Skip to main content

Face-Off: FIFA 16

Parity between PS4 and Xbox One - but is the Ignite Engine evolving fast enough?

Putting parity above all else, FIFA 16 arrives on PS4, Xbox One and PC with a near pixel-matched output on all three. It sticks to series tradition by keeping console-specific strengths limited to exclusive content, in the form of select cards in the Ultimate Team mode - where Xbox One gets a handful of legendary players this year. From a technical standpoint though, there's little to separate the console versions in terms of visuals or features - but as a package, does FIFA 16 bring anything tangibly different to the table over FIFA 15?

The setup is a familiar one for the series of course; everything is matched, from the full native 1920x1080 resolution to the lighting model, animation, and even grass shading and texture filtering levels. Thankfully, the per-object motion blur effect, which was missing from the Xbox One version of FIFA 15 at launch (and later patched in) is here from the start. The only discrepancy is during pre-match build-ups, involving long shots of stadia with high contrast edges. Here, PC delivers a slightly cleaner 1080p image owing to its use of 4x MSAA on these spots, not quite matched by the lower sample implementations on PS4 and Xbox One.

To get a good measure of how each stacks up though, we control both consoles in real-time from the exact same controller. As you can see in our video below, every sprint, pass and shot is performed via the exact same input, meaning we can match our footage as closely as possible. Outside of differing button prompts and an occasional offset in running animations, it goes a long way to prove there's a strong common ground between PS4 and Xbox One.

It's the same visual setup for each - and for PC too. Alas, the PC release once again arrives in something of a barebones form, shipping with a single toggle for low and high graphics detail (the latter matching the current-gen console standard). Besides this, we have a resolution option, plus a setting to lock the frame-rate at 30, 60fps or leave it entirely unlocked. All told, this is a fairly lightweight effort, and there's no question this is a console-first project, where PC extras are appended after the fact - and in this case it's the solitary inclusion of 4x MSAA.

FIFA 16 compared on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, once again showing nigh-on like-for-like results. Comparisons with last year's FIFA 15 are apparent in its lighting, but on the whole, the addition of women's national teams is the biggest addition this year.Watch on YouTube

Needless to say, if you've already bought FIFA 16 on PS4 or Xbox One, there's no need to check over your shoulder at the other version. The biggest difference between two is in Xbox One's exclusive set of players for Ultimate Team mode, offering classic players like Ryan Giggs and George Best in a card form. This is available on both Xbox 360 and Xbox One - a minor perk, and the only swaying point given that its visual quality and feature-set are so tightly paired with PS4 otherwise.

But exactly what does FIFA 16 add over the last game? Comparing gameplay directly with FIFA 15 via the same 'single controller' method, it's fair to say the upgrade isn't as stark as last year's. It's simply a refinement; the physically-based lighting is tweaked, and in one synchronised shot across Old Trafford it's apparent the pitch's tone is notably more saturated, with heavier bloom across players as well. A matching playthrough shows the underlying technology is very close to last year's though, and most of the changes elsewhere are in the pace of its gameplay.

The addition of women's teams tops the bill of new features in FIFA 16, where players from across 12 national squads are motion captured at EA's studios. For the majority of these additions, model quality matches the generally high quality of the men's game, and the use of repeated animations is just as apt to produce uncanny results. On the other hand, star players like Alex Morgan are given their own bespoke running and shooting animations - adding a distinctive flavour to their playing style.

