FIFA 18 Demo: 7 Things We Learned

5. The Game Feels Slower

Try to sprint past defenders as someone like Marouane Fellaini and it'll feel like the Man Utd midfield man is running through mud. Within minutes, the slower pace EA have used in FIFA 18's matches becomes apparent. At times, it's almost like somebody is holding back your players, or as though they just can't be bothered to run quickly.

There are exceptions, of course, and perhaps that's the point of slowing things down. Faster players like Eden Hazard and Ronaldo now feel like Usain Bolt when at full stride, and it's great to see the ability to beat defenders for pace make a return. That 'catch up' mechanic in FIFA 17 didn't cut it. It was annoying, if anything.

You will be able to tamper with the speed settings in options again, but on the whole passes feel more measured, turns feel more laboured and even tackles look a little less snappy. This appears to have been by design, and it does feel satisfying when you're shoulder barging smaller players off the ball and assessing which player to pass to next.