FIFA 14 promises to be one of the best soccer games of all time, and EA Sports has been working hard to make the next-gen versions of the game particularly impressive. Using the new EA Ignite engine, the game will be capable of making matches incredibly realistic and dynamic, capturing the nuances of various superstars and bringing their playing styles to life. An advancement that's possible, in part, due to the particpation of star players like Gareth Bale, who wore a motion capture suit to bring his skills into the game, and will also share the cover of the game with fellow superstar Messi.
Bale, who currently plays for Tottenham Hotspur and the Wales national team, spoke about gracing the cover of FIFA 14 to Eurogamer, and explained his love of the series:
"Yeah I play a lot with my friends from home and we have big tournaments when they come to my house and I also play online...So yes, I play a lot. I've played as myself a few times, the stats are good - but obviously everyone wants them to be a bit better. But it's a great game, I enjoy playing it."
Bale also spoke about the motion capture process itself, including putting his special style quirks and celebrations into the game, so that the virtual Bale acts as closely as possible to the real thing:
"The things I liked to see most were the free kick technique I use, and the way I take penalties etc...It's all interesting stuff, and to see it on the game makes it more realistic. I did my trademark celebration, the heart. We did a few shots of that and a couple of others which I've done during games last season. It's great to see them back on the screen, and it will be brilliant to see them on the game. Mainly all the celebrations I did last season, such as jumping up and pumping my fist. Also running with my arms out like a plane."
While the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of the game do not have a release date as of yet, the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 version of the game will be out Sept. 29. The game will approach soccer in a more realistic and methodical way than previous soccer titles, and new teammate A.I. and ball mechanics will change the way soccer games have traditionally been played. Look out for more FIFA 14 news as we get closer to the game's Sept. 29 release date on current consoles and the launch of next-gen titles.