The FIFA adventure, which I started with FIFA 98: Road to World Cup, has moved to another level with this name change. I do not doubt that most gamers will continue to call the game by its old name, at least initially. This change will not be easy for us, especially for those who have been playing this game almost from the beginning, and it will take some time for our tongues to roll.
FIFA, the most popular football simulation game series in the gaming world, was reborn as EA Sports FC in 2023 after the license agreement between EA Sports and FIFA expired. We are somewhat familiar with this situation from the Championship Manager – Football Manager switch. Although EA Sports FC 24 does not have a FIFA license, it has managed to excite football fans with its new technologies and features.
What changed besides the name?
Even though football games come out with a new version every year, it seems to be getting more and more difficult to keep the excitement in these new versions. For example, there are major changes such as EA Sports FC replacing the name we have known for more than 20 years in FIFA, but still the basic dynamics of the game seem to remain the same. Maybe it will be a very cruel approach, but there is no way to say that the “improved” game mechanics feel different than before.
Yes, it was good enough, yes it got better, it got more realistic, but I can’t say it had a “Wow factor”. Of course, even though we have been playing this series for a long time, every new game takes some getting used to. How could it not? We close each year with 90-odd average teams and open the new season with 75-80 average teams, inevitably the game makes us feel “slowed down” at the beginning of each year. Then months pass and we realise that there is not enough change in the game tempo to make a conversation.
Normally, EA Sports FC 24 is one step ahead of FIFA 23 with its graphics and gameplay. Thanks to HyperMotionV technology, players show more realistic and fluid movements. The PlayStyles system better reflects the individual playing styles of the players.
HyperMotionV technology is a feature that captures the movements of players in real matches and brings them into the game. Thanks to this technology, players show more realistic and fluid movements compared to FIFA 23. For example, when shooting, players can better control the power and direction of the shot. Also, when dribbling the ball, players have a more realistic ball control.
The PlayStyles system adds more depth to the game by reflecting players’ playing styles. This system categorises players’ attributes such as speed, power, technique, passing and shooting. Players can adjust these categorisations according to their own playing style, allowing for a more realistic gaming experience. For example, if a player is a fast and strong one, he can play more effectively when you use these categories in the right way.
Of course, it is not fair to expect a Raphinha characteristic from Haaland, and vice versa. Players can adjust these categories according to their own playstyle for a more realistic gaming experience. If it doesn’t cause imbalances like last year and is well balanced, PlayStyles has been a very nice step in the name of personalisation, and it has a future in the game.
De-fence!
Defending has become more difficult in EA Sports FC 24. It’s a rewarding level of difficulty, I have to admit. It’s vital to watch the opponent, anticipate where he’s going and react in time. The effectiveness of counter-attacks is incredible. After the first goal, it is easy to find the second one thanks to the morale effect.
The innovations in the career modes are one of the most attractive aspects of the game. Especially the player development and coaching systems brought to the manager career are the first ones to catch the eye. With the option to build your own coaching team, you can make your experience more unique and deeper.
The improvements in the career mode are also quite nice. Character customisation has improved. You can even communicate your preferences to your manager. This game mode has been further personalised to make it a complete experience.
Some changes in FUT
The card evolution system in Ultimate Team mode is quite interesting. Time was spent on the idea of being able to change players’ abilities through various missions.
However, as long as there is an option to open packages in the game, it is easy to predict that gamers will go in this direction. Moreover, the market section is one of the biggest revenue generators of the game. A player will say, I’ll buy that card somehow, instead of doing a mission to improve it. Maybe with FP, maybe by grinding gold, but somehow they will achieve their goal. If you have those who have given up hope in your squad, SBC has become a plus option.
What about the fact that the players can come out of the mixed male/female packs? I think it’s a complete flop. The game already allows the player to play with women’s football teams if desired. But I think it is a big mistake to make this an imposition on the FUT mode, to make the rosters mixed. When I say imposition, I don’t want to be misunderstood; again, whoever wants to put what they want in their squad, but the disappointments faced when the packages are opened cannot be ignored. However, all that needed to be done was to separate the packages from each other. Naturally, while the renewed identity is still strange to some people, EA Sports has gathered negative attention with such a move, and we will talk more about it. At the end of the day, I have a lady centre-back who can out-shoulder the Erling Haaland. Imagine the rest for yourself.
Since EA Sports FC 24 does not have a FIFA licence, the game does not include the FIFA World Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and some FIFA licensed clubs and leagues. However, EA Sports makes up for this shortcoming with licensing agreements with other important football organisations such as UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1.
Final Words
Although EA Sports FC 24 does not have a FIFA licence, it is an exciting option for football simulation games with its new technologies and features. The game seems to satisfy football fans with its graphics, gameplay and new features.
Finally, the animations at the beginning of the match and at half-time are really improved. The cards issued from the referee’s perspective have a unique flavour. Watching coaches angry or changing tactics provides a nice sequence at half-time.
When we compare it, there is not a big difference, but for those who cannot give up football games, it will be an enjoyable game anyway. There will definitely be improvements in the game with new updates. In the meantime, I think the deficiencies in the game can be ignored. Leaving the Ultimate mode out, no matter what we do, it’s a game that has no alternative.
EA Sports FC 24
Platforms: PC, PS5, XS, PS4, XONE, Switch
Developer: EA Sports
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release Date: 29 September 2023
Genre: Sport
Our Verdict: 89
Pros
- More realistic and fluid movements with HyperMotionV technology
- Reflect players’ individual playing styles with the PlayStyles system
- Over 19,000 licensed players, 700 teams and 30 leagues
- Online and offline multiplayer modes
- Thirty years of routine
Cons
- Lack of a FIFA licence
- It’s a bad decision to have mixed male/female players on the cards in Ultimate Team. The card packages should have been separated.
