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FIFA 17 on iOS and Android will be called FIFA Mobile - Here's everything we know

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FIFA 17 on iOS and Android will be called FIFA Mobile - Here's everything we know
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We've heard your cries, Pocket Gamers, and know you're frantic for any information about this year's mobile incarnation of FIFA. So we've done a bit of digging and found out everything there is to know about FIFA 17.

It's not FIFA 17 - It's FIFA Mobile

Last year, we reported that FIFA 16: Ultimate Team would be titled FIFA Mobile, and would act as the permanent mobile version of FIFA that would be regularly updated with new teams, features, modes, and whatever took EA's fancy. That didn't happen then, as we got FIFA 16 instead, a revamped mobile version of the title that was pretty much just Ultimate Team.

Instead, EA held its plans back by a year, and is calling FIFA 17 FIFA Mobile instead. It's pretty much what was announced last year, but also a lot more than that.

It's more than just Ultimate Team

Let's be perfectly honest for a second - FIFA 15 and 16 were incredibly short on content. In fact, the only modes we got were Ultimate Team in what was an incredibly cynical misunderstanding of the mobile gamer.

Well, EA has made up for it slightly this year by adding a bit of much-needed meat to FIFA Mobile's bones. Ultimate Team is still there - with some improvements - but it's not just that.

This mostly comes in the form of the brand new Attack Mode which is inspired by New Star Soccer. You and your opponent take it in turns to take charge of your team's attacking chances in each half, with the most successful player winning the match. That'll speed things up nicely if you're in a rush, and allow you to just focus on the parts of the match you care about - scoring goals.

Then there's the new Live Events which can be triggered at any point, and are themed on recent events in the tumultuous world of football. These typically come in the form of mini games, and reward you with free players and packs for completing them.

There's a greater focus on social play

Social play really should be the core focus of a mobile game as, well, the purpose of a phone in the first place is to help you keep in touch with your friends and family.

EA is clearly aware of that, so has included Leagues - essentially guilds from MMOs - in which you can play with your friends to complete achievements together and play against other Leagues to top the League leaderboard.

You can also play against your friends in inter-league Championships if you're a competitive person.

Expanded Ultimate Team

EA isn't neglecting Ultimate Team though, and is, in fact, expanding it. The facts are a little vague right now but we know there's a fresh approach to squad building, you can boost your players a little easier than before, and it's easier to manage players on the pitch.

FIFA Mobile is set to launch this autumn and, given that FIFA 16: Ultimate Team launched alongside the console and PC version last year, it could be out as early as September 28th on iOS and Android. We'll keep you posted.

Official site.

Chris James
Chris James
A footy game fanatic and experienced editor of numerous computing and game titles, lively Chris is up for anything - including running Steel Media! (Madman!)