EA Sports FC 24, the inaugural entry after the split from the FIFA license, promised an evolution in football gaming. EA touted increased innovation, particularly within the popular Ultimate Team mode with the introduction of Evolutions. However, beneath the fresh branding, EA Sports FC 24 largely feels like a familiar experience, especially for casual players.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Many players appreciate the consistent foundation of annual sports titles. EA FC 24 does offer some deeper tactical adjustments in Manager Career mode, allowing for the hiring of specialized assistant coaches to enhance training. While a welcome addition for dedicated managers, it’s not quite on par with the depth of Football Manager and likely won’t resonate with the majority of players who prioritize transfers and winning titles. Similarly, Player Career mode introduces an Agent system with objectives, but these largely reflect existing gameplay patterns. While these are worthwhile additions for engaged players, they don’t constitute a revolutionary shift in gameplay.
PlayStyles: The True Game Changer in EAFC 24
ea-sports-fc-24-1.pngThe most significant advancement in EA Sports FC 24 is the PlayStyles system. While gameplay improvements are subtle, with slightly enhanced dribbling and passing, PlayStyles differentiate top players. Consider them enhanced versions of FIFA 23’s Traits.
With 34 PlayStyles and their upgraded PlayStyle+ counterparts, on-screen icons indicate activation, allowing players to understand their function and optimal deployment. The impact of these PlayStyles is noticeable. For example, Thiago Silva’s “Anticipate” PlayStyle visibly improves his defensive interceptions. The long-term evolution of PlayStyles, especially within Ultimate Team, will be intriguing. Will future high-rated cards boast multiple PlayStyle+ traits, creating unstoppable forces on the pitch? The potential for game-changing dynamics is undeniable.
Ultimate Team: New Features, Persistent Server Issues
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Ultimate Team, the heart of EA FC 24, has received notable updates, including a revamped menu system and the introduction of Evolutions, which offer potential benefits for budget-conscious players. The inclusion of both male and female players has also been a positive addition, creating diverse team compositions. However, these improvements are overshadowed by persistent server problems.
Long-standing server issues continue to plague the EA Sports franchise, affecting EA FC 24. Disconnections and lost Objective progress remain frustratingly common. For a game of this scale and profitability, these issues are unacceptable, especially when premium in-game purchases are readily available during early access.
Conclusion: A Familiar Pitch
EA Sports FC 24 offers a solid, if familiar, football experience. While it boasts a wealth of content and some notable improvements, it falls short of being a true evolution. EA’s focus on licensing continues to prioritize acquiring real-world players over substantial improvements in gameplay and core modes.
For those who have been consistently playing the FIFA series, EA FC 24 might not offer enough to justify an upgrade. A more prudent approach might be to purchase every few iterations. Consider setting spending limits within Ultimate Team to avoid unnecessary expenses. Hopefully, future installments of EAFC will build upon this foundation and deliver a more compelling and truly innovative football gaming experience.
Score: 3/5
EA Sports FC 24 was reviewed on PlayStation 5 with a review copy provided by the publisher. The game launched on September 22 for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms.
