FIFA '16, in search of Doumbia

Luis Taint

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On the eve of the demo dropping, what are your hopes, or expectations for this years installment?

I know it's really a luck of the draw, but all my gold packs have sucked. In terms of handling I hope they loosen up the ball control.

Also should I buy the special edition with the 40 free packs, or just use the cash to buy extra coins?
 

Vinho Tinto

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Luis Taint said:
On the eve of the demo dropping, what are your hopes, or expectations for this years installment?

I know it's really a luck of the draw, but all my gold packs have sucked. In terms of handling I hope they loosen up the ball control.

Also should I buy the special edition with the 40 free packs, or just use the cash to buy extra coins?
 
I expect that the game will not change much. I think this is pretty much the game you will get for this generation, besides small tweaks here and there. I did play the demo for PES and liked it. Will probably buy both games this year. 
 

Zomp

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I'm hoping that IF they do price range for ultimate team its from the beginning so the market doesn't get so fucked up like last year.
 
I don't think gameplay needs much tweaking but I can't speak of the AI since I only play against people whether it be in person or online.
 

ypioca

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Played the demo today, and just bought it. Gameplay is very solid indeed. 
 
As an aside, online game retailers (Origin and Steam) haven't adjusted to the collapse of the Real, so I just paid $32 for the standard game download. Weird times here.
 

candylandriots

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I am having a really hard time keeping possession this year. Seems like there are a lot more interceptions and tackles seem overly effective.
 
They seem to have really taken down how much pace can affect the game. My fast guys don't seem quite as fast, and they definitely tire much quicker than before (which I think is good, I was getting really tired of FUT being basically a track meet).
 
I can't score yet either. Seems like whenever I get a 2 on 1 and I try to pass, my pass goes directly to the GK instead of my teammate. It's driving me a little crazy.
 
Anyone else with their experiences to share?
 

candylandriots

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I'm really hating this right now. I was a pretty consistent level 6 FUT player before and I just got relegated out of Division 9 last night. I guess it's a bit more realistic, but the defending is way too strong and it seems like it's a game of skill moves inside the box now. I know why they were trying to balance out the pace, it was crazy how much it took over the game. But I think they got the balance wrong on the other side now. I don't think that John Terry should be running down Aubaumeyang on a counter.
 

sodenj5

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jkempa said:
I'm really hating this right now. I was a pretty consistent level 6 FUT player before and I just got relegated out of Division 9 last night. I guess it's a bit more realistic, but the defending is way too strong and it seems like it's a game of skill moves inside the box now. I know why they were trying to balance out the pace, it was crazy how much it took over the game. But I think they got the balance wrong on the other side now. I don't think that John Terry should be running down Aubaumeyang on a counter.
 
This seems to be a common complaint this year, but you have to think about it from a realism standpoint. Players in real life don't sprint at full speed with the ball at their feet, and a defender is unencumbered by dribbling, so they can use their speed more freely. If an offensive player wants to make a run and blow by a defender, what do they do? They push the ball forward and are able to use their pace then. Same applies in FIFA. The pace is still there, you just have to push the ball forward with the right stick, or really flick the ball ahead double pushing the right stick. That will let your attacker use their pace, but it comes with the obvious risks if there are defenders around.
 
It's not as easy as bombing a deep through ball to Doumbia anymore as he blows past everyone else on the pitch. In fact, that hardly ever works this year. The central defenders and the keepers are much more aggressive at disrupting the aerial passing game. It takes a much more calculated approach to score consistently this year.
 

candylandriots

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sodenj5 said:
 
This seems to be a common complaint this year, but you have to think about it from a realism standpoint. Players in real life don't sprint at full speed with the ball at their feet, and a defender is unencumbered by dribbling, so they can use their speed more freely. If an offensive player wants to make a run and blow by a defender, what do they do? They push the ball forward and are able to use their pace then. Same applies in FIFA. The pace is still there, you just have to push the ball forward with the right stick, or really flick the ball ahead double pushing the right stick. That will let your attacker use their pace, but it comes with the obvious risks if there are defenders around.
 
It's not as easy as bombing a deep through ball to Doumbia anymore as he blows past everyone else on the pitch. In fact, that hardly ever works this year. The central defenders and the keepers are much more aggressive at disrupting the aerial passing game. It takes a much more calculated approach to score consistently this year.
 
I don't disagree at all with the central point. I just think it's such a radical change that it is really hard to adapt.
 
Mostly, I was looking forward to having a good record from the start this year, and now I suck again :)
 

NJ_Sox_Fan

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I went from being decent at 15 to horrendous at 16. I think I'm like 3 and 26 online now with my FUT. Although they aren't very good yet, that's still really, really bad. My team is just getting beat up all match every match.
 

candylandriots

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OK so I am terrible at FUT. Like really, really bad and seemingly getting worse. I’m starting to wonder if there’s something wrong with my connection. Hoping someone can throw me a lifeline here. I was a pretty consistent D6 player in 15. I just got relegated from D9 in 16, and it wasn’t even close.
 
