What FIFA Had a Story Mode?
FIFA, one of the most popular video game franchises, has had a rich history of offering various game modes to its fans. One of the most notable and beloved modes was the story mode, which allowed players to immerse themselves in a cinematic and engaging experience. In this article, we’ll delve into the story modes that FIFA has offered over the years.
FIFA 17: The Journey
The first and only FIFA game to feature a fully-fledged story mode was FIFA 17. Launched in 2016, "The Journey" was a single-player experience that followed the story of Alex Hunter, a fictional young footballer trying to make it big in the professional league. Players took control of Alex, guiding him through various matches, training sessions, and story-driven cutscenes.
The story mode was praised for its engaging narrative, relatable characters, and dynamic cutscenes. The mode allowed players to make choices that influenced the game’s story, adding a layer of depth and replayability.
FIFA 18 and 19: The Journey Continues
FIFA 18 and FIFA 19 built upon the success of The Journey, offering more storylines and gameplay mechanics. FIFA 18 introduced "The Journey: Hunter Returns," which continued Alex Hunter’s story, while FIFA 19 brought a new protagonist, Jade Henley, in "The Journey: Champions."
Both games refined the story mode, adding more interactive scenes, branching storylines, and improved animations. Although the story mode wasn’t as revolutionary as the initial launch, it remained an engaging and enjoyable experience.
Volta Football: A New Story
In FIFA 20, the series shifted its focus to Volta Football, a new game mode that drew inspiration from street football. While not a traditional story mode, Volta Football featured a narrative that centered around the game’s protagonist, the "Volta Story" series. Each episode told a self-contained story, often focusing on the daily life of a street football player.
FIFA 20-22: No Story Mode
Unfortunately, starting with FIFA 20, EA Sports decided to discontinue the traditional story mode. Instead, they concentrated on improving other game modes, such as Ultimate Team and Career Mode. Volta Football continued to receive new story episodes, but they were more focused on individual characters and shorter, episodic narratives.
Why No Story Mode?
Although EA Sports hasn’t officially stated why they abandoned the story mode, some possible reasons include:
- Focus on other game modes: EA Sports may have decided to allocate resources to more popular game modes, such as Ultimate Team and Career Mode.
- Shift towards multiplayer: The rise of online gaming and esports may have led EA Sports to focus on multiplayer experiences, relegating single-player story modes to the background.
- Budget constraints: Developing a comprehensive story mode requires significant resources, and EA Sports may have deemed it more cost-effective to allocate those funds elsewhere.
Conclusion
The FIFA series has had a rich history of storytelling in its various game modes. From The Journey to Volta Football, fans have been treated to engaging narratives that drew them into the world of FIFA. Although the traditional story mode may be no more, EA Sports continues to innovate and experiment with new game modes that cater to different tastes and preferences. Here’s a summary of the story modes offered by FIFA:
| Game | Story Mode | Description |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA 17 | The Journey | Alex Hunter’s story, choice-based gameplay |
| FIFA 18 | The Journey: Hunter Returns | Continued Alex Hunter’s story, more interactive scenes |
| FIFA 19 | The Journey: Champions | Jade Henley’s story, improved animations |
| FIFA 20 | Volta Football | Street football narrative, episodic stories |
By looking back at the story modes that FIFA has offered, we can see how the series has evolved and adapted to player preferences. While the traditional story mode may be gone, EA Sports remains committed to providing engaging and immersive experiences for its fans.