TITLE: EA SPORTS™ FIFA 23
DEVELOPER: EA Canada & EA Romania
PUBLISHER: Electronic Arts
RELEASE DATE: Sep 30, 2022
GENRE: Simulation, Sports
FIFA 23 is the final installment of the FIFA game series before EA and FIFA part ways, marking the end of the legendary name in the most popular football game on the planet. EA understands this and has put a lot of effort into FIFA 23. Gamers will not only experience new features but also see EA address long-awaited changes that football enthusiasts have been longing for.
Cross-Play makes its debut
Cross-Play is undoubtedly the most anticipated feature in the FIFA game, and it’s only in the “final” installment, FIFA 23, that this feature is officially introduced (FIFA 22 had it in a testing phase). With Cross-Play, FIFA players on different platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, can compete against each other. Players on next-gen platforms like PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Stadia, and PC will be compatible with each other, as will those playing on current-gen platforms like PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
The great thing is that Cross-Play will be available in FUT as well, except for co-op mode. This feature is beloved by gamers because it allows them to play and interact with friends on different platforms. Particularly in FUT mode, players will have more opponents, and the matchmaking process will be faster, ensuring that you always face opponents of similar skill level and stable internet connections.
The real-world experience of Cross-Play in FIFA 23 shows that EA has implemented this feature quite well. Players will be prioritized to match with opponents on the same platform. However, if the matchmaking process takes too long to find opponents with similar Elo, it will switch to matching with opponents on different platforms. The network connection is relatively stable, and if you face opponents on different platforms, the connection will be around 95% comparable to playing against opponents on the same platform, which is completely acceptable. Cross-Play will solve the problem of a lack of opponents, not only in ranked matches (Rivals or FUT Champions) but also in challenging tasks within the game. Of course, Cross-Play is a feature that you can completely disable if you don’t want to use it.
The most authentic gameplay to date
Gameplay in FIFA has always been a topic of debate among gamers, with differing opinions in every aspect. EA can’t please everyone, so they have brought a more authentic gameplay experience in FIFA 23, while still being entertaining.
The player movement in the game is where FIFA 23 sees the most improvement with Hypermotion 2 technology. Instead of simulating individual players as before, FIFA 23 simulates real-life 11 vs. 11 matches, incorporating machine learning AI from 9.2 million frames of real football matches. The most impressive aspect is the individual player animations. While previously only a few famous players had their own animations, FIFA 23 adds up to 6000 different animations. You will notice more diverse running styles, passing postures, crosses, shots, and more from the players in FIFA 23.
The physics mechanism has also been enhanced as FIFA 23 introduces new features such as the Power Shot, which is executed by pressing L1+R1+Shoot instead of the previous Driven Shot. With the Power Shot, players can shoot with more power and force, but the shot animation is slower, making it easier for opponents to intercept the ball. In addition, there are new penalty kicks, free kicks, and corner kicks, bringing fresh changes to the gameplay. Of course, the physics in player movements and ball trajectory have been made more realistic thanks to a new collision prediction system that mimics real-life matches.
When experiencing the first few games in FIFA 23, you will clearly feel the changes. Firstly, in terms of defense, players accurately intercept and mark more closely, resulting in fewer instances of the ball going through players, but still allowing attackers to continue their runs. In this FIFA 23 version, players with high defensive attributes such as Van Dijk, Rudiger, Koulibaily, etc., will find it easier to jockey. On the other hand, attacking players participating in defense will be less effective when jockeying. Furthermore, increasing the pace for the overall level of defenders provides players with more options for meta defenders compared to previous versions.
Although defenders are smarter, goalkeepers in FIFA 23 seem to be less responsive compared to previous versions. When facing shots in one-on-one situations, goalkeepers often dive slowly and are easily beaten. This makes scoring in face-to-face situations appear easier. However, this is considered realistic as in real life, attackers often have the advantage in one-on-one situations. The advice is to choose goalkeepers with high attributes because players like Courtois, Lloris, De Gea, etc., will have faster reflexes, increasing their chances of successful saves.
The pace of matches in FIFA 23 has slowed down compared to previous versions. Additionally, tall and fast players like Haaland, Nunez have more impressive acceleration. Previously, small and fast players always ran smoothly and easily bypassed tall players, but now physicality plays a significant role in FIFA 23. Tall players will have advantages in shielding the ball, providing defensive cover, and creating a more balanced and realistic gameplay experience.
The scoring meta in FIFA 22 was previously centered around the “Extra Pass,” which involved making short passes inside the penalty area (mostly sideways) to set up the final player for an easy goal. However, this is more challenging to execute in FIFA 23. If a player shoots immediately after a body turn, the shot will be very light and can be easily blocked by the goalkeeper. In FIFA 23, players have more diverse attacking options and prioritize short lob passes and through balls.
