2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil

As expected, 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil struggles to find its own identity when compared with FIFA 14, and beyond the fresh presentation, there's no evolution at all. The game has great controls and makes up for the lack of atmosphere in FIFA 14, but EA didn't put too much effort in the game modes, and the charm will fade immediately after the World Cup ends.

EA's newest iteration of FIFA features improved play on the pitch, but doesn't provide enough gameplay modes to justify a $60 price tag unless you live and breathe the World Cup, or want to play as every country FIFA recognizes--including American Samoa. [July 2014, p.73]

If it were DLC at a reasonable price then this would be a great addition, but a few fun extra modes and a different list of teams don’t really justify this as it is.

Until the next real FIFA, this is a well-playing stop-gap that will firmly hold your attention in the run-up to - and for the duration of - the World Cup.

FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 sure can't be defined as a revolution within the series. The die-hard fans of the series will find a game that can break the monotony of FIFA 14, but at a price way too expensive given the scarce amount of new content.

It's still a fantastic football game and will get you in the World Cup spirit but don't expect to be playing long after the real tournament ends. One to get if FIFA 14's starting to feel a bit too familiar.

More accessible than FIFA 14, FIFA World Cup: Brazil 2014 is a good way to celebrate football until the beginning of the real competition.

A promotional tie-in more than a fully-featured video game, but as long as you know what you’re getting into this at least conjurers an enjoyably colourful footballing atmosphere.

EA SPORTS 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil is a good reinterpretation of the classic FIFA Football gameplay. Fast paced and spectacular, the game features new enjoyable game modes and an improved graphics. But the game will not last over the World Cup Final, and three months are too short a time for a full priced game.

But once the initial rush of simpler controls and more on-field action wears off—and it happens quickly—you’re left with an empty, meaningless celebration of the sport’s inclusiveness. FIFA World Cup Brazil is then, perhaps, perfectly representative of its real life counterpart. It has the potential to bring people together, but it’s also a lot of pomp and circumstance in the name of “unity” that masks the political and cultural tensions that come with the event.

The game is minimalist and doesn’t add enough to justify the cost. Despite the lustre of the event, the game is badly put together. I cannot recommend this for anything other than a shelf adornment.