FIFA 2018

FIFA 2018 is a football simulation video game in the FIFA series, developed and published by Electronic Arts and was released worldwide on 29 September 2017 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. It is the 25th installment in the FIFA series. Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, at the time contracted to Real Madrid appears as the cover athlete of the regular edition, as well as the alternate covers of the Icon and 2018 FIFA World Cup editions of the game.

FIFA 18 is the second instalment in the series to use the Frostbite 3 game engine, although some versions of the game use a different game engine. The PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows and Xbox One versions include a continuation of “The Journey” a story-based mode that was originally in FIFA 17 titled “The Journey: Hunter Returns”. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions, marketed as FIFA 18: Legacy Edition, were not built on the Frostbite engine and do not contain any new gameplay features, and are hence identical to the previous release aside from updated kits and squads.

Gameplay

FIFA 18 is a sports game that simulates association football. The game features 52 fully licensed stadiums from 12 countries, including new stadiums, plus 30 generic fields for a total of 82. All 20 Premier League stadia are represented in the series.^[3] Commentary is once again provided by Martin Tyler and Alan Smith with Alan McInally (in-game score updates), Geoff Shreeves (injury reports) and Mike West (classified results). ` FIFA 18 Ultimate Team Icons, the new version of what has previously been called Legends is playable on the PS4, Xbox One and PC versions of the game, as Legends were exclusive to Xbox One.^[4][5] Diego Maradona was added as a legend to the Ultimate Team, joining Brazilian stars Pelé and Ronaldo, Russian goalkeeper Lev Yashin, and French star Thierry Henry for the 95-rated card.^[6] New goal celebrations featured include Cristiano Ronaldo‘s “Siii” jump (accompanied with a voiceover from Ronaldo), Wayne Rooney‘s “Knockout”, Samuel Eto’o‘s “Old Man” routine, Robert Lewandowski‘s “X”, and Raúl kissing his ring finger.^[7] The Cruyff turn – a feint named after 1970s Dutch star Johan Cruyff – is one of the four new skills added to the game.^[8]

FIFA 18 features the third tier of Germany’s Bundesliga, the 3. Liga.^[9] It also features the Iceland national football team, the Saudi Arabia national football team, both the men’s and women’s national New Zealand teams, and has again included the Turkish Super League after EA renewed its licence with them.^[10][11]

EA Sports have introduced Quick Subs into FIFA 18 where the player can make a substitute when the ball goes out of play.^[12] Also now in Career Mode players can watch interactive transfer negotiations happen and can also see their new signings unveiled in cut scenes.^[13]

The Journey: Hunter Returns

The story-based Journey mode that was introduced in FIFA 17 returns in this instalment and continues the narrative under the title “The Journey: Hunter Returns”.^[14][15] If one completed the original story, they will begin FIFA 18 at the same club – with traits and honours, such as a Premier League title or FA Cup win, being carried over. As for those starting fresh, they will see a montage of key plot points in the game, then be able to select from any current English Premier League side. Alex Hunter, the 18-year-old main character from Clapham, London, returns and is fully customisable.^{[citation needed]} Players can unlock items which include new clothes and hairstyles for Hunter. While FIFA 17 locked Hunter to the English Premier League and Championship, in FIFA 18 players can now experience new locations, such as Brazil and the United States.^[15][16] The trailer released for this game mode also shows numerous widely known football players making an appearance such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Antoine Griezmann, Dele Alli, Thomas Müller, Gyasi Zardes, Rio Ferdinand and Thierry Henry.^[17] NBA player James Harden is also featured in the trailer and on the video game itself. Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe also make cameo appearances. The story mode also has new playable characters, such as Danny Williams, who is Alex Hunter’s best friend, and also featuring a character new to the series, Alex Hunter’s half-sister, Kim Hunter.