EA Sports’ FIFA franchise has been one of the most popular video games since the first instalment came out in 1993. It’s game that is enjoyed by football fans and gamers alike.
There is always a lot at stake when you play FIFA, especially in the online multiplayer mode. A hard-earned victory will not only put a smile on your face but also become the reason for the whole day to go on a happy note. Meanwhile, a narrow defeat will make you glum for the rest of the day (or until the next match). But there is nothing that will cement that happiness quite like the revelation that there is someone in the world worse at FIFA than you are.
Gaming, in general, can be very frustrating. In FIFA, however, it has the capability of inspiring a whole new level of frustration, which often leads to all-consuming rage. And this gives us all the more reason to be deliriously thankful when happy moments do occur in the game.
On that note, here we list five things that make us happy while playing FIFA.
#5 Injury time goals
A goal that turns the match on its heels in injury time will leave you with a smug grin on your face. Whether it's a winner or an equaliser, snatching the joy off your opponent at the last moment is probably one of the best feelings in the world.
In real-life, Manchester City fans will testify to this. Sergio Aguero's last-minute goal against Queens Park Rangers on the final day of the 2011/12 season won them the Premier League title. The fact that Manchester United, their cross-town rivals, were condemned to the second position doubled their joy.
The numerous games you play will eventually blur into one another (unless you have an eidetic memory), but the last-minute deciders will always stay in mind forever. And, knowing that your opponent is probably smashing his controller against his console will only make even happier.
#4 Scoring an out-of-the-world goal
Of course, there is no better feeling than finding the back of the net. Whether it is a scratchy goal with lady-luck showering over your head or an absolute beauty after rainbow-flicking over two-three defenders, all goals count.
However, there are just those few goals that will always rank higher up than the rest - the ones you replay, again and again, the ones you brag about in front of your mates. The feeling of dancing past a few defenders and then smashing the ball into the net, especially from outside the 18-yard box, cannot be expressed in mere words.
It is likely that you will save the replays to show them to your friends. It may even make you merry enough to consider starting a YouTube channel to showcase your goals, to show the world just how happy scoring goals in FIFA you are.
#3 Forcing your opponent to quit out of rage
Into the first thirty minutes of the match and you are already 3-0 up against your opponent. An unjustified penalty, a lucky rebound and another world-class goal has seen you take an unassuming lead.
You're already smiling and planning on adding to the misery of your opponent. There is no need of doing anything different as you are dominating the game. But then, just after you've finished celebrating your third with the robotic dance, you will be disconnected from the match.
Congratulations. You have just forced a rage quit from your opponent, and you can revel in that fact. Knowing that you were too hot to handle for your opponent will fill you with joy. Moreover, the fact that your opponent has been forced into despair and humiliation will make you ecstatic.
#2 Injuring the opposition's best player
Coming up against teams which have Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi or Zlatan Ibrahimovic is worrisome. These players are ridiculously overpowered, as compared with the rest of the players, and sometimes they are just too much to contain.
Of course, your tactics will have to change, and you might be even forced to defend most of the time. What exacerbates the situation is the fact that each player of the opposition is faster, stronger and more deadly than your own. Drawing inspiration from the old Wimbledon Crazy Gang, you will look to hurt the superior players in a bid to make it a fair playing ground.
If the dirty tactics pay off, you will see the opponent's best players going off injured, and you might just do enough to avoid going into the referee's books. Although it should not make you happy, morally speaking, in reality, you will be ecstatic.
#1 Winning on penalties
Penalty shootouts are the Russian Roulette of football. Winning a shootout is more about luck and composure rather than an overall representation of skill. However, when you win by virtue of one, it will bring about a feeling of immeasurable joy in you.
The shootouts are nearly always associated with despair in England and Argentina. Winning one, especially in a major tournament is as likely as Jose Mourinho exchanging pleasantries with Arsene Wenger before a match. FIFA, on the other hand, is an escape from reality for the likes of Lionel Messi and others.
Yes, it is pretty much a lucky dip. However, the very knowledge that your opponent is not lucky and you are is enough to make you feel blissful. After all, the FIFA Gods are looking down upon you and you have their blessings.
