Parents' Guide to FIFA 14

FIFA 14 Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Marc Saltzman By Marc Saltzman , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 8+

Not too different from last year, but a stellar soccer sim.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 8+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 3+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 5+

Based on 11 kid reviews

Kids say that the soccer video game offers enjoyable gameplay with impressive graphics and features, although some mention it can be glitchy and carries mild violence through tackle injuries. Users generally find it suitable for children and commend its educational aspects regarding soccer, though some feel the franchise might be getting repetitive.

  • enjoyable gameplay
  • impressive graphics
  • mild violence
  • educational value
  • some glitches
Summarized with AI

What's It About?

As with the many FIFA games that came before it, EA Sports' FIFA 14 is a pro soccer simulation in which you can play on or against your favorite teams, in a number of international leagues, taking control over various players. Using the analog sticks, you'll dribble the ball, fake out players, and pass and shoot. The game includes a number of solo and multiplayer modes, including side-by-side and online play, and realistic ball and player physics. You also get some new stuff: Pure Shot (wherein you adjust your stride, approach, and angle while shooting on the net), social features (such as the EA Sports Football Club), and more emotion via broadcast-style cameras, color commentary, and team chants.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 2 ):
Kids say ( 11 ):

Once the game is launched, seasoned players will no doubt feel a bit of deja vu. At first glance, FIFA 14 doesn't look, sound, or play much differently than last year's game...or the game before that. But after a couple of minutes of play, you'll begin to appreciate the refinements made to the control, physics, and artificial intelligence as well as a few visual tweaks, including smoother animation and overhauled menu screens. The gameplay still feels tight and responsive.

Overall, it's a slightly slower-paced game that feels like a controlled simulation more than a twitchy arcade game -- which is a good thing -- and once you master some of the offensive and defensive moves, play around with the many modes, and perhaps engage in the optional online Football Club, you'll no doubt like what EA Sports has offered in this year's game.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • EA Sports was criticized for not doing much to develop its sports games, with average reviews for Madden NFL 25 and (to a lesser extent) NHL 14. Does FIFA 14 suffer from the same fate? Is EA Sports getting complacent with its No. 1-selling game, or have they added enough new features to justify its purchase?

  • Does playing this kind of sports game make you want to try the sport in real life?

Game Details

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