FIFA 15 trailer shows graphical overhaul

The latest developer diary for FIFA 15 features a trailer that shows off the graphical improvements to the next installment of the popular sports franchise. EA Canada boasts of updated character models and body rigging that produce “the most realistic players ever created in a FIFA title” and a group of improvements designed to make the pitch more realistic. A new lighting system drives the cosmetic overhaul to help FIFA 15 render players more as they appear in an actual match, and head scans will make sure that the details of real player likenesses are preserved in-game.

Some of the most impressive changes are to the pitch. In previous games, the field was just the surface players stood on. With FIFA 15 tackles and slides will tear up the turf and the ball will brush against the grass, giving the pitch and beaten and worn look by the end of the match. The corner flags are now collidable objects and will spring back and forth when struck. The goal posts will ring and vibrate when hit and the back will lift off the ground when a shot powers into the back of the net. A wet pitch will produce spray as players fight for the ball.

The look of the players will get a similar treatment. The character models are a definite improvement, but the body rigging changes in FIFA 15  promise to make the motion on the pitch more athletic, more deserving of “the beautiful game”. Uniforms, like the pitch, will get dirty as the match plays out and wave in the breeze and player’s hair is supposed to move more realistically. The character models are even supposed to be shown breathing.

These major changes will only be available for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Windows PC, but FIFA 15 will also be released for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, Wii, and Nintendo 3DS. Customers can pick up their copy of either the standard or ultimate edition of FIFA 15 on September 23 in North America and September 26 in Europe.