EA FC 24, the revamped FIFA, brings a breath of fresh air with its dynamic menu, "precision pass," and reintroduction of female athletes in Ultimate Team. However, it grapples with lingering connectivity troubles and a lack of innovation. On a positive note, the elimination of position-altering consumables, in Ultimate Team, and the introduction of "playstyles" offer enhanced gameplay depth. All in all, EA FC 24 caters to football enthusiasts, offering a small blend of new features while still wrestling with the same gameplay formula.
It’s that time of the year again. The leaves are changing, the weather is getting colder, and folks are busy cooking up some warm soups. Yes, indeed, it’s football season, but this review isn’t about Madden; it’s about EA FC 24, formerly known as FIFA. The name might be different, but when it comes to changes, that seems to be the most significant one.
EA FC comes with a fresh main menu interface compared to previous FIFA games. The menu background now adapts to your current selection, which adds a nice touch of dynamism. They’ve also added a convenient feature that lets you jump straight into a specific point in a game mode, instead of having to navigate through the usual mode selection process. This feature is akin to the PS5’s Quick Start, allowing for more precise game initiation. For instance, when hovering over the Ultimate Team game mode, you can swiftly access your available packs. It’s a user-friendly improvement over past versions.
The gameplay in EA FC doesn’t stray too far from its predecessors. The controls remain largely unchanged, with the most notable addition being the “precision pass” option. You can trigger this by holding R1 on PlayStation or RB on Xbox while using the “cross pass” button, allowing for precise ball placement. This new feature is a welcomed addition that adds versatility to the gameplay.
However, some of the issues that have plagued FIFA games persist despite the rebrand. Connecting to online matches remains a challenge, with many online games dropping or encountering bugs that can ruin the experience. I’ve had instances where I played an online game, and three players just stood idle in the middle of the pitch, creating confusion during fast-paced matches. Co-Op modes also suffer from connection problems, often preventing me and my friend from reaching the actual gameplay. The VOLTA mode is particularly frustrating, as finding other online players is nearly impossible.
On a positive note, female athletes have made their way back into the Ultimate Team mode since its inception in FIFA 09. This is an exciting addition that brings a fresh dimension to the game mode, allowing for more diverse squad compositions and tactical approaches. EA has also done away with the need for consumables to change a player’s position, giving players more customization options.
Another notable addition is the introduction of “playstyles.” This feature spans across multiple modes and adds depth to in-game players based on their real-life playing styles. For example, a player like Robert Lewandowski gets the “power header” trait, enhancing header accuracy and power. Playstyles can be upgraded to Playstyle Plus, which further boosts relevant stats.