PlayStation 4
Xbox One
PC
FIFA 16 runs at a full 1080p on both PS4 and Xbox One. The only aspect that divides these three versions is in anti-aliasing, where opening shots of stadia show PC producing the cleanest lines with its 4x MSAA option.
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
PC
Women's national teams are in FIFA 16, with 12 new teams being given the motion capture treatment. Hair physics are put to use too, with ponytails swinging dynamically behind long-haired players.
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
PC
On the pitch, there's nothing to distinguish between PS4, Xbox One and PC versions. Shadow quality, player detail and grass shaders are identical - a running trend for FIFA games since last generation.
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
PC
Even up-close during replays, it's a tight match. Lighting is tweaked from last year's game meanwhile, giving us more saturated colours across the pitch.
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
PC
Crowd density is like-for-like between platforms. However, all three rely on LOD transitions as the camera pans across the crowds, with people filling out the stands as we move closer.
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
PC
Texture quality is shared across all three platforms, as is filtering across the ground - leaving us a slight blurring at oblique angles like this. Fortunately this is a type of shot we rarely see during regular play.

As for performance, if you've read our Face-Off features before, you'll be well aware of what to expect from FIFA 16. Essentially we keep a locked 60fps once a match kicks off, but with a hard switch to 30fps in certain engine-taxing scenarios. This only affects PS4 and Xbox One, where the 30fps cap is engaged during pre-match build-ups, replays, and also set-pieces such as penalties, free kicks and corners. However, as soon as we put a foot the ball, we go straight back to a perfectly smooth 60fps from the default side-line camera view.

The good news is, both PS4 and Xbox One keep a solid 60fps in place for the regular passing and shooting, provided it's always on this default camera. The drop down to 30fps doesn't really affect playability in this sense, and transitions between frame-rates only occurs in between cut-scenes and gameplay. On other words, it's not a jarring switch that can be spotted during play itself.

The only area where this 30fps cap is really felt is in the 'Be a Pro' camera mode. This lets us see the pitch from a player's orientation, and here the game locks to 30fps as we get a sideways view of the pitch, revealing all 22 players, referees and the crowds. It's a slight damper on the experience, and sweeping camera pans are noticeably less fluid than in regular view. On the plus side these scenes have a perfect lock on 30fps, and just as with 60fps play, we never see a frame dip below this number. As for PC players this isn't an issue at all, and every camera mode, replay and set-piece stays at 60fps if that's our intended setting in the menus.

A performance analysis of FIFA 16 shows PS4 and Xbox One turning in a solid 60fps for gameplay - but once again the Ignite engine locks to 30fps for build-up scenes, replays and set-pieces.Watch on YouTube

FIFA 16: the Digital Foundry verdict

A running trend for the FIFA series this generation, a native 1080p resolution and 60fps gameplay continue to take a high priority on PS4 and Xbox One. The Ignite engine also gives identical results between the two once again, and PC only pips them to the post with its superior MSAA mode and non-compromised frame-rate. Otherwise, the lighting model, animation system, and even texture quality are exactly matched between all three platforms - right down to the filtering quality across the ground.

But as the third entry in the series this generation, it's fair to call FIFA 16 an incremental update in terms of its core engine capabilities. Tweaks to the ebb and flow of its passing makes this a slightly more defensive game by nature, and the addition of women's teams is a boon to the package overall. But the absence of true, overriding technical evolution is really felt this year; lighting tweaks are noticed over FIFA 15, but we hope Electronic Arts Canada is striving for a more substantive twist on the formula in next year's edition.

This feels like something of a stop-gap then, and one that we hope implies an incoming well-spring of new features next year. After all, these games are developed on a sharp, one year turnaround by a single studio, and to expect a revolution each time is perhaps too tall an order. Even so, the end result is still clear for FIFA 16; it doesn't take long to acclimatise to its look and play style, and technically there's a lot of commonality between this and last year's entry. It's déjà vu territory, but we're intrigued to see if FIFA can fit in another grand visual shift this generation, in line with Ignite engine's debut on PS4 and Xbox One two years ago.

