“FIFA 17” was arguably one of the most anticipated video games of the year, released by EA sports on September 27. The 2017 installment has a lot to live up to because of the previous successes of the series. The “FIFA” franchise faces the surmounting pressure to meet growing expectations for a new game each year.

To make a good sports video game, it has to be accurate, and entertaining, while being slightly unrealistic. This paradox makes for an enjoyable experience for players, but the delicate balance is unique to each player’s preference, inciting guaranteed criticism.

In the newest installment, “FIFA” boasts extremely accurate graphics, and even include facial blemishes and scars on the players that have them. For example they include midfielder Franck Ribéry’s facial scar. The graphics provide a life-like feel for the game. “FIFA 17” uses a gaming engine called Frostbite that makes the player look more realistic. Whether it be facial expressions or celebrations, the graphics do not disappoint. In fact, they have many gamers mesmerized.

Another important aspect of the game is the individual ability of players. For example, the Ballon D’or (the annual soccer player of the year award) winner and World Cup runner up Lionel Messi was ranked below the arguably inferior Cristiano Ronaldo. Also, Messi only has four out of the five possible stars in skill moves, when he is commonly referred to as one of, if not the, most skilled player in contemporary soccer. As this game attracts avid fans of soccer, these inconsistencies have faced understandable criticism.

Statistically, the game sees minor flaws, one being that center back Sergio Ramos is listed as having a high attacking workrate and medium defensive workrate, when he was put on the “FIFA” team of the year as a defender. Aside from the subjectivity in stats with Ramos, the statistics in “FIFA 17” are about as accurate as they get.

There are many advantages and disadvantages of “FIFA 17,” but in the end, there are several aspects that continue to impress. “FIFA 17” has highly realistic graphics, second to none versus other games of its kind. The game is not perfect when it comes to statistics and not every player is represented with complete accuracy, but we can overlook the minute details and appreciate the game in general.

With previous FIFA games being highly realistic, “FIFA 17” has a lot to live up to, and it seems to have done a good job. The gameplay, graphics, and statistics are all impressively accurate. The game shows the capabilities of game designers and artists, and what we can expect to see in the future of the “FIFA” franchise.