What can the “FIFA” successor “EA SPORTS FC 24” do?

From pixelated console football to high-gloss kick, this is certainly the best way to describe EA Sports’ “FIFA” series. Started in 1993 as “FIFA International Soccer”, the virtual ball confirmation quickly became the go-to address for sports game fans. Over the past three decades, the series has gone through almost every stage of evolution in the computer and video game industry.

Under the banner of “FIFA”, EA Sports’ football game has become one of the best known and most successful brands in the world. That’s enough of that. There was a disagreement between the World Football Association and the game developer about the rich revenues that EA Sports brought in, including through the in-game purchases of the game mode “FIFA Ultimate Team”. FIFA wanted a bigger piece of the pie, EA Sports refused and simply renamed the series.

With “EA SPORTS FC 24” a new chapter begins, which should be mainly represented by a new leap in technology and a number of detailed improvements.

From real life

Last year, so-called “machine learning” was introduced as part of the program. Based on recorded videos, algorithms created new animations and motion sequences from 9.2 million individual frames. For “EA SPORTS FC 24” it was now possible to draw new animations directly from existing video material. This means: No more time-consuming recording processes and especially individual campaigns of the really big stars can now be integrated into the game.

Every player is different

In the past, all virtual kickers moved the same way and differed mainly in basic attributes such as walking speed or shooting power, but individuality is key in “EA SPORTS FC”. These also underline the so-called playing styles. Behind this are bonus traits that underline the abilities of the stars.

Mega-talents like Kylian Mbappé have Plus styles of play that greatly influence their character on the pitch. For example, the striker of Paris has the talent “Sprinter” and runs away from the competition. When it comes to sprints, EA Sports lends a hand too: seven different types of runners now characterize the picture – from explosive starts over short distances to long-distance sprinters, who only reach their full speed after a few metres.

Like on TV

Of course, a perfect football staging also includes what happens off the field and on the sidelines. While a few sparsely animated pixel men were enough here in “FIFA International Soccer,” “EA SPORTS FC” is now moving toward broadcast TV. Before the game, it posts pictures of the fans or the preparation of the teams.

In the game itself, recordings from the coaches or spectators are repeatedly inserted, repeated offside decisions are analyzed and warnings are presented from the referee’s point of view. “EA SPORTS FC” even displays stats directly on the pitch. The reason: you no longer have to dig through menus, but get all the necessary information directly in the game.

On that spot

There is good news for Nintendo Switch fans: if in recent years they have been fobbed off with warmed-up “Legacy Editions” and therefore better team updates, “EA SPORTS FC 24” finally makes the leap to the modern Frostbite engine. It is not yet clear what the result will look like. EA Sports presented the PS5 version for preview purposes only.

In this, “EA SPORTS FC” shows itself as an excellently presented, if not revolutionary, new football game. Pass relays work nicely directly, players continue to run around freely, especially on the wings. Thanks to the new precision fit function, it is easier for professionals to go in depth.

The playstyles noticeably support the flow of the game and put more emphasis on star players. Dribbling and tricks remain quite dominant despite the improved dueling mechanics. In return, slide tackles and blocks seem to have gained momentum. In terms of playability, “EA SPORTS FC” is more of an evolution than a revolution compared to “FIFA 23”.

Known mode variation

But it doesn’t matter if it was then or now – football and video games bring people together. And so it seems only fitting that women’s football also plays an important role in “EA SPORTS FC 24”. Women will now feature in the popular, albeit heavily focused on in-game purchases, Ultimate Team mode. This allows fans to create mixed teams and optimize their chemistry. In addition, there is now the possibility to expand existing cards to upgrade low-class kickers.

Full crossplay functionality for games like VOLTA or clubs also adds even more togetherness. PC and console players can compete against and with each other and, for example, compete in the extended seasons including a playoff mode. “EA SPORTS FC 24” will be released on September 29, 2023 for PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X and Nintendo Switch. In this case, the name change involves a technological leap. On the field it remains a pleasant kick that scores with good playability and detail adjustments. “FIFA” fans can look forward to a hot late fall with “EA SPORTS FC 24”.