There's an old joke that each new FIFA game is just the same as the old one with the player ratings updated. But FIFA 17 is a genuine game-changer.
By now, you may have seen
the new FIFA 17 trailer which announces the arrival of Alex Hunter, the star of the latest addition to the FIFA franchise, known as The Journey.
We were given a sneak peak at the new game and were even given a chance to try out The Journey for ourselves at a recent EA Sports event in London. Here's what we leaned about The Journey.
It's the biggest change to FIFA in years
If you've started a career for yourself on FIFA, you'll know the limitations of the Be A Pro set up. Sure, it's fun for a little while but playing as just one person with nothing else going on can get a little boring.
The Journey changes this entirely by adding a compelling storyline, where you interact with the characters around you. Sure it's all a little dramatic, but that's exactly what you want.
It's a wholly immersive experience
The Journey is much more than just adding post-match interviews on the game - although they are a big part of it, and we'll get to them later. But you are really thrown into the life of Alex Hunter, a young footballer who comes from a family with a sporting pedigree.
You'll get to see (and control) Alex in his home, speaking with friends, family and coaches. Whatever team you end up at, you'll be paired with your best friend since childhood and you'll have to compete with him for game time.
As Alex goes through the highs and lows of his career, you'll be there with him.
Everything you do matters
Like we said, interviews will go a long way towards developing your Alex Hunter his own specific personality. You can decide whether you want to be a soft-spoken team player or a brash, cocky young gun.
You'll be forced to meet with your coach after certain performances for praise or criticism. If you get sent off, you'll be forced to explain why you lost your head, and your response could ruin your relationship with your coach which could in turn ruin your chances at that club.
Not playing well? Then you better work your ass off in training to improve your stats. Need to improve on your passing? Then you best get down to the training ground and work through some passing drills. You control every aspect of Alex Hunter's life.
If you are not performing and hitting the goals set for you by your coach (both on a seasonal and game-by-game basis) then you might be sent out on loan or sold outright to another club.
Hell, even at the start of your career you will play in a trial match and how well you perform will determine which clubs offer you a contract to start with.
All of this adds up to make it the most exciting addition to a FIFA game since online play. And that's not even counting all the improvements in gameplay to FIFA 17 itself, which we'll get to very soon.
