Evolution Of FIFA 15 - 21 Years Of Incredible Football Graphics

20. FIFA 96

The 1995 release saw some proper advancement, thanks to the advent of the fifth-generation 32-bit console generation. The 16-bit consoles once again saw low-key visual developments, this time using a modified version of the previous year's engine, with smoother character models, more enthusiastic goal celebrations and neater texturing. But the 32-bit versions were vastly different, marking the first proper evolution since the franchise was born. The Virtual Stadium engine gave us nifty 3D stadiums, swirly camera angles and more, but the player graphics were pixelated and moved awkwardly. Looking back, developers were still getting used to the underlying architecture of the new batch of consoles, so it's understandable that EA Sports' first attempt at a 3D FIFA wasn't a flawless victory.

19. FIFA 97

By 1996 EA Canada had a better grip on the power that came with the 32-bit generation, and it showed. FIFA 97 was an impressive step forward from the previous year's version, graphically speaking at least. We were now treated to proper polygonal footballers for the first time, with subtle details like player numbers and more authentic kit details making their debut here. The stadiums were nicely detailed and the crowds were hugely improved over the muddy textures of FIFA 96. French football legend David Ginola provided the motion capture for this one. The catch phrase this time was Motion Blending, and, whatever it was, it worked - players moved with a fluidity we hadn't seen in the series thus far. Sadly it didn't play anywhere near as well is it looked. Once again there was a 16-bit version out there too, and once again it was just a rehashing of what had come before, with a few basic refinements.