FIFA 16

With the Pro Evolution Soccer series getting better and better, the heat is on for EA's FIFA to keep performing. Fortunately, the series has got a new spring in its step over the last couple of versions, and blustery phrases on the back of FIFA 16's box such as 'confidence in defending', 'moments of magic' and 'control in midfield' promise more than just hype.

One criticism some players had of the last couple of games was the way in which the pace and power of elite players could dominate a match. Tweaks, particularly in defence, have gone a long way to neuter that and provide a tighter game. Centre backs get close in on attackers for controlled marking, while full-backs track well and interfere with wingers before they can hit top speed. While pace and power are still important, timing has become ever-more crucial.

EA totes a new in-game training system, FIFA Trainer, which offers contextual recommendations to the player. With this optional graphical overlay, players can learn on the fly, with the trainer recommendations advancing alongside the player.

The headline addition for many, though, will be the inclusion of 12 women's national teams for the first time in the series' history. Teams from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Sweden, and the United States of America are all on-hand to represent their countries in game modes including Kick Off, an Offline Tournament, as well as Online Friendly Matches.

It's an inclusion that's not just cosmetic - without, say, the speed of Ronaldo or the strength of Yaya Toure, the finesse offered by on-pitch gameplay improvements is crucial to dominating the pitch.