When EA announced the transformation of its beloved FIFA franchise into EA Sports FC 24, it piqued the curiosity of soccer gaming enthusiasts worldwide. Could this rebranding signify a genuine leap forward, away from the murky depths of microtransactions, and into the radiant light of its untapped potential?
This is EA we’re talking about, and the answers are a bit of a mixed bag. Sure there’s some excitement and innovation, but the same lingering challenges. In this review, we’ll explore the various facets of the game, from gameplay to AI intricacies and the impact of HyperMotion V.
EA Sports FC 24 offers a glimpse of the franchise’s evolution. It introduces novel mechanics such as Evolutions and Tactical Visions, signalling that the series has the “potential” to redefine itself. However, it doesn’t come without its share of familiar disappointments, such as AI issues that have persistently plagued the franchise for years.
The initial hours spent with EA Sports FC 24 might feel strangely familiar, as the gameplay treads a fine line between adhering to its roots and embracing innovation. For better or worse, HyperMotion V and the utilisation of the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller’s feedback elevate the experience. The result is precise ball and player physics, noticeable wear and tear on the field, and immersive haptic feedback.
EA Sports FC 24 prides itself on meticulous attention to detail. New overlays have been introduced to the gameplay, presenting crucial statistics during matches. Additionally, the inclusion of background interview segments in pre-game, halftime, and post-game sequences adds some depth to the game’s ambience, even if it lacks direct interactions between players and interviewers.
In its pursuit of authenticity, EA Sports FC 24 does manage to capture some essence of real-life soccer. For instance, when a foul sets up a free kick, players are treated to a unique first-person perspective from the referee’s vantage point, mirroring live broadcast experiences. However, there are trade-offs, as traditional elements like team walkouts and ceremonial songs are sacrificed in favour of different shots, featuring fans and players preparing for game day.
At the forefront of EA’s efforts is the introduction of HyperMotion V, which is supposed to offer a more fluid and responsive gameplay experience. This allows players to manipulate their body weight and momentum more effectively than ever before. A renewed focus on dribbling is evident, but skill and timing remain pivotal, as brute force can still outshine fancy footwork when executed with precision.
Another noteworthy innovation is the introduction of PlayStyles. These attributes are derived from real-life data, enabling players to feel distinct from one another in palpable ways. For instance, future Ballon d’Or winner Kaoru Mitoma from Brighton & Hove Albion showcases superior agility, faster acceleration, and more precise dribbling at high speeds compared to a teammate like James Milner.
However, the introduction of PlayStyles comes with a caveat. There’s a risk that certain players may become overpowered, potentially compromising the balance of the game. Despite this, players must still possess the skills and finesse to leverage their players’ unique abilities effectively. The game still leans in favour of forwards, making high-scoring teams susceptible to conceding goals. Draws may be infrequent, but when they occur, they’re rarely goalless.
Of course, there are issues with HyperMotion V as well. While Kinetic Shielding promises intense player interactions, the game still struggles with awkward player movements and behaviour. Advanced machine learning, touted as a major advancement, is far from perfect. Goalkeepers may sometimes make puzzling decisions, like standing sideways when they should save a straightforward shot, and AI teammates exhibit baffling attacking and defensive choices. Consequently, players may find themselves voicing their frustrations over erroneous passing inputs repeatedly during a match, despite their best efforts.
EA Sports FC 24 grapples with the challenge of establishing a distinct identity. Yet, there are notable improvements in fan-favourite modes, such as Pro Clubs and Ultimate Team.
While EA Sports FC 24 doesn’t herald a revolutionary transformation of the soccer gaming landscape, it signals the commencement of a new era. Goals are harder to come by, thanks to stricter refereeing, but the game still grapples with inconsistent matchmaking and the notorious tendency of Ultimate Team to favour players with deep pockets.
In summary, EA Sports FC 24 offers a mixed bag of improvements and enduring challenges. While it may not represent a seismic shift in the soccer gaming landscape, it symbolises the beginning of a promising new chapter for the franchise.
SKOAR! – 6/10
MOAR!
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X and Series S, Android, Microsoft Windows
Developers: EA Romania, EA Vancouver
Publishers: Electronic Arts, OMEGAGAME
Price: Rs 3,499
