhanced Matchday Atmosphere
Before you even step onto the pitch a new sense of occasion is created as the team buses pull up, players walk through into the changing rooms and fans are seen and heard as they enter the stadium. While not occurring for every match, it looks set to really build up the atmosphere ahead of big knockout ties or derby encounters.
Once the game kicks off the action takes over and has never looked more realistic due to brand new lighting systems in place. Extra details can clearly be seen from the texture of the grass to the sunlight cannoning off the metal structures shadowing the pitch.
2. New Camera Angle
In order to showcase the more realistic action EA have introduced a new camera angle called GameCam. Heavily influenced by real-life broadcasts it aims to both show off the new and improved atmospheres created in the stadiums, but also help you build better passages of play and spot danger quickly due to its wide angle nature.
3. Updated Player Visuals
When the camera is tight in on a player though you’ll be able to see just how much more detailed their models are on PS5 and Series X/S. Detail is the watchword as well as sweat drips from brows, individual stitches on shirts can be seen and leg muscles flex and contract when making contact with the ball.
Newly implemented hair strand technology also allows for all manner of hairstyle to flop and flow as players dart around the pitch. It’s just a shame this wasn’t created in time for Diego Forlan’s golden locks to shine.
4. Improved Player Personality
Small and big moments both help players appear less like robots and more like actual human beings. Whether that be from subtle wipes of the nose or the rolling up of a captain’s armband it all adds to a more realistic experience. No longer will players just stand gormlessly waiting for the ball when waiting for a pass but actually point to where they want it or scream out for it to come their way.
These animations develop as the game goes on as well with players becoming more tired and their off the ball actions reflecting that, such as a weary adjustment of a shin pad. There’s also the big moments though, such as a last-minute equaliser or a title-winning goal. These trigger the stadium into life as the crowd goes wild, players bundle on top of one another and the bench empties onto the pitch. Let’s just hope you don’t let one in 30 seconds later after all of that celebration.
5. DualSense Features
If you’re playing on PS5 then there’s a couple of extra features that take advantage of the DualSense controller. You’ll feel the ball clatter off the woodwork in your hands or the full force of a crunching slide tackle thanks to its haptic feedback technology. The adaptive triggers also get a bit of attention as well, for example it will be harder to pull down on the right trigger when trying to sprint with a fatigued player towards the end of a match.
6. Cross Progression But No Cross Play
Returning players from PS4 and Xbox One will not only receive a free upgrade to the new version but will be able to carry over their Ultimate Team and Volta progress across, but not Career Mode. There’s no cross play between generations though, meaning if you regularly play either FUT Co-op or Pro Clubs with friends then you’ll all need to be on the system which could mean keeping that last-gen version installed to hop back to if not everyone was able to get a new console at launch.
Simon Cardy loves everything about football despite being regularly tortured by his Tottenham Hotspur season ticket. Send old Gareth Bale goals to him on Twitter at @CardySimon.
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