While EA Sports FIFA is the most popular sports video game franchise worldwide, and annually one of the biggest-selling video games period, it's gone through a long stretch having arguably failed to introduce anything innovative as far as new ways to play.
That's about to change with FIFA 17. For the first time the series will feature a cinematic single-player story mode and it's called "The Journey."
"Powered by Frostbite, The Journey is a new mode in FIFA 17. Make your mark on and off the pitch as the Premier League's next rising star, Alex Hunter. Play at any Premier League club, for authentic managers, and alongside some of the best players on the planet."
In the mode you play as 17-year-old Alex Hunter and can choose any EPL club to join. Playing time on the pitch depends on the rating with the Manager, and the story will adapt to the events that take place.
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NBA 2K and Fight Night Champion are the only sports games in recent years to feature deep single-player cinematic experiences. It's a big step for the FIFA series to now do so as well, with a new story to play through expected every year going forward.
FIFA 17 will release on Sept. 27 in North America and Sept. 29 worldwide. "The Journey" will appear in the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC versions of FIFA 17. All editions of the game can be pre-ordered for 20 percent off by those with Amazon Prime.
Bryan Wiedey posts sports gaming news and analysis daily at Pastapadre.com, is co-founder of HitThePass.com, hosts the Press Row Podcast, and be reached on Twitter @Pastapadre.