FIFA 17 is almost here, and it is going to be big.
Here’s what we know: this year’s FIFA might just be the biggest step change in the franchise since the series changed defending back in FIFA 12.
Thanks to the new Frostbite engine powering the system, FIFA 17 will be bringing more than just some new kits and nicer graphics (although the graphics are great). New single player mode The Journey (aka Rashford Mode) shows what Electronic Arts are going for this year – a brand new footballing experience.
The latest new change to the FIFA formula? Penalties and set pieces. Electronic Arts have completely overhauled the set piece system for FIFA 17, allowing players to better control the power and direction of every run up to a set piece.
Preparing for a penalty on the game now looks like this…
Who comes out on top? New penalties are coming in #FIFA17! https://t.co/Pn0Zh5kbfI pic.twitter.com/y0IGj9qczl
— EA SPORTS FC (@EASPORTSFC) July 25, 2016
Instead of having you simply choosing the power, direction and “composure”, penalties in FIFA 17 will have you decide from what angle and how quickly your player will take the set piece. In a lovely nod to real world physics, the approach you take with your set pieces will affect the amount of  spin and movement you can put on the ball. There’s a reason why Ronaldo stands that way before a strike.
It will take some time to get used to, as much of the penalty system will now rely on you ordering your player around with the left analogue stick. Get it right and you’ll score.
Get it wrong and you may end up like…
FIFA 17 is released on September 29 on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Origin for PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
