A legendary Australian footy hero helps launch a new era for the world’s best soccer sim, FIFA 22…
Name: FIFA 22
Formats: PlayStation, Xbox, Switch and PC
Genre: Sports
Release Date: October 1, 2021
On October 1, 2021, EA Sports will release its biggest FIFA game in a generation. FIFA 22 is coming to PC, PS4, XBO and Switch, but it’s being built first and foremost to utilise the power of the new Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 consoles. Leading the charge is a completely revamped approach to animation called Hypermotion. While the Ultimate Team mode will be swelled by the ability to recruit legendary heroes from the sport’s past. For Australians, the standout hero is legendary EPL star and champion Socceroo, Tim Cahill. So naturally, MAXIM had to catch up with him for a chat.
There are plenty of egos in soccer. How much attention do Premier League players pay to their appearance and stats in the FIFA games?
TC: It’s a massive at the training ground. Players get quite upset when their stats are low and that’s OK because ego is a part of football. You want to look good; have the best boots; play the best; be the quickest; score the most goals, and FIFA plays a massive part. I remember one time at Everton, we had the cards and Phil [Jagielka] wasn’t happy my heading stats were better than his. Often players weren’t happy with their shooting stats, but I think that’s the fun of that.
How does it feel to be elevated to Hero status?
TC: I feel very privileged. I think it’s a reward for my career as you don’t realise till after it’s over what you’ve done. Previously I have worked with FIFA and travelled around the world, rubbing shoulders with ex-players that are FIFA legends. Icons like Roberto Carlos and Kaka. And now to be a Hero myself, makes me very happy. I can’t wait for my kids and friends to get my card and be able to use me as a player.
You’ve beaten up a few corner flags over the years and your famous goal celebration is in FIFA 22. Can you talk us through its origins?
TC: It started with my close mate Archie Thompson, who was doing a range of kung foo celebrations. I choreographed it a bit after he got his Kung Fu kicks going and took it back to the Premier League. Then 92nd minute, I scored a header against Sunderland, and it was the perfect timing to do it for the first time. The emotions at the time were huge as we were sitting low in the table and that goal lifted us. And then it just continued. From England, to China, to America, to India, to Australia — all the leagues I’ve played in and four World Cups. I didn’t realise the impact it would make. Even now I will just be in a shopping mall and someone will start shadow boxing. Old; young: it’s an absolute pleasure.
How much do you think people can learn about the principles of soccer from playing FIFA?
TC: You learn a lot about a very important side of the game; the tactical and technical. How you look at formations and defence or attack strategy. If you pick Barcelona, for instance, and you try and keep kicking the ball long, well, that’s not the way the team plays. The team’s very compact. It’s a mid-block team where you must play short balls with lots of passing and rotations, or hit on the transition. Then you want players on the edge sitting in the pocket behind the midfield so you can look for a through ball. So, when you set up your team tactically, you must tell your players to run in behind. You must tell your striker to stay and pin the centre backs down. And you must ask your wingers to come inside. FIFA can be as tactical as you want it to be, or it can just be fun.
The number of Aussies in the Premier League has dwindled — why do you think this is?
TC: I think it’s because of personal preference. We had an era around 2006 where Aussie players went to England and stayed. We grinded it out as we didn’t have the option of playing in Asia. Or the Middle East. We didn’t have the A-League, which is now fantastic and gets great coverage and players. Now you can go play anywhere in the world. But for me, if you want to be the best, then you must challenge yourself and stay in the biggest leagues. Even if you’re on the bench; even if you’re not playing games; you still live up to their high expectations and mentality. Look, the A-League is amazing, but you just need players playing games repetitively that challenge them at the highest level.
We recently had a major controversy in a bunch of major clubs trying to start their own competition. How’d that make you feel?
TC: I think the most important thing is the fans. You’ve got to think about the power of fans and the role they play. And if you want to start a competition like this, then you’ve got to bring transparency. You must share it before it comes out. But it was a bit of surprise for everyone. The A-League was made by different owners and clubs who got together and built a league. But they were transparent with the fans and the fans played a massive role in building it. In retaining the traditions of their clubs. Do that and they will go with it. I felt it was really nice for the fans, that they played a massive role in keeping the club their own.
Speaking of the fans, how do you see this upcoming English Premier League season playing out?
TC: I feel if Chelsea can sign a striker, with the way they finished last season — and with the other signings and a new manager — I think they can be a massive force. Obviously, when you look at Manchester City and you look at the signings they’ve got, then they’re always going to be there in the mix again.
You’ll always be associated with the EPL and Everton, but who do you play in FIFA?
TC: I pick PSG because of Mbappe and Neymar. Or sometimes Barcelona.
Changing The Game
Next-gen power is levelling-up the FIFA gameplay in a big, big way. Here are the biggest improvements…
● Hypermotion Technology used full motion-capture of 11 vs 11 matches, resulting in some 4,000 new animations.
● A machine learning algorithm called Flow then creates more animations as you play.
● The AI makes six times more decisions a second in attack, for much better runs and reactions.
● Defence works more as a unit, with players retaining correct shape.
● Air battles redefined as players use opponent bodies to try and gain better positions.
● Complete reworking of the goalkeeper AI and ball physics.
● Better ball control at your feet, including a timing feature that can trigger explosive sprint moments.
By CHRIS STEAD
For the full article grab the September 2021 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
