FIFA 15: Expert Reviews, Player Comments, Team Ratings and More

With FIFA 15 hitting stores throughout North America on Tuesday and many media outlets having already had copies of the game for a week, it hasn't taken long for impressions and reviews to hit the web.

I've put in my own time with the Xbox One version of the game. Without question, FIFA 15 ranks as one of the best sports games released this year. It feels complete and like a game that can offer hours of fun through a myriad of modes and options.

Factor in a massive upgrade in visuals and that's why I rated it a 9.1. You can read my full review here. That said, I'm a casual fan of the sport and I'll be the first to admit that. My perspective may not match yours. 

That's why it's important to get a second and third opinion, or at least seek out a reviewer who you know is a similar-style gamer as yourself. Allow me to help add some depth to your evaluation process.

When scanning the net for other members of the media's take on the game, three stood out because of the details and observations pointed out in their reviews.

Chris Schilling of IGN rated the game an 8.3, which by the site's standards means the title is "great."

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Schilling writes: FIFA 15 remains one of the most impressively comprehensive sport simulations around, and on new-gen hardware it really is the beautiful game. But while some of FIFA 15’s refinements are worthwhile – and a tangible improvement on FIFA 14 – its flaws stand out all the more.

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The developers were ambitious when it comes to remodeling the AI for players, especially goalkeepers. There are times where teammates do things that make you scratch your head, but I'd contend that happens in real life in every sport. 

A touch of humanity, even when its maddening, isn't a deal breaker.

John Robertson of Gamespot gave FIFA 15 an 8. He pointed out a few things I appreciated in the game as well. He writes:

"The goal is not to make you feel like a football manager or a central defender grinding out a tough one-goal victory on a bitter winter night. That would be too realistic, and not exciting enough."

Sometimes sports gamers think they want a complete simulation, but that's until they realize how frustrating of an experience that could be. Game developers have to find a way to walk the line, and FIFA 15 does that nicely. The action is wide open enough to enjoy, but certainly not arcade.

Great teams like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid stand out because of the individual ratings of their stars, and how those numbers collectively make the clubs strong.

Bayern Munich has the most players rated in the Top 50 of any club on the game. Here's the allocation of stars within the top 50.

• Bayern Munich - 11
• Real Madrid - 8
• Barcelona - 6
• Chelsea - 5
• Manchester United - 5
• Manchester City - 4
• Juventus - 4
• Paris Saint-Germain - 3
• Borussia Dortmund - 2
• Arsenal - 1
• Tottenham - 1

Click here to see the club ratings from FUTHead.

The lowest online review score came from Mr. Pinkerton of Metro. He rated the game a seven overall. While I'll concede Mr. Pinkerton has likely played and watched more world football in a year than I have in a lifetime, a seven seems severe for a game that looks this good, and is simply fun to play.

Mr. Pinkerton says:

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Change is good but there’s no logic to the way FIFA 15 plays compared to its predecessor. It’s neither better nor worse, just completely different. And you get the horrible feeling next year is going to take the opposite approach once again, simply because nobody can think of any substantial improvements or new ideas to justify another £60 purchase.

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Developers for a series as successful as FIFA are in a tough spot. If they alter the game too much, long-time fans will scoff at what will be described as unnecessary and unwanted changes. Gamers who may be more critical and fans of other genres ask for radical changes more often to keep things fresh.

It seems as though FIFA 15 does some different things without disturbing the core quality that has made it so popular. It's obvious the decision isn't unanimous.

Follow Brian Mazique aka FranchisePlay, the Sports Video Game Journalist