Status:
- Complete in Box
- Play Tested
FIFA 14 (Xbox One) Review
Released: 2013
Developer: EA Sports
Platform: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
FIFA 14 was the first FIFA game on next-gen consoles (Xbox One & PS4), promising improved graphics, better physics, and more realistic gameplay. While it delivered refined ball control, improved animations, and lifelike stadiums, it also had pacing issues and AI inconsistencies that left some fans disappointed.
What Works
Realistic Ball Physics & Animations
- The new Ignite Engine (next-gen only) introduced smoother animations and better ball physics.
- Shooting and passing felt more natural compared to FIFA 13.
Presentation & Stadium Atmosphere
- Crowds looked more realistic, adding better immersion.
- Stadiums and lighting were a big step up from previous-gen FIFA games.
Ultimate Team Improvements
- New chemistry styles allowed more tactical depth.
- Legends (Xbox exclusive at the time) added excitement to FUT.
Dribbling & First Touch Control
- Players had more realistic first touches, making dribbling feel less robotic.
- Pace was slightly nerfed, making build-up play more important.
Career Mode Additions
- Global Transfer Network added scouting realism, making finding young talent more engaging.
What Doesnt Work
Pacing Issues & Slow Gameplay
- The game felt slower and less responsive compared to FIFA 13.
- Players with high strength were overpowered, making pace less dominant.
Defensive AI & Positioning Issues
- AI defenders left too much space, making defending frustrating at times.
- Goalkeepers were inconsistent, sometimes making ridiculous mistakes.
Limited Next-Gen Features at Launch
- While visuals improved, the core gameplay felt too similar to the Xbox 360/PS3 versions.
- Career Mode lacked major innovations beyond scouting.
Microtransactions in Ultimate Team
- FUT remained heavily pay-to-win, favoring those who bought FIFA Points.
Final Verdict
🟢 Final Score: 7.5/10
FIFA 14 was a solid first step into next-gen football, offering improved animations, more realistic ball physics, and better presentation. However, pacing issues, defensive AI flaws, and lack of significant next-gen gameplay innovations held it back.
Pros:
Enhanced ball physics & dribbling mechanics
Improved stadium atmosphere & next-gen graphics
Deeper Ultimate Team chemistry system
Better scouting in Career Mode
Cons:
Slower gameplay with unbalanced pace & strength mechanics
AI issues in defense and goalkeeping
Not a major leap from the Xbox 360/PS3 versions
Pay-to-win elements in Ultimate Team
Recommendation: If you love FIFA and want better visuals and more refined gameplay, FIFA 14 on Xbox One is worth playing. However, it lacks major innovation, making it feel like an incremental upgrade rather than a true next-gen revolution.
