FIFA 17 Features, Release Date: Pitch Battles Transformed? Who Will Be At The Cover?

EA Sports is introducing several new features in the much anticipated FIFA 17 football video game. The overhaul in FIFA 17 is aimed at improving the physical play side of the game. Plus, who made it to the cover of the game?

FIFA 17 Physical Play New Features

The new features that gamers will get to experience in the upcoming FIFA 17 game are designed to transform the physical interaction of players all over the pitch, Express.co.uk reported. One of the new features is the pushback tech. FIFA 17 producer Nick Channon said pushback tech, which is still pending for patent, enhances the realism of player physics. It also innovates trapping, dribbling and defending, which makes the game and ball positions closer to true-to-life setup. "This is especially important when you want to control the ball and buy time for a teammate to make a run or get into a supporting position," Channon said.

Other more realistic player interactions between the attackers and defenders that will be enhanced in FIFA 17 include goalkeeper collisions, across-body tackles, 50/50 battles, jostling while ball is in the air and ball control while shielding. "New proximity-based shielding will help you fend off opponents and keep possession. Defenders can be shielded out as you dribble in any direction," the producer further explained.

FIFA 17 Cover Players Revealed

EA Sports last week announced the players who will be featured in the cover of FIFA 17 after the two-week votes of fans were concluded. According to IGN, German soccer star Marco Reus of Borussia Dortmund will be on the cover of FIFA 17, earning over 3 million votes and beating out James Rodriguez of Real Madrid C.F., Anthony Martial of Manchester United, and Eden Hazard of Chelsea FC.

FIFA 17, which will come with a single-player campaign, is slated for a Sept. 27 release in North America. Worldwide release will be on Sept. 29. The football video game will be available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.