Read this next

seductrice.net
universo-virtual.com
buytrendz.net
thisforall.net
benchpressgains.com
qthzb.com
mindhunter9.com
dwjqp1.com
secure-signup.net
ahaayy.com
tressesindia.com
puresybian.com
krpano-chs.com
cre8workshop.com
hdkino.org
peixun021.com
qz786.com
utahperformingartscenter.org
worldqrmconference.com
shangyuwh.com
eejssdfsdfdfjsd.com
playminecraftfreeonline.com
trekvietnamtour.com
your-business-articles.com
essaywritingservice10.com
hindusamaaj.com
joggingvideo.com
wandercoups.com
wormblaster.net
tongchengchuyange0004.com
internetknowing.com
breachurch.com
peachesnginburlesque.com
dataarchitectoo.com
clientfunnelformula.com
30pps.com
cherylroll.com
ks2252.com
prowp.net
webmanicura.com
sofietsshotel.com
facetorch.com
nylawyerreview.com
apapromotions.com
shareparelli.com
goeaglepointe.com
thegreenmanpubphuket.com
karotorossian.com
publicsensor.com
taiwandefence.com
epcsur.com
southstills.com
tvtv98.com
thewellington-hotel.com
bccaipiao.com
colectoresindustrialesgs.com
shenanddcg.com
capriartfilmfestival.com
replicabreitlingsale.com
thaiamarinnewtoncorner.com
gkmcww.com
mbnkbj.com
andrewbrennandesign.com
cod54.com
luobinzhang.com
faithfirst.net
zjyc28.com
tongchengjinyeyouyue0004.com
nhuan6.com
kftz5k.com
oldgardensflowers.com
lightupthefloor.com
bahamamamas-stjohns.com
ly2818.com
905onthebay.com
fonemenu.com
notanothermovie.com
ukrainehighclassescort.com
meincmagazine.com
av-5858.com
yallerdawg.com
donkeythemovie.com
corporatehospitalitygroup.com
boboyy88.com
miteinander-lernen.com
dannayconsulting.com
officialtomsshoesoutletstore.com
forsale-amoxil-amoxicillin.net
generictadalafil-canada.net
guitarlessonseastlondon.com
lesliesrestaurants.com
mattyno9.com
nri-homeloans.com
rtgvisas-qatar.com
salbutamolventolinonline.net
sportsinjuries.info
wedsna.com
rgkntk.com
bkkmarketplace.com
zxqcwx.com
breakupprogram.com
boxcardc.com
unblockyoutubeindonesia.com
fabulousbookmark.com
beat-the.com
guatemala-sailfishing-vacations-charters.com
magie-marketing.com
kingstonliteracy.com
guitaraffinity.com
eurelookinggoodapparel.com
howtolosecheekfat.net
marioncma.org
oliviadavismusic.com
shantelcampbellrealestate.com
shopleborn13.com
topindiafree.com
v-visitors.net
djjky.com
053hh.com
originbluei.com
baucishotel.com
33kkn.com
intrinsiqresearch.com
mariaescort-kiev.com
mymaguk.com
sponsored4u.com
crimsonclass.com
bataillenavale.com
searchtile.com
ze-stribrnych-struh.com
zenithalhype.com
modalpkv.com
bouisset-lafforgue.com
useupload.com
37r.net
autoankauf-muenster.com
bantinbongda.net
bilgius.com
brabustermagazine.com
indigrow.org
miicrosofts.net
mysmiletravel.com
selinasims.com
spellcubesapp.com
usa-faction.com
hypoallergenicdogsnames.com
dailyupdatez.com
foodphotographyreviews.com
cricutcom-setup.com
chprowebdesign.com
katyrealty-kanepa.com
tasramar.com
bilgipinari.org
four-am.com
indiarepublicday.com
inquick-enbooks.com
iracmpi.com
kakaschoenen.com
lsm99flash.com
nana1255.com
ngen-niagara.com
technwzs.com
virtualonlinecasino1345.com
wallpapertop.net
casino-natali.com
iprofit-internet.com
denochemexicana.com
eventhalfkg.com
medcon-taiwan.com
life-himawari.com
myriamshomes.com
