FIFA 16: Analyzing Expert Reviews from Around the Web

FIFA 16 has received predominantly positive reviews from publications across the globe. The Metacritic score for the game is an 82 out of 100, with three publications scoring it as high as a 90. 

Ben Dutka of PSX Extreme is one of the reviewers who scored the game a 90 out of 100. Dutka didn't have many negative things to say about FIFA 16. He wrote:

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FIFA 16 added what it needed to add and refined what it needed to refine. It pinpointed the problems bogging down last year’s entry and fixed them. Perhaps one could argue they went too far in the other direction, thereby changing the pace of the gameplay for the worse, but I don’t agree. I think with any simulator, you’re going for authenticity and this FIFA entry might be the most realistic yet. 

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There are some areas in which poor collision detection drags down the realism, but Dutka is mostly right with his assessment of the game. FIFA 16 plays a great game of soccer with gameplay that is more positive than negative.

Steve Hannley of Hardcore Gamer wrote a review that was more toward the middle of the road. He scored it a four out of five and noted the addition of women's teams in the game.

Hannley wrote: "Simply having the presence of the women's national teams is a huge boon to the series that adds another exciting dynamic. That added to the instant gratification of FUT Draft and the impressive gameplay tweaks makes FIFA 16 a clear winner."

Hanley is correct. The addition of women's teams automatically gives FIFA 16 a measure of credibility. Those good vibrations can be felt even more when you realize the inclusion of women's teams isn't just cosmetic. The female players move differently than their male counterparts, which adds to the overall realism.

USgamer's Kat Bailey penned a review that came in on the low end. Bailey scored the game a 7.5 out of 10. She took FIFA 16—and the entire series of late—to task for its complacency. Bailey wrote: 

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I've consistently defended FIFA as the most well-rounded sports sim. But the series has felt like it's been standing still this generation, and that is felt more acutely than ever in FIFA 16. As always, it has its strengths, and the FUT Draft is a strong addition, but it's not enough to break the feeling of staleness that has descended upon the once undisputed king of sports games.

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On one hand, I agree with Bailey. On the other hand, it's easy to see why FIFA wouldn't be eager to alter a proven formula. At the end of the day, you'll probably want to give the game a look to see for yourself. Then, you'll be able to compare what you've read here to your own observations.

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