  1. I should have no connection problems. I have 75/65 download/upload speed. Latency is showing as 85ms. My console has a wired connection to my router. That said, it’s very strange when I’m moving around to select my players before a game. It seems like the “cursor” doesn’t really move at first and then jumps. Does this happen to anyone else? I also sense a lag when using RB and LB before a game to change tactics. Is this carrying through to game action?
  2. I can’t move the ball. Any time an opponent comes near me, I lose possession.
  3. My passes frequently don’t seem to go where I expect them to.
  4. On the rare chance that I get a shot off, it almost always goes straight to the keeper.
  5. It seems like the opponents attacker can frequently pick his way through my defense in the area, even without doing any sort of fancy skill moves.
 
I was always very patient in FIFA 15 in terms of build-up (though I will admit that I had some very fast players on my team and I used that speed for counters). I would win most of my games despite being outshot at least 2:1 because the shots I would take were quality. Now I can’t even seem get into position to take a shot.
 
Does anyone have any advice for me here?
 

Luis Taint

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jkempa said:
OK so I am terrible at FUT. Like really, really bad and seemingly getting worse. Im starting to wonder if theres something wrong with my connection. Hoping someone can throw me a lifeline here. I was a pretty consistent D6 player in 15. I just got relegated from D9 in 16, and it wasnt even close.
 
  • I should have no connection problems. I have 75/65 download/upload speed. Latency is showing as 85ms. My console has a wired connection to my router. That said, its very strange when Im moving around to select my players before a game. It seems like the cursor doesnt really move at first and then jumps. Does this happen to anyone else? I also sense a lag when using RB and LB before a game to change tactics. Is this carrying through to game action?
  • I cant move the ball. Any time an opponent comes near me, I lose possession.
  • My passes frequently dont seem to go where I expect them to.
  • On the rare chance that I get a shot off, it almost always goes straight to the keeper.
  • It seems like the opponents attacker can frequently pick his way through my defense in the area, even without doing any sort of fancy skill moves.
 
I was always very patient in FIFA 15 in terms of build-up (though I will admit that I had some very fast players on my team and I used that speed for counters). I would win most of my games despite being outshot at least 2:1 because the shots I would take were quality. Now I cant even seem get into position to take a shot.
 
Does anyone have any advice for me here?
I'm so utterly lost in FUT, I've resorted to just playing quick matches as Arsenal and Buying Jumbo Gold Packs, hoping I can get any help in FUT.
 

BostonJack42

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How long have you guys been playing 16? Because I was where you are at like two weeks ago (I started in Sept. at the initial release) and am now in Div. 4. 
 
I am by no means a FIFA expert but here's my tips:
  • Pick a formation with 4 at the back and a bunch of midfielders.
  • Use the "through ball" pass (Y on the xbox) to make must of your passes. Regular simple passes (A on the xbox) are pretty useless if there's any defenders around.
  • Never use the "driven pass" option. Goes to the keeper or the defense every single time.
  • Play around with the manual-assisted-semi-assited options for passes (even at half-time). It'll suck at first but I found when you switch it around your brain somehow wraps itself around how its supposed to work. I have no clue what setting I am on now but my passing % is usually around 80% instead of 45% a few weeks ago.
  • Never switch to your back 4. Let them just play on AI. Use your midfielders to go back and tackle. Switching to your actual defenders to defend is either a goal or a red card / penalty.
  • Long shots work (I have Vidal and he's a beast at them). I heard there's a skill game for them - might be worth checking out.
  • When the in the box I use finesses shots whenever possible - seems to work better than regular shots.
  • I use 5 star skiller guys on the wings and if you can perfect the spin move (joy stick up then left) you can usually get yourself some space.
  • The fake shot move (which I think everyone can do regardless of skill level) works in front of the box.
  • Corner kicks suck.
 

candylandriots

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BostonJack42 said:
 
How long have you guys been playing 16? Because I was where you are at like two weeks ago (I started in Sept. at the initial release) and am now in Div. 4. 
 
I am by no means a FIFA expert but here's my tips:
  • Pick a formation with 4 at the back and a bunch of midfielders.
  • Use the "through ball" pass (Y on the xbox) to make must of your passes. Regular simple passes (A on the xbox) are pretty useless if there's any defenders around.
  • Never use the "driven pass" option. Goes to the keeper or the defense every single time.
  • Play around with the manual-assisted-semi-assited options for passes (even at half-time). It'll suck at first but I found when you switch it around your brain somehow wraps itself around how its supposed to work. I have no clue what setting I am on now but my passing % is usually around 80% instead of 45% a few weeks ago.
  • Never switch to your back 4. Let them just play on AI. Use your midfielders to go back and tackle. Switching to your actual defenders to defend is either a goal or a red card / penalty.
  • Long shots work (I have Vidal and he's a beast at them). I heard there's a skill game for them - might be worth checking out.
  • When the in the box I use finesses shots whenever possible - seems to work better than regular shots.
  • I use 5 star skiller guys on the wings and if you can perfect the spin move (joy stick up then left) you can usually get yourself some space.
  • The fake shot move (which I think everyone can do regardless of skill level) works in front of the box.
  • Corner kicks suck.
 