In addition, lofted ball attacks have been buffed in FIFA 23, as crossing is very accurate. You can cross the ball or deliver a high ball into the penalty area, and forwards often position themselves intelligently to receive the ball. The diversity in FIFA 23 makes matches more exciting, and players can showcase their individual playing styles instead of everyone following a specific meta game.
The graphics in FIFA 23 are vibrant, with added effects
The playing field appears brighter and more saturated. Additionally, EA has included more details and updated the faces of famous players to resemble their real-life counterparts. You’ll notice beautiful ball shadows and lighting effects in FIFA 23. Moreover, real-life elements such as players lying beneath the defensive wall during free kicks or new celebration styles have been added to the game. Small details like the impactful sound when the ball hits the net or players skimming the grass during celebrations create a certain level of excitement when playing the game.
There are significant changes in Chemistry and Position within FIFA Ultimate Team
After many years, EA has revolutionized the Chemistry system, which brings the most benefits to the FIFA game series. While the previous Chemistry system focused on the connections between players standing next to each other in the team lineup, the new mechanism establishes links based on shared nationality, club, or league. Each player can have a maximum of 3 Chemistry points, instead of the previous 10. The higher the Chemistry points, the more their stats are boosted. Although EA states that even with 0 Chemistry points, players will still perform well with their base stats, avid gamers will strive to achieve full Chemistry for their entire team to gain the greatest advantage in each match.
The beauty of the new Chemistry system is that you can create more diverse teams, as players can now establish strong links even if their positions are far apart. For example, you can link Messi with Marquinhos or the wing duo of Arnold and Robertson, which was not possible in previous FUT editions. However, this doesn’t mean that achieving full chemistry has become easier. Players now have to be in the correct position to receive Chemistry points, and even a slight deviation (such as placing a CDM in the CM position) will result in no Chemistry points. This keeps players constantly thinking and strategizing when building their squads or completing Squad Building Challenges.
Speaking of player positions, Position continues to be a significant change in FIFA 23. Previously, players could only switch positions vertically and couldn’t change from midfield to defense or switch wings. In FIFA 23, players will have secondary positions, similar to real life. For example, Cancelo can play both left-back and right-back, or Phil Foden can play as an attacking midfielder or left midfielder. This is a logical and realistic change, and it also benefits EA in terms of introducing more player cards with additional secondary positions in the future.
Regarding legendary cards, EA has added new icons this year, such as Muller, Xabi Alonso, and Jairzinho, while some player cards will transition from icons to heroes, like Okocha. Additionally, there are several notable new heroes, including Yaya Toure, Harry Kewell, Park Ji Sung, Rudi Voller, Lucio, and more.
Career Mode in FIFA 23 focuses more on off-the-field activities.
The game mode aims to simulate what players and football managers experience in real life. The Dynamic Moments feature captures memorable moments in your player or manager’s career. For example, signing a contract with your favorite club, making your first start in the lineup (for players), or finalizing blockbuster transfer deals (for managers). This adds more liveliness to your career.
FIFA 23 introduces pre-season friendlies, just like in real life. Winning these matches earns you additional bonuses for your transfer budget, and it allows you to assess which players are in good form for the upcoming season. Additionally, you have the option to play as one of the 350 real-world football managers, such as embodying Pep Guardiola or Antonio Conte.
Playable Highlights is a feature that career mode players will certainly enjoy. Instead of playing the full match, which can be time-consuming, or simulating it with random outcomes, you can choose to play specific key moments in the game. For example, you can participate in an attacking situation that could lead to a goal for your team or defend against a dangerous opponent’s attacking scenario. You can directly enter the match and control these situations to achieve favorable results without wasting time.
In addition, Career Mode in FIFA 23 offers many exciting features, such as shopping activities and off-the-field investments. You can invest in stocks, engage in charitable activities, or buy luxurious items. All of these activities will influence the personality of your character and their on-field expressions. Alongside that, the transfer mechanism and financial budget are given more attention with various details, but the writer wants to leave it for you to explore when you experience the game.
Verdict
FIFA 23 serves as EA’s farewell to the legendary FIFA name before rebranding the game title as EA Sports FC next year. Perhaps that’s why FIFA 23 brings forth many groundbreaking changes, making it the most beloved soccer game. Although there are still some flaws and shortcomings, FIFA 23 remains a worthwhile game to experience, especially for football lovers. The FIFA 23 Ultimate edition is now officially available for players, while the FIFA 23 Standard edition will be released on October 1st, 2022. So what are you waiting for? Turn on your console, grab your controller, and immerse yourself in your own moments of football!