Status:
Complete and Play Tested
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FIFA 17 (Xbox One) Review
FIFA 17 marks the franchises first year on EAs Frostbite engine, ushering in richer visuals, new physics interactions, and the series inaugural story mode, The Journey. Its also the most feature-complete Xbox One entry yet, even if some on-pitch quirks linger.
Gameplay & Mechanics
| New System | What It Does | Effect on Matches |
|---|
| Physical Play Overhaul | Left-trigger shielding now merges with jostling, back-into-defender holds, and push-pull duels. | Strikers like Lukaku feel powerful; loose balls are true 50/50s. |
| Set-Piece Rewrite | Free-kicks and penalties use right-stick run-ups; corners allow controlled curl and driven deliveries. | Greater variety, but the learning curve is steep. |
| Active Intelligence | AI attackers curve runs, signal for through-balls, and avoid offside traps. | Build-up play is more dynamic, though defensive AI occasionally ball-watches. |
| Threaded Through Balls | RB/R1 + Y/Triangle fires low, skidding passes. | Perfect for slicing parked busesmaybe too perfect once mastered. |
Pace is balanced: midfield duels matter, but counters ignite with a single killer pass. Goalkeepers are steadier than in 16, yet still spill power shots. First-touch errors give weight to lower-rated squads, enhancing authenticity.
Modes & Content
The Journey
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Follows fictional prospect Alex Hunter from Sunday-league try-outs to Premier League stardom.
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Features dialogue wheels, performance objectives, and cameos from real players.
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Lasts ~15 hours and smartly ties gameplay to narrative stakes.
Ultimate Team
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Adds FUT Champions weekend league (qualification via daily knockout tournaments) and Squad Building Challengespuzzle squads traded for packs.
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Economy tilts harder toward coin-boosters/FIFA Points, but the competitive hook is undeniable.
Career Mode
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Introduces club objectives dashboards (brand exposure, youth, finance) and financial takeover boosts.
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Youth training drills return, yet board interactions remain shallow.
Other Features
Presentation & Audio
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Frostbite delivers improved lighting, facial capture, and tunnel cinematics. Turf deforms realistically, and stadium atmospheres popAnfields Youll Never Walk Alone is goose-bump material.
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Commentary upgrades to Tyler & Smith plus new analyst Stewart Robson for Journey scenes, but regular league play still repeats lines.
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Menu soundtrack stands out: Bastille, Glass Animals, Porter Robinson & Madeon headline an eclectic 50-song playlist.
Performance: 1080p/60 fps during gameplay; replays and Journey cut-scenes run at 30 fps but look lush.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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Frostbite visuals and physics feel like a genuine generation leap
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The Journey is an engaging, fresh single-player hook
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Overhauled set-pieces and physical battles deepen strategy
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FUT Champions + SBCs extend Ultimate Teams lifespan
Cons
Defensive AI can freeze vs. threaded through-balls
Set-piece learning curve may frustrate casuals
Commentary still lags behind presentation standards
Heavy micro-transaction tilt in FUT economy
Final Verdict
FIFA 17 successfully blends a bold new engine with meaningful mode additions. The Journey provides story-driven novelty, while gameplay tweaks reward creativity and muscle alike. Minor AI hiccups and FUTs pay-to-progress whiff keep it from top-tier greatness, but this is the most ambitious FIFA in years.
Score: 8.7 / 10 A confident reboot that scores with style, substance, and a welcome shot of narrative flair.