 
Thank you for this. Hope to give some of this a try soon.
 

candylandriots

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Did any of it help?
A bit...I feel like I'm getting burned leaving my back 4 on AI, but I'm not sure that I'm any better honestly. Giving up on the driven pass has made a big difference to the good. I still can't bring myself to unload a shot from 30 yards, so that's on me. I probably should given how often those shots seem to kill me!

Also, I switched to manual passing and that has helped me out a lot.

So thank you!
 

Vinho Tinto

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The difference between good and great is possession skills. There are some gamers who turn every player into Figo on the ball. There are others, like me, who give away possession on basic challenges.
 

candylandriots

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Who are you trying to shoot with from 30 yards out? Some people can hit them regularly...
I never actually do it. I probably should try, it just seems like giving the ball away - even though I know it's likely I may get a corner out of it. I just can't seem to shake the mentality that it's a lottery ticket.
 

Zomp

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Some good cyber Monday sales in the Ultimate Team market. Was able to buy a few packs using FIFA Points. Scored a Boateng, and Reus.
 

PedroSpecialK

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Grinding up on Seasons finally... good god, CSKA is the sweatiest roster one could ever assemble. Infuriating to have one guy as Tošić weave through everyone.
 

Turrable

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Do they still have Doumbia and Musa too? Those three together are unstoppable, I was really happy that nobody ever seemed to know about them.
 

PedroSpecialK

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Musa, Tošić, and Dzagoev - no Doumbia in the game I played but he is technically on their roster on loan from Roma.
 

Turrable

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I suppose that's a relief. You can't win though, FUT and Seasons always seem to descend into pacewhoring nightmares. I can't talk though, I've been using Lyon.
 

teddykgb

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Picked this up late this year on Black Friday. Built my first gold Portuguese team as I usually do. Aboubakar is just a hilariously awesome card. I may not even branch out this year.
 

Bailey10

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Just got back to the US and picked up FIFA 16.

For UT, anybody have a recommendation for what league I can assemble a cheap collection of gold players from that allows me to compete right away?
 

teddykgb

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I built a pretty competitive team out of Portugal. Spain is pretty expensive. Can do OK in France as well. Italy can be costly but have a plethora of CMs which are more important this year. You really need to possess the ball a lot more this year, it made a world of difference when u switched to possession tactics over default
 

Bailey10

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Getting extremely frustrated with the UT server.

Constantly getting an error message at the end of games that causes me to be disconnected from ultimate team, losing coins and increasing my DNF.

Anybody else experiencing a problem like this? I'm playing on the PS3.
 

candylandriots

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Getting extremely frustrated with the UT server.

Constantly getting an error message at the end of games that causes me to be disconnected from ultimate team, losing coins and increasing my DNF.

Anybody else experiencing a problem like this? I'm playing on the PS3.
It's been much better for me this year than last. I think I've only had that happen once. I'm on an Xbox One though.

FYI - if you're trying to build a team, call EA and complain. They'll give you a gold pack for your trouble. I finally got so annoyed last year I called to find out if there was a problem on my end and that's what they did.
 

Vinho Tinto

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Getting extremely frustrated with the UT server.

Constantly getting an error message at the end of games that causes me to be disconnected from ultimate team, losing coins and increasing my DNF.

Anybody else experiencing a problem like this? I'm playing on the PS3.
I was on last night with PS4 with no issues.
 

candylandriots

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Just wanted to brag that I just pulled a TOTY Marcelo out of a "free" pack that came with the deluxe version of the game.
 

Zomp

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Doumbia is now in the bpl. Lord have mercy.

Btw if anyone has enough coins to swing it now is a good time to buy some in form cards that you think will be upgraded. For example, Higuain has 3 in form cards. 85 86 and 87. If you buy the 87 card and his regular card gets upgraded, that 87 card will also go up. I'm expecting Higuain to go up at least 2 rating points.

Last year's winter upgrades comes out on 2/16.
 

BostonJack42

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Unrelated to upgrades but if you have the coins and are on an Xbox try out legend Christian Vieri as a striker. He's the first striker I have used that I actually like.

Decent shot, can actually score a header now and again and with the right instructions (Stay Central and Target Man) I actually got him to stay in the middle of the field. Easy to play give-and-goes with.
 

Luis Taint

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Why doesn't FIFA have a FA Cup or Champions League feature? I think it would be fun as hell to have random draws against your next opponents.
 

dirtynine

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I haven't, yet, but I'm pretty amped to get it - EA tapped my soccer apparel company, Clean Sheet Co., to produce some exclusive uniform designs that will be available to players using Ultimate Team mode in '17. I've seen some renderings and they look good.
 

candylandriots

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I haven't, yet, but I'm pretty amped to get it - EA tapped my soccer apparel company, Clean Sheet Co., to produce some exclusive uniform designs that will be available to players using Ultimate Team mode in '17. I've seen some renderings and they look good.
That's really cool! I can't wait to see them!