FIFA is the world's most successful and famous football game, and FIFA 16 is the next-generation iteration of the game that is all set for release later this year. Despite being a dyed-in-the-wool Pro Evo fan I am excited about FIFA 16, and not just because it includes for the first time what can only be described as lady players. Indeed, my experiences reviewing FIFA 15 and 2014 Fifa World Cup Brazil have converted me: these days FIFA kicks ass. Royally so. On this page we explain when FIFA 16 will be released in the UK (and worldwide), how much it will cost, and some of the best new features. The Reds midfielder is in the running to join Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi on the cover of the videogame in the region - and supporters around the world can help him secure the honour. Voting is now officially open until July 5. Fans across the globe can vote in this manner once a day until the deadline next month. Brazilian legend Pele, widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all-time, has been made the face of the mini film, which shows some of the game's extraordinary graphics. The trailer, shown first at E3, shows of the remarkably accurate stadium representations which will be featured in the 2016 version of the game.

 

But by far the best thing for me was the overall cohesion of the team as a defensive unit. They keep a better shape, they're more compact and when attacks break down, your team fill back in to space very efficiently indeed. When you play a one-two in FIFA 16, once the player moving forward starts his run, that's it, he's off. Even if the move breaks down a pass later, he keeps on going. In FIFA 16, the second possession switches, players filter back in quickly, choosing the most dangerous space to fill first. After years of helplessly watching empty midfield chasms, it was both a delight, and a relief to see this new system working well. You no longer feel alone out there on the pitch in terms of defensive intelligence, with your team mates finally able to come to your aid in times of need.  Being aware of these differences in approach throughout the game is important, because teams frequently adapt to the scoreline and the clock. If you're a goal up in the last few minutes, rival managers often tell their players to push forward and grab that equalizing goal. Should you not be ready for these changes, or fail to adapt to them, then it's easy to be caught out. The strongest FIFA yet, then? Yes, especially for PC-only players who are sick of being stuck with an inferior effort, but as much as FIFA 16 captures the emotional side of the game, it still hasn't quite found its beating heart. And as such, my Lineker-inspired journey continues.

 

Exhilaration turns to anxiety, however, when the boot is on the other foot and attack turns to defence. Even relatively low-skilled players can pivot and sprint with ease, and when even Leon Osman can repeatedly waltz his way into your six-yard box you can't help but feel that some kind of balance has been lost. This, in part, is due to big changes to defending controls, in particular making slide tackles much less effective and preventing lazy players from hammering the 'contain' button to block opponents around their box. Defending now requires more skill and concentration than attacking, and for those of us who have neglected this side of the game over the years, it's a pretty sharp learning curve.

 

FIFA 16’s other milestone is, of course, the introduction of 12 international women's teams, playable in Match Days, Offline Tournaments, and Online Friendlies. All comprehensively head-scanned and mo-capped, they’re no token inclusion. McHardy tells of how EA Canada originally tried female heads on men’s bodies with slightly horrifying results, so they had to rethink their entire approach to player physiques. That goes for both genders, so spindly ladder-man Peter Crouch now looks less like he’s been stretched vertically in Microsoft Paint.

 

If you are a super-accomplished FIFA player, then the Trainer module will likely be of only passing curiosity, but for the rest of us, it does have some utility and doesn't get in the way of the game's flow. I was impressed though I suspect I'll switch it off a few hours into really playing the game. Along with the greater variety of body types (instigated by the including of women players, but benefiting the game as a whole) it looks like this year's FIFA is a genuine upgrade, with some very smart design choices.