EA SPORTS FC 24 Review

For the first time since the Sega Mega Drive's FIFA International Soccer way back in 1993, EA Sports has created a new football title without the FIFA licence. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as the developer is now free to experiment to their heart's content. But can we expect EA SPORTS FC 24 to be the dawn of a new age in videogame football, or is it more of the same? Well, the name may have changed, but those expecting a complete revamp of gameplay mechanics and additional modes may be left disappointed.

Now, in my experience, football fans either buy the latest title in the franchise year after year, or they've not touched a football game since their PlayStation 2 came bundled with a copy of FIFA 2001. With FC 24, however, there may not be a better time to get back on board, thanks in large to the detailed tutorial that not only allows newcomers to learn the absolute basics but also lets veterans refine their skills thanks to the Practice Arena. This mode, in particular, is great as it allows you to set up both attackers and defenders anywhere on the pitch, creating the ability to study practically every scenario possible.

In terms of straight-up aesthetics, FC 24 is a bigger leap in graphics, sound, and animation than any other titles adjacent in release to one another, ignoring titles that benefit visually when a next-gen system is released. This is thanks to HyperMotion V, the updated gameplay technology first introduced in FIFA 22. But what exactly is it? Well, it's certainly more than just a buzzword created by EA to sell copies, as I've genuinely noticed much smoother animations that make FC 24 more akin to the real-world game than ever before. Using footage from over 180 different matches from leagues — such as La Liga and the Premier League — you'll see much more precise movements both on and off the ball, as well as more impact and use of weight when defending. I know they tout new technology as a "game changer" practically every year, but this is the first time I've seen a noticeable difference in how players react.

Whilst the game may look better than ever, I have come across a few rough patches during my time. Load times seem to be longer than FIFA 23's, sound effects and commentary have cut out halfway through a match (although new commentator Guy Mowbray sounds less than enthusiastic anyway), and I've been kicked out of Ultimate Team due to connection errors way too many times. These issues and more seem to be more prevalent on PC, but console players don't exactly get a pristinely polished product either.

Despite the on-pitch action looking better than ever, there are no new game modes to get to grips with. Arguably, this isn't a huge issue, as there is already a slew of content available. From tearing up the streets in Volta to managing your own squad to glory, there is a lot of variety on offer, although not all of it delivers. The Player Career, for instance, feels like a significant downgrade when comparing it to other games in the sports genre. There's no soul behind it, making me yearn for the days of FIFA 17 's dedicated story mode and its entertaining (if slightly predictable) tale of Alex Hunter's rise to stardom.

At least Manager Career has a bit more to it, allowing players to select from several different Tactical Visions for their manager, which shapes how their squad plays on the pitch. Whether you're a park-the-bus defensive sort or like to fly down the wing to take a shot on target, there's a good mix of styles to choose from. Other modes, such as the online Clubs and Volta, have seen little to no changes, although the latter is still a whole lot of street football fun!

What is perhaps the main draw of each yearly iteration is Ultimate Team. As someone who has never put a penny of real-world money into it, I still find myself spending a ridiculous amount of hours in this mode every year. Sure, I'm more than likely going to get picked apart by xX_RoNaLdO_Xx, who spent more than the price of the actual game on FC Points to "earn" player cards in the high 90s, but playing against the AI with my own created team is tonnes of fun. There's some new content this year as well, with Evolutions being the most prolific. This allows players to improve the base stats of standard cards (providing they meet the criteria for whichever evolution is selected) by completing a set number of challenges, resulting in a higher overall rated card. Having a 64-rated midfielder rocket up to an 80+ card in a handful of games was yet another reason to keep me hooked on this ruthlessly addictive mode. Again, there are no new game modes inside of UT, with Moments making its return from FIFA 23, thankfully, but if you're as frugal with your money as I am, don't be put off thinking this mode is only for those who can (although shouldn't) spend big bucks on countless card packs. I was pleasantly surprised to see that female footballers are integrated into Ultimate Team, finally! Being able to have an attacking duo of Haaland and Kerr was a real treat, with both male and female players having no advantages over the other (as it should be; take that, those who look down on women's football).

FC 24's gameplay remains largely unchanged. Returning players will ease right back into whatever their favourite game mode may be, which is both good and bad. I've spotted some widely inconsistent teammate AI, causing a few choice curse words to be hurled at my TV. Regardless of whether they're attacking or defending, your teammates just don't do what they should be doing half the time, making me think they've been studying Maguire's last season. Set pieces seem a lot tougher to nail this year also, with penalties feeling next to impossible to save when controlling the keeper. I'm unsure if this is just bad skill on my part (despite being fairly competent in past iterations) or if something needs tweaking on EA's end, but either way, they really put a dampener on how tense a cup final shoot-out should feel.

There is one more new addition this year: PlayStyles. These are linked to the way a footballer plays in real life, taking into account both strengths and weaknesses. It makes practically everyone feel unique, particularly those in the upper echelon of the sport. With over 30 abilities that can be combined to create an almost limitless amount of combinations, PlayStyles (and PlayStyles+ that give the world's best that extra oomph) are organic feelings and present themselves whenever necessary during the flow of a match. So, no "Press R1 to activate" like the special abilities in Volta, allowing for some of the most precise-looking virtual football ever.

As I mentioned in the opening paragraph, don't expect EA SPORTS FC 24 to be a completely new game built from the ground up. The changes and additions included are a step in the right direction, but the occasional woeful AI missteps and technical issues unfortunately take it a step back. It may not change your stance on football videogames, but there is still a whole lot of goal-scoring fun to be found.