Game reviews: Fifa 15, Madden NFL 15

FIFA 15 and Madden NFL 15.

Even the staunchest Arsenal fan would have to admit that watching new Chelsea signing Diego Costa score a goal in the slick surroundings of the PlayStation 4 is a thing of beauty. If that's going too far, they'd at least be happy to say that Danny Welbeck in full flight is just as wonderful to watch.

Fifa 15's predecessor, Fifa 14, was a launch title for next-gen consoles but given another year the most recent title of EA Sport's long-running football game looks fantastic with gameplay that matches.

Looks can be deceiving. Every year Fifa undergoes small improvements - updated stadiums, player statistics and latest uniforms - but nothing substantial enough to really differentiate from the previous edition. There have been some calls that this edition should be called Fifa 14.5, but that is slightly unfair.

Yes, a lot of Fifa 15 is familiar in terms of visuals and game modes, but with improved animations, especially around the goalkeeper, it's a much more polished title. And because of that it's easily the best ever version of Fifa. What more could you want?

Ultimate Team, introduced two Fifas ago, returns, where players can build their own team from real world players, including legends, and compete in both online and offline tournaments and divisions. The latest edition to Ultimate Team includes the ability to loan the likes of Lionel Messi for a short spell, giving your side much-needed star factor, and also giving players like the little Argentine a taste of the A-League.

Ultimate Team is a great mode and a few little changes have made it even better but I've always got my Fifa satisfaction by taking an actual side from the lower leagues to English Premier League glory. If you're sick of bringing titles to Anfield or Roots Hall once again, there are stacks of other leagues from the Spanish La Liga to the Norwegian Tippeligaen.

And of course there's the ever popular online head-to-head where 12-year-olds from all parts of the world are waiting to hand you a 5-0 thrashing.

Another EA title that faces the "what's new?" dilemma every year is the NFL franchise Madden.

Madden 15 has revamped defensive play this year at least but again, like Fifa, features the same commentators and includes very similar features. Also like Fifa, the last version was rushed for the PS4 so the added time and touches to Madden 15 has made it a much smoother experience.

The improved defence is a fine upgrade. You can almost feel the impact when you pull off a Nickel 335 Wide Cover 2 and sack the opposition's quarterback. But offence is the still the best part of Madden - nothing beats floating a deep throw to a free wide receiver for a touchdown. But scoring a volley in Fifa comes very close.

FIFA 15

Rating:

G

Platforms:

Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo 3DS, Wii

MADDEN NFL 15

Rating:

G

Platforms:

Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4

- TimeOut