Game News FIFA 23: the best football video game for this end of the year? Answer in our video test!
Since 1993 and thirty episodes released, it’s time for the last samba for FIFA! The license will be called EA Sports FC from next season, which means that FIFA 23, the new football simulation will be a separate title. This opus will be released on September 30 on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series, Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch and will be cross-platform within the same generation of consoles. So does this latest FIFA manage to display its name in the pantheon of the saga? Here is our verdict.
Juventus are there, Roma and Napoli are missing
One of the most important elements to take into account at first glance is of course the presence of licenses. It’s war every year to obtain the right to use the name of clubs or official competitions. And we are used to FIFA managing to keep a maximum of license. Even if, we remind you, they are just about to lose the license from FIFA itself.
Ce FIFA 23 of which you can find our complete test here remains full in the stadiums available, with the return of the Bombonera to Argentina. In Italy, the result is mixed. FIFA recovers the rights of Juventus but some important licenses are missing. AS Roma and Napoli fans will have to do without their favorite team’s name and shirts. But we will console ourselves with the addition of Serie B, the second Italian division.
Another major addition is that for the first time in FIFA, women’s clubs will be present. After a Euro in England full of success, it is the first English and French divisions which are there. We are still talking about at least 4 or 5 perfectly modeled players in each team, even the most modest ones like Rodez or Soyaux. It’s a very nice effort and it should be noted. However, we would have liked other leagues or the addition of teams participating in the Champions League. Because it’s true that repeating the women’s national championships on a loop is a bit limited.
And besides, in France we are rather spoiled, because the match comments have been redone from A to Z. No more Hervé Mathoux, it is now the duo of BeIN Sport Benjamin Da Silva – Omar Da Fonseca who make us live the matches, with the legendary flames of the Franco-Argentinian consultant.
Gameplay that incorporates devastating powerful strikes
On the pitch, FIFA is a continuation of last year on PS5 and Xbox Series thanks to the Hypermotion engine. This new version adds a bunch of new animations, great ball physics and cool details like the tracks on the lawn after a tackle. Two big changes are to be noted on the gameplay. The set pieces first, which have been reviewed in full. The precision of the stick gave way to a system of timing on penalties, while corners and free kicks return to an old-fashioned formula behind the player. Let’s also add real-time indications to make it more accessible. In the end, everyone will have their own opinion on these changes. Besides, another novelty that will not please everyone is the possibility of making powerful strikes. A new type of devastating shot but harder to maneuver to frame its strike, and slower to arm. Let’s hope this won’t create an imbalance in the game, in fact we’re afraid we’ll only see that online.
Festive content?
Moreover, since we are talking about the various game modes, the famous Ultimate Team mode, or rather FUT for friends, is renewed a little. And it was time, we remember that, last season, he was quite criticized for his immobility. You will have to change the way you think about the composition of your teams. Indeed, EA Sport is abandoning the system of links between players side by side, which forces you to review the way you manage your team’s collective. New Icon or Hero cards are appearing, but above all FUT has a new currency to buy packs, these are the stars. You unlock them via “Moments”. Fifa Moments is a new single player mode, and it’s a good idea: these are small scenarios in which you have to complete challenges in a limited time. And you will chain them to earn precious stars!
The career is also trying to reinvent itself. More complete than ever, this career now gives you the opportunity to embody a real licensed coach, like Jurgen Klopp or Pep Gardiola. It is even possible to embody Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond, you know the team whose story is told on Apple TV+ in an Emmy-winning series. The whole fictional team is here!
We can also note that the transfers gain in depth with the addition of an analyst, and we can now choose to play only the crucial moments of a match, if you want to go faster. Attention all the time, for the moment some bugs remain on this feature.
As a player, the career is more strategic and involved in progression. We can now perform actions off the field between games, whether buying a sports car, hire a dietician or invest in eSports. Your performance and the choices you make will earn you money, or personality points to improve your player via a three-way archetype depending on your decisions: will you be a more virtuoso player, or rather reliable, or maybe a solitary ?
VOLTA and Pro Clubs neglected?
Finally, the other playable modes in multiplayer do not experience drastic changes. But note all the same that VOLTA and Clubs Pro are now connected with a store that links the two. As a reminder, Volta is the “Street Foot” part, almost like the animated series. You will challenge teams on all the improvised terrains of the planet. Clubs Pro is the mode where you play as a single player in online squads, with the option of having a full squad of human players trying to win matches. There are many new features on these modes, such as the addition of mini-games and training, but unfortunately, it must be said, these new features are too thin compared to FIFA 22. they remain pleasant modes but we would have liked to see something new!
For its last under the name FIFA, the license of EA Sport succeeds in confirming the course passed last year on the gameplay. Even though the new set piece and power kick system won’t appeal to everyoneversion 2 of the Hypermotion engine manages to work wonders in the animations and the rendering of the players.
On the other hand, this opus perfects the career mode in a beautiful way, especially when one embodies a player. He even goes so far as to try to dust off FIFA Ultimate Team thanks to “Moments”, and a new way of thinking about the collective. In short, FIFA 23 does not revolutionize its formula, but it is one of the most complete in the saga. And that was necessary before moving to EA Sports FC which should mark a new turning point! And it is for all these reasons that we give it a score of 16/20.
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