It’s that time of year again. The air gets crisper, the nights draw in, and a familiar sense of anticipation builds in the hearts of gamers and football fans worldwide. We all wait, hoping to see something truly brand new from EA’s flagship football title—something experimental, something that pushes the boat out, a genuine leap forward that justifies parting with another £50/$70. Well, after spending considerable time with FIFA 23, I’m here to walk you through exactly what you’re getting in this final installment under the iconic FIFA name. Buckle up; it’s a mixed bag.
Let’s be clear from the outset: this is not a revolution. If you were expecting EA to send the FIFA namesake off with a monumental bang of innovation, you might be disappointed. However, to say nothing has changed would be dishonest. This year’s iteration is a game of tweaks, refinements, and a continued focus on the areas that make EA the most money. It’s a polished experience, but one that often feels like it’s playing it safe. So, let’s break it down, mode by mode, feature by feature.
First Impressions: Presentation and Polish
Right from the kick-off, it’s apparent that FIFA 23 is the best-looking and best-sounding game in the series to date. The visual upgrades are immediately noticeable, especially for PC players who are finally free from the shackles of the old-generation console versions. This is the first true “next-gen” experience on computer, and it shows.
The stadiums are buzzing with more life, the pitches look magnificent, and the new “strand-based hair” technology is a small but impressive touch. Seeing Jack Grealish’s flowing locks ripple as he charges down the wing adds a surprising layer of realism. But it’s not just about static looks; the game feels more cinematic.
A Mixed Bag of New Additions:
- Enhanced Cutscenes: There are loads more cinematic cutscenes, from dramatic intros to little details like a player carefully receiving the ball in his hands before placing it for a free-kick. The camera shakes with palpable energy for a last-minute winner, making goals feel more impactful.
- HyperMotion2: Ah, yes, the marketing buzzword of the year. Let’s be real: “Hypermotion2” is essentially a label for the new animations that should be a standard inclusion in any annual sports title. Last year’s tech captured 4,000 animations; this year, it’s up to 6,000. While the animations themselves are smoother and more realistic—reducing that “wooden” feel from years past—it’s hard to applaud a company for doing the bare minimum expected of a sequel. The new “Power Shot” mechanic, which zooms the camera in for a dramatic, powerful strike, is a cool addition, but it feels like a flashy feature masking a lack of deeper innovation.
- Diversity and Commentary: EA has doubled down on diversity, sometimes to a point that feels forced. Quick cutscenes showing fans often feature father-son duos of completely different races, in combinations that can sometimes stretch believability. It’s a well-intentioned effort, but its execution can be jarring. On the audio side, they’ve added the option to disable “critical commentary.” If you’re offended by a video game commentator telling you your shot was bad, you might be beyond a snowflake—you’re a melted puddle. But hey, the option is there if you need a safer space. On a lighter note, the new in-stadium PA announcements provide some genuinely comedic moments.
Alright, now that we’ve set the stage with the overall vibe, let’s get into the meat and potatoes: the gameplay. This is where you’ll be spending 95% of your time, so how does it actually feel to play?
On the Pitch: Gameplay Feel and Mechanics
This is arguably the most significant change for returning players. FIFA 23 feels slower. The pinball-like, frantic ping-pong passing of FIFA 22 has been toned down in favour of a more measured, realistic tempo. For a purist like me, this is a welcome change. It feels more lifelike, requiring more thought in build-up play and positioning.
However, I fully expect the community to be split on this. Many players thrive on that fast-paced, arcade-style action. Historically, EA is known for drastically tweaking gameplay speed and referee strictness via title updates based on who complains the loudest, so this slower feel might not last.
Key Gameplay Takeaways:
- New Set-Piece System: Corners and free kicks have been completely overhauled with a new mechanic. It takes some getting used to, but I felt much more in control of my crosses and curving shots. It’s a meaningful improvement that adds skill to dead-ball situations.
- Refereeing and Keepers: Some things never change. The refereeing decisions can be absolutely shambolic. I’ve seen perfectly timed, beastly tackles punished with a yellow card, while obvious shoves in the back are ignored. Goalkeepers remain the most inconsistent players on the pitch, morphing from ninja-like shot-stoppers one moment to comically inept whiffers the next. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions.
- Technical Performance: On a positive note, I’ve experienced virtually no major bugs. The game runs smoothly. The only oddities were a cutscene that decided to focus intently on a fan’s elbow and a ball continuing to spin wildly after being picked out of the net. Small, humorous glitches rather than game-breaking issues.
So far, so good. The on-pitch action feels refined, if not revolutionary. But a football game is more than just kicking a ball around; it’s about the long-term modes that keep you coming back for “just one more match.” Now, let’s dive into the heart of the matter: Career Mode and Ultimate Team.
