On the Tech, Perfect Ten: FIFA 17

Hull City’s Tom Huddlestone has complained about his digital self’s afro – he shaved his hair off three years ago – but everything else about FIFA 17 is first division.

The Journey, a new story mode, creates tension off the pitch. You play Alex Hunter, a kid from London with dreams of making the big league. From the early scenes, where you control Alex at an Under 11 regional final, through to Exit Trials from a football academy, the game has you rooting for this nimble-toed hero.

Most footie titles are about as deep as a kid’s paddling pool, but The Journey’s delicately-scripted story makes the beautiful game even prettier.

FIFA has an avalanche of licensed teams, players, kits, stadiums, and game mode. The gameplay has more flow than a Detroit rapper, and the AI could brew you a cup of tea while playing keepie uppie. Shame there wasn’t more tactical variety between teams though.

8 out of 10