Publisher Electronic Arts has released a free demo version of its annual soccer sim FIFA 17 for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC platforms ahead of its worldwide launch later this month.
This week’s demo release marks the first time that series devotees will get a playable look at “The Journey,” a new single-player campaign mode premiering as part of this year’s FIFA series update.
FIFA 17 is the 24th entry in EA’s decade-spanning soccer series, which dates back to the 16-bit era. Recent series entries have boosted playability while adding new features that enhance realism, including an Active Intelligence System dictating player behavior and overhauled physical movement for character models.
The Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC versions of FIFA 17 are powered by EA’s Frostbite engine, which brings an array of simulation-oriented improvements to this year’s game. FIFA 17‘s Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 editions will reuse the same engine from last year’s game, and EA will likely phase out support for legacy consoles in the months ahead.
New to FIFA 17 is “The Journey,” a campaign mode that tracks a fictional FIFA superstar’s rise to fame. Taking control of amateur footballer Alex Hunter, players chart a career that begins at childhood and progresses through Hunter’s school years, eventually leading to a spot on Manchester United’s roster.
This week’s demo offers a free playable glimpse at “The Journey,” and also allows players to simulate Kick-Off matches with 12 featured clubs, including Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Juventus, Inter, Paris Saint-Germain, Olympique Lyonnais, Seattle Sounders, Bayern Munich, Club Tigres UNAL, or Gamba Osaka. Featured demo stadiums include CenturyLink Field, Stamford Bridge, and the J1 League’s Suita City Football Stadium.
FIFA 17 premieres in North America on September 27, and a worldwide release is due on September 29.
