Clubs feedback
Issues within Clubs that cause frustration:
Ever since one of the title updates a couple of months ago, there is a glitch with the team tactics where it uses the same defensive line (and passing style, I think) no matter what setup I have created. So for two months, every match we kick off with a (deep) defensive line of 39 - horrid, I can't see why anyone would ever use this with the passive AI defending that it brings. This 39 glitch has cost us a LOT of goals until I (captain) get a chance to fix it.
Being captain means I can't see the d-pad communication options as the controls are also used for tactical options. Maybe throw in LT + up/down/left/right for comms to get around this?
Free kicks: When there is a FK within one of the defensive thirds there is no pitch radar and the camera focus switch button doesn't work, so you are guessing where you and the guy(s) you are trying to mark are at. It takes you out of the game in this moment; this didn't happen a few years ago.
Facilities: These are an interesting addition on paper but I feel they add next to nothing as it only affects human Pros. I don't see a need for this as we already have so much control over our player's attributes (pace, pace pace...snore). I feel it would be much better if we had some control over the AI player's attributes so as to try get more out of them from being the letdowns that they are.
A small mention to all the cosmetics that are constantly thrown at us: I have zero interest in this. For the first time, i haven't even changed my player's name or appearance from the default; it is good game play that I care about. Then again, I see all these posts demanding "NEW BOOTS OR RIOT!!"......
Now for the biggest frustration, AI teammates...
Simply put, the AI players are not fit for purpose, as ever (been playing Clubs since FIFA 10). Their decision making on the ball is so slow, seemingly programmed to have a tiny cone of vision and so reluctant to play an obvious pass. When you call for a pass from them, they are set to delay before doing so and take a touch in a direction that makes the pass more difficult or impossible - there is no need for this. Defensively they are even worse. So passive, reluctant to make a tackle when there is a clear opportunity to do so, forgetting to mark, being unable to recognise where the danger is and respond and they're not helped by the awful, unrealistic 1v1 defending scenarios that the game is designed to have all over the pitch, for some reason. There is a big gap in their "intelligence" in dealing with players running at them out wide, cutting in from the byline. So many players (with their 108 pace or whatever it is) are reliant on skinning them on the outside for a simple cutback tap in.
I would like to see that stats but I imagine most Clubs don't have more than 5 in a squad and therefore AI are a huge part of the experience, but it always feels like they are just there to be cannon fodder, a pawn to be knocked down with a puff of wind so that Jimmy with the multicoloured face mask and gargoyle features (stop giving the children crayons, they ruin the walls) can get some sort of ego boost from scoring his third uncontested goal of the match.
Maybe it is time for Clubs to have two different strands: the current setup where sprinting and spinning with the ball are the order of the day, and something much closer to professional football where it takes teamwork and a bit of thought. Better yet, leave Rush to the kids and take your average Clubs league match in a much better direction.
