The Journey, a game mode first introduced in FIFA 17, is one of FIFA’s most significant additions to the franchise. The Journey allowed players to step into the shoes of Alex Hunter, a young footballer, and make decisions that would help him become the next Premier League star. While the game mode had a lot to offer, it wasn't without its flaws which made Hunter’s debut season feel incomplete.
Also read: FIFA 18: 6 key changes EA should consider before the launch of FIFA 18
Trending
Considering that The Journey (Season 2) will be making a return in FIFA 18, EA needs to implement a few changes to make sure that the story mode offers a compelling narrative and engaging gameplay. Here are few features EA could add to The Journey 2 before launching the game later this fall.
Looking for Crossword hints & solutions? Check out latest NYT Mini Crossword Answers, LA Times Crossword Answers, and Atlantic Crossword Answers
#1 Build your own character
Playing The Journey as Alex Hunter was fun. However, it would be interesting if EA allowed us to play as ourselves. Allowing players to design their own characters would make the game more engaging. Adding character customization to The Journey shouldn't be a problem considering that it is just an enhanced version of the Be A Pro mode.
EA could also try to give the players an option to design their own Hunter. EA already uses a similar feature in their sci-fi franchise Mass Effect. Despite the fact that we could play only as Commander Shepherd, the character was completely customisable – all the way down to the character's gender. Such a feature in Journey 2 would also encourage fans to play as female footballers.
#2 Transfer options
The freedom to transfer to another club is another feature we would like to see in The Journey 2. Players would feel like they have more control of Hunter’s future if they had the option to switch allegiances and move to a different club. This will also add more variety to the game, opening up more possibilities in terms of how your journey will end.
It would be even better if the game allowed us to put in a transfer request in order to move to a different league. The fact that the final outcome is dependent on the choices we make will also provide the players with the incentive to play more.
#3 Dynamic storyline
The Journey had a very rigid story line in FIFA 17. While situations and scenarios could change based on performances and the decisions made, parts of the story felt firmly scripted and almost everyone experienced a similar ending to the game.
Perhaps The Journey 2 will have more RPG style elements in it where making certain decisions can take the story in different directions. Given that the previous season ended with Hunter being called up to play for the national team, EA could build a player-choice system that will ask Hunter to manage conflicts between his club and the national team.
Perhaps moving to a different league or a club could trigger a different storyline. Another improvement would be if the game added more dialogues during press conferences and also allow the players to define how Alex Hunter is perceived by the media.
#4 Improved physics
Despite EA’s best efforts, FIFA 17 had way too many glitches and bugs. One can only hope that these glitches occurred because FIFA was running on DICE’s Frostbite engine for the first time. The choppy graphics often resulted in terrible lip syncing and sometimes Hunter’s movements felt slightly robotic.
The Frostbite engine is fantastic and is capable of generating powerful graphics. It has been used in incredible EA games in the past, including Battlefield 4 and Need for Speed Run. So expecting better character models and physics really isn’t asking for too much.
#5 A more personal Hunter
Giving Alex Hunter a life outside of football would definitely be an addition that fans would welcome. EA could implement this by giving Hunter a house complete with expensive cars, or maybe even a five-a-side pitch where he can play with his friends.
Perhaps they could also add a gym where he can train regularly to improve his physique. Given that Gareth Walker – Hunter’s friend – played a significant role in the first season, EA could also work on Hunter’s relationship with him and incorporate RPG elements that focus on his personal life. Adding features like this would be an interesting way to reinforce the fact that Hunter has a life outside of football.
Are you stuck on today's Wordle? Our Wordle Solver will help you find the answer.
