Fifa 21 - a new chapter in virtual football

FIFA 21 marked another significant installment in EA Sports' long-running football simulation series. Released globally in October 2020 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, the game was later updated for next-generation consoles such as PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Packed with new features, graphical improvements, and updates to gameplay mechanics, FIFA 21 aimed to deliver a more realistic and immersive football experience.

Gameplay Improvements and Mechanics

One of the standout aspects of FIFA 21 was its refined gameplay. EA Sports introduced several changes aimed at improving player control, responsiveness, and realism. Agile dribbling allowed players to execute sharper and more controlled movements, making one-on-one situations more dynamic. Positioning awareness was also enhanced, enabling attackers and defenders to make smarter and more realistic runs.

The collision system was reworked, reducing unnatural interactions between players and resulting in smoother and more believable physical contests. Volta Football, first introduced in FIFA 20, also saw improvements with new skill moves and modes being added, bringing fresh energy to the street-style part of the game.

FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT)

FIFA Ultimate Team remained one of the most popular modes in FIFA 21. With the introduction of features like FUT Co-Op, players could now team up with friends in Division Rivals and Squad Battles. This encouraged a more social and collaborative approach to building a dream squad and competing online.

FUT 21 also emphasized customization, with new stadium options, tifos, and crowd chants allowing players to personalize their experience. The Objectives and Seasonal Progress system continued to reward engagement, offering unique player items and packs for completing challenges.

Icons and Meta Strategy

Over 100 legendary players were available as Icons in FIFA 21, including returning legends like Eric Cantona and Xavi. These high-rated cards became central to many FUT squads. As the game evolved throughout the year, the community developed what is commonly referred to as the META - the most effective tactics available - centered around high pace and skillful dribblers.

Career Mode Enhancements

FIFA 21 brought several long-requested changes to Career Mode. For the first time in years, players could experience more control over player development and match simulation. The interactive match sim allowed players to jump in and out of matches as needed, providing a more dynamic managerial role.

Additional features like player growth plans and sharpness indicators contributed to a more strategic and rewarding experience. Transfer negotiations became more realistic, and AI behavior in the transfer market reflected real-world scenarios more closely.

Graphics and Audio

Although FIFA 21 did not represent a giant leap in graphical fidelity compared to its predecessor on current-gen hardware, the next-gen versions showcased substantial enhancements. Improved lighting, texture quality, and stadium atmosphere created a more lifelike experience. Player models were more detailed, and animations were smoother, further blurring the line between virtual and reality.

Audio was another area of improvement. Enhanced crowd audio and reactive sound effects boosted immersion, especially in high-stakes, late-game situations. Commentary remained a staple, with updated lines and better integration with the game’s flow.

Reception and Legacy

Upon release, FIFA 21 received a generally positive reception from both fans and critics. While some pointed out that many of the changes were incremental, the overall consensus was that the game delivered a better experience than FIFA 20. The FUT community, in particular, appreciated the new co-op features and the emphasis on group play and customization.

FIFA 21 served as a bridging point between console generations, offering a taste of what fans could expect from future versions. Its legacy lies in the improvements made across gameplay and modes, setting the stage for further innovation in the franchise.

Conclusion

FIFA 21 may not have revolutionized the series, but it successfully built on the foundations of its predecessors, introducing meaningful improvements and listening to community feedback. Whether through FUT, Career Mode, or Volta Football, FIFA 21 offered something for every type of football enthusiast, keeping players engaged well into the next year.