Details on improvements made to gameplay in FIFA 17 and new trailer

Much has been made about FIFA 17 moving to the Frostbite engine but what improvements will actually be experienced on the pitch related to gameplay? EA Sports has detailed some of them now including an overhaul to physical play, rewriting of set pieces, an active intelligence system, and new attacking techniques.

The big new story mode was announced yesterday – and the latest Press Row Podcast episode features an interview with FIFA 17’s creative director and one of the producers about the new mode and what the Frostbite engine will mean for the game. 

Physical Play Overhaul

Pushback Tech
Pushback Tech innovates in trapping, dribbling, physics, and defending to create true-to-life battles for position and the ball. This is especially important when you want to control the ball and buy time for a teammate to make a run or get into a supporting position.

New Physical Interactions
Player interactions come to life in realistic detail across the entire pitch, like goalkeeper collisions, across-body tackles, 50/50 battles, jostling while ball is in the air and ball control while shielding.

360° Shield Dribble
New proximity-based shielding will help you fend off opponents and keep possession. Defenders can be shielded out as you dribble in any direction.

Set Piece Rewrite

Direct Free Kicks
Customize your run up on free kicks to create more variety in the spin and movement on the ball. You can now deliver worldies like outside of the foot direct free kicks that bend around the opposition.

New Corner Kicks
A new targeting system from corners lets you pick out teammates with greater precision and changes the way your teammates move as you deliver the pass. Switch to a player in the box and have your teammate pick you out for the perfect header.

New Penalty Kicks
Move freely in your run up on the ball, approach from different angles and at different speeds, and put some personality on your penalties to take control from the spot.

User-Controlled Throw-Ins
Walk the line to gain a better position on your throw. Fake your throw to keep your defender guessing. And throw it with pace to a teammate.

Active Intelligence System

Constant Spatial Analysis
Now every player analyzes the proximity of their opponents and the space around them to better identify opportunities in attack. When you are on the ball your teammates understand if you can make a pass and adjust their movement to show for you or make a new run.

New Run Types
Smarter players and increased activity off the ball give you new and creative ways to open up the opposition. Orchestrated runs with multiple players, fake runs, stunt runs, and calling a player to show support are just a few ways you take control in the build up.

New Attacking Techniques

Driven Finish
A new shot mechanic lets players keep the ball low in any situation – finesse, volley, or when simply slotting it home.

Driven Goal Kicks
Start a quick counter attack by passing it out from goal with power and direction.

Threaded Through Pass
Curved. Precise. Into space. Create new scoring chances with a perfectly executed threaded through pass.

Downwards Headers
Greater control in direction allows players to head the ball down and into the ground, making keepers work harder.