nightmarevue.com
healthandfitnesslives.com
androidnews-jp.com
allstarsru.com
bestofthebuckeyestate.com
bestofthefirststate.com
bestwireless7.com
britsmile.com
declarationintermittent.com
findhereall.com
jingyou888.com
lsm99deal.com
lsm99galaxy.com
moozatech.com
nuagh.com
patliyo.com
philomenamagikz.net
rckouba.net
saturnunipessoallda.com
tallahasseefrolics.com
thematurehardcore.net
totalenvironment-inthatquietearth.com
velislavakaymakanova.com
vermontenergetic.com
kakakpintar.com
begorgeouslady.com
1800birks4u.com
2wheelstogo.com
6strip4you.com
bigdata-world.net
emailandco.net
gacapal.com
jharpost.com
krishnaastro.com
lsm99credit.com
mascalzonicampani.com
sitemapxml.org
thecityslums.net
topagh.com
flairnetwebdesign.com
rajasthancarservices.com
bangkaeair.com
beneventocoupon.com
noternet.org
oqtive.com
smilebrightrx.com
decollage-etiquette.com
1millionbestdownloads.com
7658.info
bidbass.com
devlopworldtech.com
digitalmarketingrajkot.com
fluginfo.net
naqlafshk.com
passion-decouverte.com
playsirius.com
spacceleratorintl.com
stikyballs.com
top10way.com
yokidsyogurt.com
zszyhl.com
16firthcrescent.com
abogadolaboralistamd.com
apk2wap.com
aromacremeria.com
banparacard.com
bosmanraws.com
businessproviderblog.com
caltonosa.com
calvaryrevivalchurch.org
chastenedsoulwithabrokenheart.com
cheminotsgardcevennes.com
cooksspot.com
cqxzpt.com
deesywig.com
deltacartoonmaps.com
despixelsetdeshommes.com
duocoracaobrasileiro.com
fareshopbd.com
goodpainspills.com
hemendekor.com
kobisitecdn.com
makaigoods.com
mgs1454.com
piccadillyresidences.com
radiolaondafresca.com
rubendorf.com
searchengineimprov.com
sellmyhrvahome.com
shugahouseessentials.com
sonihullquad.com
subtractkilos.com
valeriekelmansky.com
vipasdigitalmarketing.com
voolivrerj.com
zeelonggroup.com
1015southrockhill.com
10x10b.com
111-online-casinos.com
191cb.com
3665arpentunitd.com
aitesonics.com
bag-shokunin.com
brightotech.com
communication-digitale-services.com
covoakland.org
dariaprimapack.com
freefortniteaccountss.com
gatebizglobal.com
global1entertainmentnews.com
greatytene.com
hiroshiwakita.com
iktodaypk.com
jahatsakong.com
meadowbrookgolfgroup.com
newsbharati.net
platinumstudiosdesign.com
slotxogamesplay.com
strikestaruk.com
trucosdefortnite.com
ufabetrune.com
weddedtowhitmore.com
12940brycecanyonunitb.com
1311dietrichoaks.com
2monarchtraceunit303.com
601legendhill.com
850elaine.com
adieusolasomade.com
andora-ke.com
bestslotxogames.com
cannagomcallen.com
endlesslyhot.com
iestpjva.com
ouqprint.com
pwmaplefest.com
qtylmr.com
rb88betting.com
buscadogues.com
1007macfm.com
born-wild.com
growthinvests.com
promocode-casino.com
proyectogalgoargentina.com
wbthompson-art.com
whitemountainwheels.com
7thavehvl.com
developmethis.com
funkydogbowties.com
travelodgegrandjunction.com
gao-town.com
globalmarketsuite.com
blogshippo.com
hdbka.com
proboards67.com
outletonline-michaelkors.com
kalkis-research.com
thuthuatit.net
buckcash.com
hollistercanada.com
docterror.com
asadart.com
vmayke.org
erwincomputers.com
dirimart.org
okkii.com
loteriasdecehegin.com
mountanalog.com
healingtaobritain.com
ttxmonitor.com
nwordpress.com
11bolabonanza.com