So I've played a few games of this and, primarily being a PES gamer, this just does nothing for me. It feels so hollow and weightless in comparison.
A clear lack of player identity in the game is (also) still telling, with every player from to team to team seemingly making making the same individual movements.
When Martial is making the same off-the-ball movements as Vardy you know EA haven't developed this side to their game.
Whereas on PES you get a clear sense of individualism with every top player and its something PES has, even in its bad days, got down to a T.
But that's EA. You can see why it's such a successful gaming series because it practically does everything for you on the pitch. Every player makes same the perfect run on the attack.
I don't want that. I want a challenge. I want there to be a contrast between my style and my team when I'm in the early stages of a FIFA career mode. I want there to be a clear contrast on the individuals I pick, other than it sorely be down to who's the quickest. There needs to be a need/reason for me to buy and sell certain players.
Visually it looks dated too. Probably the ugliest football sim I've played from this series, which is odd considering the previous titles ,minor last year, looked nice on the eye.
PES in comparison can be beautiful and realistic at times, especially with its in-game weather development. Where the weather changes within the match.
The only plus point FIFA has, other than the numerous licenses, is its content outside of gameplay. The options in career mode still far surpass anything KONAMI have been doing with PES, so much so that its actually embarrassing on KONAMI's part.
But, in short, FIFA 21 and FIFA 20 seem like a big step back for the series. They've now got content and lazy, especially with FUT being the ultimate selling point where the game heavily relies upon star names, stupid skill moves and pace ! pace ! pace !
But, hey, its got the content off the pitch and flashing menus.
In short :
Gameplay - PES
Content (off the pitch) - FIFA