FIFA 15: Ultimate Team

FIFA 15: Ultimate Team is a mobile game that combines football (soccer) games with team management. It replaces the mobile game FIFA 14 released the year before with a similar concept and eventually FIFA 2014 was removed from the stores. Most of the game's features and general design were previously introduced in the PC game FIFA World. When FIFA 16: Ultimate Team was released, the 2015 edition was not retired, but re-launched with a new season, alongside the new 2016 app, similar to how it was done in Madden NFL Mobile.

This version's main mode is the Ultimate Team mode. Similar to the console versions players start with a team of bronze players and need to win many matches to win better players and build a squad. Many game modes of the previous version such as the Career mode, Manager mode and Penalty Kicks mode are now gone and folded into Ultimate Team. Complete seasons and cups are still present just like the Matches of the Week, based on real-life matches. Quick Match replaces Kick-off for quick, single games and it now lets you play with your own Ultimate Team instead of an existing team. Quick Simulation replaces the Manager mode, offering simulations of games where the player does not play the matches, but only decides the team tactics. Similar to the main console version it has more than 10,000 licensed players, almost 600 licensed teams, and circa 35 leagues and stadiums, from most major competitions worldwide.

During matches the game offers two control schemes, based on three or four on-screen buttons. A virtual D-pad on the left side of the screen is used to move around players, but this can also be done by touching locations directly on the pitch. Passes can also be done by touching players directly. The right side of the screen has four buttons: pass, shoot, sprint and through. The latter is removed for casual controls and those controls have less freedom for passes and shots. 'Through' is a new option for through balls ahead of running players. Passes can be lobs, assists or crosses. The strength of a shot is determined by how long the button is held. It also cycles automatically through kicks, headers or other moves based on the situation. By tapping the D-pad twice technical dribbling can be activated to keep the ball closer. While defending the available buttons are used to switch players, spring and tackle. Players can also jump in a wall during free kicks. Free kicks, penalties and goal kicks use swipes for the strength and direction of the shot.

The game has no energy/stamina system with waiting times, so it possible to play games at all times. A good Ultimate Team however requires a lot of coins earned during matches to buy packs of players represented as cards. Many packs are also unlocked by completing objectives. Optionally FIFA points, the premium currency, can be used to acquire items directly. The game has an online transfer market where players can be bought and sold directly from other team managers. Next to players it is possible to earn staff items, single-use items (better players' shape, contracts, training) and club items. General management actions include deciding the squad formation, motivating players by putting them on their favourite positions, improving team spirit by matching players that play well together and so on. During a game the general tactics (defensive, offensive, balanced) can be changed immediately through two-finger swipes. Sliders are used to pick an intensity level.