Developer: Electric Arts
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Reviewed on: PS5
Also available on: PS4, Xbox Series X&S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Date: 29th September 23
Rating: G
Price: $89 JB HiFi
EAFC24 on the PlayStation 5 delivers a truly immersive and exciting football gaming experience that fans of the sport won't want to miss. With stunning graphics, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and a host of exciting features, it's a game that keeps you engaged from kick-off to the final whistle.
Visually, EAFC24 shines on the PS5. The player models, stadiums, and lighting effects are incredibly detailed, and are even better than the last title. The level of detail in player animations and facial expressions is impressive, adding authenticity to every moment on the pitch.
Gameplay has received notable improvements, offering smoother and more responsive controls. EAFC24 truly feels next gen, whether you're dribbling, passing, or taking shots on goal, the gameplay feels incredibly realistic. The AI has also been refined, creating more challenging and dynamic matches. I found in my time playing on professional difficulty was an enjoyable and challenging experience.
Plenty of work has been put into the (in)famous Ultimate Team game mode, now with the inclusion of playing either Women or Men on the field together. This has no doubt been a contentious debate amongst die-hard UT players, but one I quite enjoyed and gave It a fresh new feel. (De Bruyne > Sam Kerr? Yes Please!). As usual, it can still be an absolute money pit, and still requires you to grind through each match to garner coins and upgrade your team. I have never felt a strong connection to UT, but it is an entertaining enough game mode, and one that millions of people thoroughly enjoy.
The extensive manager and player career mode return as usual and whether you're managing a club or starting as a young player and working your way up the ranks, there's always something to look forward to. One of the downsides though is a bit of recycling when it comes to cut scenes and animations from EAs previous title, which feels phoned in. It didn’t necessarily detract from my experience, but it would have been nice to have some fresh content, as overall it feels very similar to FIFA 23.
The online multiplayer component is robust, offering competitive and cooperative modes for players to enjoy. As always, couch co-op is fun too, and there out of the block EAFC24 makes it easy to enjoy playing countless hours of football together with friends or family.
As enjoyable as my experience was, EAFC24 isn't without its flaws. Microtransactions are very prevalent in UT, and while they don't necessarily deliberately hinder gameplay, they can be a distraction and make it feel grindy. Gameplay wise, I have encountered many bugs, players clipping, crashing to home screen, and seemingly random issues like sound not working for a few minutes or menus freezing up. I am sure they will be mostly patched, but it is still frustrating.
Overall, EAFC24 is a must-have for football enthusiasts or casuals alike. Its stunning visuals, improved gameplay mechanics, and extensive game modes make it a standout title in the genre. The gameplay feels much improved from FIFA23, and while it may have a few minor issues, the overall experience it provides is undeniably captivating. So, lace up your virtual boots, grab your controller, and get ready for a thrilling football experience with EAFC24.
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