New-Gen Goalkeepers highlight FIFA 15 upgrades

By JJ Miller

EA Sports is looking to take full advantage of the next-generation consoles for FIFA 15.

The company announced on Wednesday a number of upgrades for the Xbox One, Playstation 4 and PC versions of the game, including an overhaul of the men manning the net, dubbed “Next Gen Goalkeepers,”as well as new legends and licenses for the game.

The newest version of the popular game will also include new features in FIFA Ultimate Team mode, a new team management system in career mode and a fresh news hub called Match Day Live.

Using the EA Sports Ignite game engine, goalkeepers in FIFA 15 are expected to look, move and think closer to their real-life counterparts. That includes a new AI system that will allow the netminders to better anticipate shots and passes, improve positioning and use a number of new animations to make the big stops.

For those looking for an authentic product, FIFA 15 is adding all 18 clubs from the Turkish Super Lig and is overhauling the Barclays Premier League with all 20 stadiums, chants captured during live events from the past season and new commentary.

“We’re delivering innovations and improvements that have been at the top of our fans’ wish list: new goalkeepers, more responsive gameplay, and the Turkish Süper Lig,” said David Rutter, Vice President and General Manager at EA. “This year we’ve put the game in the hands of fans earlier than ever before, listened, and delivered what they want in gameplay, authenticity, and modes.”

Ultimate Team, known by fans as FUT, will now allow users to sign players on loan and use them for a limited number of games to see if the player fits into the squad's style before the user shells out resources to secure the player full-time. That is key for a mode that boosts teams through chemistry.

FIFA 15 Ultimate Team will also sees the arrival of a number of new ultimate team legends exclusive to Xbox.

The new team management system also will allow users to customize up to six different team sheets that alter formations, tactics and roles, letting players set up their matchups with different clubs ahead of time.

Match Day Live will be updated with published news powered by Goal.com, giving games the chance to keep tabs on stories, stats and standings from around the world.

FIFA 15 is expected to be released in September and is available for preorder.