A new name for the world’s biggest digital football gaming series isn’t exactly the significant change fans have been asking for over the years, but business is business. EA couldn’t come to an agreement with the ultimate football authority, FIFA, and here we are with the new, somewhat unpalatable name: EA Sports FC. The EA Sports FC 24 marks the beginning of a new era for the franchise, at least in terms of the name.
EA Sports FC 24 Gameplay
It must be admitted, few dare to compete with EA in football games; the gameplay they’ve achieved is the closest thing we have to a football simulation. Despite some persistent errors year after year, the game remains enjoyable, and this hasn’t changed in EA Sports FC 24.
FC 24 Visual Improvements
Since the implementation of HyperMotion during the transition to the new console generation, the game visually became more realistic, with more animations. This year’s version introduces even more, with noticeable results. There are still some collision bugs that make various player interactions seem unnatural, but overall, the balance remains positive.
Player AI Quirks
However, player artificial intelligence remains the game’s biggest flaw. Goalkeepers concede unbelievable goals for no apparent reason, a complaint that must have echoed for half a decade in the franchise. Many players move out of position in bizarre ways, both in attack and defense. With the increasing focus on competitiveness and multiplayer gameplay, thanks to FUT, this flaw significantly impacts and frustrates in various matches.
Play Styles Innovation
The standout innovation this time around is the introduction of “Play Styles,” which add new characteristics to players, complementing their standard attributes. These come in a variety of skill trees, focusing on areas like shooting, defense, ball control, and passing, akin to an RPG. It’s a feature that further distinguishes between players. EA has managed to balance the skills of the most famous players exceptionally well, making the experience of playing with a Haaland, for example, even more authentic.
FUT Takes Center Stage
Ultimate Team remains the focal point of EA Sports FC 24. It’s where the most impactful updates are made and where the vast majority of the franchise’s fans will spend countless hours.
FC 24 Women’s Football and Card Evolution
This year introduces two particularly significant additions. First is the inclusion of women’s football cards, not just one or two players, but hundreds from various clubs worldwide. This is a monumental step for the visibility of the sport and its players. The attributes here are exactly the same as those of male players, ensuring top-tier players who rival names like Mbappe, opening up a host of new possibilities for squads.
Another game-changer is the ability to evolve your player cards. Each card undergoes a series of challenges that, when completed, grant a boost to the player’s main attributes. This, like the Play Styles system, allows less prominent cards from previous years to find a place in various formations. This addition encourages players who don’t spend real money to play for longer, especially now at the beginning, before the high-value cards flood the rosters of those who do invest real money.
Microtransactions Consideration
However, microtransactions remain the main hurdle for many players. The encouragement to spend recklessly on packs disrupts the game’s balance. Those with deeper pockets will always have vastly superior teams, a situation exacerbated as the year progresses with special cards. This continues to be, and likely will remain, the main reason the game exists, and those willing to play without spending more than the already steep initial cost will have to contend with it.
EA Sports FC 24 Single-Player Modes
EA Sports FC’s main flaw lies in its single-player content. It closely resembles FIFA 23 in terms of variety, with Volta and career modes as highlights, but it still fails to evolve, unlike FUT, and may not be worth much for those who have already dedicated countless hours to past versions.
EA Sports FC 24 Player Career Mode
The player career mode is the biggest letdown. It’s filled with nonsensical progression ideas, like achieving random goals – such as a volley goal – to reach an expected level to be hired by a club, even if you’re the championship’s standout player, which should be what really matters. The recycled cutscenes throughout the career quickly become tiresome, with little incentive to keep playing.
FC 24 Coach Career Mode More Engaging
On the other hand, the coach career mode is more engaging, with new approaches to the team system, the hiring of assistant coaches that make a difference in player progression, and a range of real-world coaches to choose from. It’s a nice addition, even if the 3D models often bear little resemblance to the chosen coach.
Immersion Shortcomings
The weak point is immersion. Despite adding visual player interviews during breaks, the game lacks details that make you feel in the match. There are no more stadium entry videos with the team and anthem profiling, a disappointment for championship finals. It’s also worth mentioning the lack of incentive for Brazilians, as EA still lacks the license for the Brazilian league, with few clubs from our country, all with generic players and without our national team.
Volta Shines
Volta remains the consistently positive highlight, with good gameplay modes for quick fun and that FIFA Street vibe everyone loves. It could have evolved further, but at least it’s not as exhausting as the career modes.
Conclusion
EA Sports FC 24 marks the beginning of a new era for the franchise, at least in terms of the name. Gameplay sees marginal improvements but remains fun. However, single-player modes seem neglected and diminish the richness of the content available in the package. For those who enjoy in-game purchases, diving into Ultimate Team and never looking back, it remains a worthwhile purchase. For others, there’s little to be done due to the lack of competition in the market.
Pros
FUT mode brings significant updates for “Free to Play” players.
New “Play Styles” add variety to player gameplay.
Volta mode remains super fun.
Cons
Career modes seem neglected.
AI still has serious issues in both attack and defense.
Rating: 7.5/10.0
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