The Modes: Where Did the Love Go?
This is where, for many, the biggest criticisms lie. EA’s development focus is clearly not spread evenly.
Career Mode: The Neglected Child
If you’re a Career Mode aficionado, look away now. The changes are minimal at best. The most significant addition is the option to play as a real, top-tier manager. So, you can be Pep Guardiola instead of creating a shoddy lookalike. It’s a nice touch for role-playing, but it’s a drop in the ocean. The mode is crying out for deeper tactical systems, more meaningful press interactions, and a genuine sense of long-term club building. This year, it once again feels like an afterthought.
FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT): The Golden Goose
As expected, the mode containing the most microtransactions is the one that receives the most love. FUT has seen the most substantial changes this year.
- Revamped Chemistry System: This is a huge change and, in my opinion, a much better one. Instead of chemistry being solely dependent on links between adjacent players, it’s now applied across the entire team based on leagues and nationalities. This allows for far more creative and diverse squad building without being punished for wanting to use your favourite players from different leagues.
- Preview Packs: In a shock move towards player-friendly practices, EA has added the ability to preview a pack every 24 hours. You can see exactly what’s inside before you buy it. If you don’t like the contents, you can save your coins or points. It’s a small but welcome step towards transparency, even if it’s limited to just one pack type per day.
- Cross-Play: This is a massive and fantastic addition, but it’s limited. Cross-play is enabled for online seasons and FUT friendly matches, but not for the flagship FUT Champions mode. It’s a start, but a hesitant one.
Other Modes: Volta and Pro Clubs
These social modes haven’t been ignored. Your progression is now shared across both Volta and Pro Clubs, meaning seasonal rewards and XP count in both places. Volta gets most of the new content, with six new arcade games (Dribble King, Obstacle Course, Foot Golf, etc.) and new skill perks like “Poacher,” “Light Passes,” and “Interceptor.” It’s clear EA wants Volta to be a more persistent destination for players.
The Verdict: Should You Buy FIFA 23?
This is the million-dollar question. My conclusion is nuanced.
You should consider buying FIFA 23 if:
- You are a dedicated fan who plays every year and wants the updated rosters and kits.
- You primarily play FIFA Ultimate Team and are intrigued by the new chemistry system.
- You’re a PC player eager to experience the true next-gen version.
- The addition of Women’s Club football and the promise of a free World Cup mode update later in the year adds significant value for you.
- You prefer a slightly slower, more realistic pace of football.
You should probably skip FIFA 23 if:
- You are on a tight budget. £50/$70 is a big commitment for what is largely an iterative update.
- You are exclusively a Career Mode player. The changes are simply too insignificant to warrant a purchase.
- You were deeply disappointed with FIFA 22 and were hoping for a fundamental overhaul.
Ultimately, I’m having fun with FIFA 23. The on-pitch action is the best it’s been in years, and the presentation is top-notch. But my criticisms are rooted in a frustration with a franchise that seems hesitant to innovate in the areas its most loyal fans care about. It’s a solid football game, but as the final curtain falls on the FIFA name, it’s a quieter farewell than many had hoped for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is there cross-play in FIFA 23?
A: Yes, but it is limited. Cross-play is available for Online Seasons, FUT Friendly Matches (with some exceptions), and FUT Playgrounds. It is not available for FUT Champions or Co-Op modes at launch.
Q: What is the HyperMotion2 technology?
A: In simple terms, it’s EA’s marketing name for the motion capture technology used to create in-game animations. FIFA 23 uses machine learning to generate over 6,000 new animations from real-life match data, making player movement appear more realistic and fluid. You can read more about the technology on EA’s official website.
Q: What are the new features in Career Mode?
A: The changes are minimal. The headline addition is the ability to play as a real-world manager (like Jurgen Klopp or Emma Hayes) instead of creating a custom one. Other additions are minor, such as new pre-match interview questions and enhanced UEFA Champions League presentation.
Q: How does the new Chemistry system work in FUT?
A: The old grid-based chemistry system is gone. Now, each player contributes Chemistry points based on how many other players in your starting XI share their League or Nationality. The maximum team chemistry is 33. It’s a system that allows for much more flexible squad building.
Q: When will the World Cup mode be added?
A: EA has confirmed that both a men’s and women’s World Cup mode will be added via a free post-launch update, likely timed to coincide with the real-world tournaments in November 2022 and mid-2023, respectively.
Disclaimer: This review is based on the PlayStation 5 version of FIFA 23. Experiences may vary on other platforms. Opinions expressed are those of the author based on extensive gameplay and are subjective.
Tags:
FIFA 23, EA Sports, Football Game, Video Game Review, FIFA Ultimate Team, FUT, Career Mode, HyperMotion, Cross-Play, Gaming
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