This is, by far, the best FIFA of the franchise's very long run.
As a top player in the FIFA community (#54 all-time FIFA 11 & #83 all-time FIFA 12... very busy during FIFA 13 to care as much [325-98-127]), I have to say that the user scores for this game seem to be quite on-par with my feelings, so far. This is, by far, the best FIFA of the franchise's very long run. The mechanics of the players this year are a vast improvement, as well as the AI. The graphics are incredibly clean when playing in Tele view compared to FIFA 13. Everything feels much more fluid, control-wise. It takes a few hours to forget what you knew about FIFA 13 and toss-out a few old control tactics, strategies, etc.
Yes, I was that guy who buried people by keeping an all-out, 100% paced, high-tempo attack and using a rock-solid defense to allow less than 1.1 GA/G. This year's FIFA does not allow for that as much. While that frustrated me a bit, I have to appreciate the fact that the realism is more important than my tactics... It's important to note that with the improved AI, you don't need to and should not go all-out. Methodical passing and control far outweighs trying to outrun the defense. I haven't had the chance to play as much online yet that I would like to, but from what I have seen so far, the game is a lock for sports game of the year.
I would go more into things, but I am constrained on time. FIFA 14 was well worth the wait, and after playing competitively for years in this series (7 years), I am finally going to give Ultimate Team a try. I purchase three games per year and FIFA always worries me that I will be disappointed... nothing to worry about for another year. Incredible game. It will be interesting to see it on the XBone & PS4.