JEvery autumn is FIFA time. Then the update of the best-known video soccer game, which the fans are eagerly awaiting, will come out on the market with great regularity, including this one. But what about next year? The manufacturer EA Sports is losing the naming rights, so the gaming world is curious to see what the somewhat nebulous successor format will look like.
For the finale, FIFA 23 will play again with various changes, probably for those who paid attention in chemistry class. In Ultimate Team mode, it now takes a certain number of players from a country or league to unleash beneficial harmony. Players who do not play in their intended position do not become worse as a result. However, they are still rewarded for playing in their appropriate position. Finding the right chemistry in the team has become more difficult, is that a reflection of the situation in the dressing room? The requirement restricts rather than liberates. However, players can now take up to four different positions, which promotes creativity and is well received.
The new Moments mode is just as refreshing, in which you can re-enact certain situations or overcome challenges in a given time. The reward is stars, which can be used to buy packs. This gives free-to-play players a new and great way to earn packs. Possibly significant for the fan base separated in the Sony Playstation and Microsoft X-Box camps: Crossplay is possible, so there is a market for Playstation and Xbox, and PC and Nintendo Switch players also share one.
Differences in speed are leveled out somewhat
What matters is on the pitch, as of last year that includes capture suits to replicate movement. Their use should be improved, we didn’t notice that. But there are other things that are worthwhile. Players are less likely to be offside. There is a power shot that is refreshing in itself, which of course takes more time and is more difficult to place, which is often difficult in the dynamic. It is constantly evolving, just like on the real pitch, the virtual players now run in a controlled, explosive or sustained manner. This is an advantage because the differences in speed are leveled out a bit and players with a slower speed are easier to play. However, where there is light, there is usually shadow here too. Passports are not as popular as they used to be. If you’re flat, you have to get out, the number of possible substitutions is limited to five. The match includes standards, whoever masters them is already ahead. Penalties are now easier for the shooter to convert, free kicks and corners can be circled more accurately. That opens up possibilities and is good for the game. Just like the natural presence of referees.
Where footballers are, it’s about careers on and off the field. The previously selected range of invented trainers is now filled with life, the commander at the controller can slip into the skin of Thomas Tuchel. His players compete with three different character traits, whether free spirit, teamwork or discipline, influences the associated values, for example dribbling, crosses or overview.
FIFA 23 whistles off a good and solid finale with lots of small tweaks going in the right direction. However, nothing that knocks you off your feet. Except, of course, completely objectively: Eintracht Frankfurt’s goal anthem, it’s finally there.
