This does (arguably) create for a more realistic soccer experience, but it might also detract some from players' enjoyment of the game. It's when EA Sports combines the EA FC 24 Coins first touch mechanic with last year's pro player intelligence that things get real squirrely. Since those AI players are less about risk now, they'll usually contain their opponent and wait for that first touch mechanic to kick in, and then move in to take the ball away.

It forces the player to be more cautious but it also forces gamers away from virtual soccer - into EA Sports FC 's version of it. Rather than an aggressive series of through balls and breakaways, the game features far more gradual, cautious advances into the opposing fourth of the field. Is it more realistic? Yes. Does it also make the game less fun? Also yes. It's not a complete deal breaker, but the first touch is surely going to need some refinement going forward. Aside from that the game is as crisp as ever, and player faces look the best they ever have.

Nearly all of the collision problems in FC 24 have been squashed, and even the tactical defending has been given some much-needed attention. In addition, shooting, passing, dribbling, etc. are all marginally better versions of what was featured in FC 24. Nagging problems like the persistence of "bending" shots is gone, but inconsistencies between player intent and the game's interpretation of that intent are still there. Needless to say, veteran EA Sports FC players will find that the gameplay is much sharper and more refined than FC 24's, and that alone makes it worth checking out.

 FC 24 also boasts plenty of modes to tool around with, including a new online-focused career mode that lets gamers compete against players at similar skill levels, or even get together with 10 of their friends and play a full match. The new, EA Sports FC Street-inspired skill games -- a new series of mini-games that test player skill in non-traditional ways like lobbing passes into trash cans -- are also fun little distractions between matches, and might just be the most addicting element of the entire game. It's nothing too revolutionary, but plenty to keep fans busy for the next year.

Getting into an online match, though, is as exciting as it has ever been, due in large part to that refined gameplay. First touch is less of an issue as fellow players will be much more interested in taking risks, and having teammates that cover the pitch in a more strategic pattern is always better than haphazardly switching players, getting one's bearings, and then defending. Fans that play online are going to love this year's game.

Menus might not be worth mentioning in a traditionally single player game, but when it comes to EA Sports FC -- especially in a career, season, or in EA Sports FC Ultimate Team -- a lot of time will be spent slogging through them. Somehow EA Sports found a way to, rather than improve and streamline their menus, make them more cumbersome and tedious. Advancing through a few days in a season, which is made more "dynamic" by news headlines about trades and player loans, takes even more time than in past iterations, and even requires more attention from the player.

For those future soccer managers out there this is great, but when it has no bearing on your own team, attention to detail becomes a nuisance. Granted it's a small gripe, but if there's one thing we hope the next-gen brings to sports games it's less time "simming" CPU games. A lot of FC 24's positives come from a fine-tuning of the exceptional, yet flawed, experience of FC 24. making it a must-buy for fans left uninspired by last year's game.

However, its new features -- namely the first touch and unnecessarily comprehensive menus -- do detract some from the experience, and unfortunately keep it from buy FIFA 24 Coins making that leap into "perfect" territory. Some will sing the praises of first touch -- and to those this may just be one of the best EA Sports FC s yet -- but EA Sports is going to need to find a balance between the new mechanic and smarter AI defending if they want to make the game feel authentic without sacrificing enjoyment.