PGC NEWS

For over two decades, the annual clash between FIFA and PES has been a cornerstone of the football gaming world. However, the rivalry has shifted dramatically since late 2021. Konami’s rebranding of PES to eFootball, coupled with its free-to-play model and focus on mobile gaming, left a void in the market, particularly among Vietnamese gamers who struggled to embrace the new, often buggy, experience. While this seemed like EA’s opportunity to dominate with FIFA, their own naming dispute with FIFA has led to FIFA 23 being the last game to bear the iconic name before becoming EA Sports Football Club next year. This review, based on the PS5 version, explores whether FIFA 23 delivers a memorable send-off.

FIFA 23 pre-match atmosphere

FIFA 23 foregoes elaborate cinematic introductions, opting for a streamlined start highlighting Hypermotion 2 and the Training Centre. Players choose either Sam Kerr or Mbappe as their trainer and are guided through drills and settings optimization. The game then immerses players in the pre-match atmosphere, showcasing vibrant stadium exteriors and significantly improved pitch rendering. The pitch is not just aesthetically pleasing; it dynamically reacts to weather, time, and player interactions, showing wear and tear from sliding celebrations and even ball scuffs.

Hypermotion 2, utilizing motion capture of entire teams and machine learning, brings enhanced realism to player movements. Individual styles, reactions, and even manager mannerisms are captured with impressive fidelity. Facial scans have also been updated for numerous players, including Benzema, Haaland, and Pedri. Disappointingly, some high-profile transfers like Antony and Darwin Nunez remain without realistic faces in the initial release.

FIFA 23 realistic player interactions

Gameplay, while not revolutionary, feels distinct from FIFA 22. The pace is noticeably slower, with short passes now influenced by player positioning and analog stick control, adding a layer of realism. Holding L1+R1 (LB+RB on Xbox) activates the new Power Shot, a cinematic slow-motion feature allowing for precise shot placement. However, the most significant changes are in set pieces. Free kicks, particularly corners, feature a billiard-like aiming system, enabling pinpoint accuracy and even direct corner goals. Defensive wall formations now include a player lying down to block low shots, mirroring real-world tactics.

FIFA 23 new free kick system

Career Mode receives a boost with impressive cinematic cutscenes depicting player arrivals, fan interactions, and locker room conversations. Player-created characters can engage in off-field activities like buying cars and donating to charity, although these are presented through simplistic menus. The new Play Highlights feature lets players jump into key moments of simulated matches, offering more control than the traditional Sim Match. Manager Career finally allows players to choose real-world managers, albeit with limited options featuring “real faces.” Transfer negotiations include a Tension bar, reflecting the impact of dialogue choices, and post-transfer analysis evaluates the player’s acquisition.

FIFA 23 Career Mode

Volta Football adds Arcane, a fun survival mode best enjoyed with friends, unfortunately restricted to weekends. FUT, as expected, receives the most significant overhaul. Links have been replaced with a new Chemistry system based on shared nationality, league, or club. Players now build team Chemistry, with each card having up to 3 Chemistry points, allowing for more flexible squad building. “Moments” offers short scenarios recreating iconic player moments, rewarding players with in-game currency. Cross-play allows competition across platforms within the same generation (e.g., PS5 with Xbox Series X/S and PC).

FIFA 23 FUT Chemistry system

Despite the improvements, FIFA 23 is not without its flaws. AI remains a persistent issue, particularly on Legendary difficulty. Lower-ranked teams can exhibit unrealistic dribbling and passing, while higher-ranked teams relentlessly press, making it challenging to maintain possession. Goalkeepers occasionally make baffling errors. The Power Shot, while visually appealing, can feel unrealistic and unbalanced, allowing for improbable goals. The gameplay still leans heavily on pace and short passing in the box, exploiting defensive AI weaknesses.

FIFA 23 AI issues

While promoting women’s football and featuring the fictional Ted Lasso team, FIFA 23 lacks women’s club leagues or youth leagues. The World Cup update is also absent in the initial release. Career Mode, while improved, feels underdeveloped compared to FUT. Player Career lacks the depth of a true RPG, despite off-field activities. Manager Career suffers from illogical player valuations, clunky menu navigation, and awkward button remapping. While Juventus returns after a licensing hiatus, teams like AS Roma, Atalanta, and Barcelona remain exclusive to Konami.

FIFA 23 unrealistic gameplay

FIFA 23 introduces welcome improvements, particularly in visuals and set pieces. However, familiar AI issues and a reliance on pace-based gameplay persist. While offering a glimpse of the future EA Sports FC might hold, FIFA 23 feels like a transitional title, leaving some fans with a sense of unfulfilled potential. The game delivers a solid, albeit imperfect, final chapter in the FIFA era.

FIFA 23 Ted Lasso

FIFA 23 Women's Football

FIFA 23 Manager Career