When I play these titles every year, I always ask the same type of question. What’s so interesting about this new thing? Isn’t it the same as last year? They slapped a new name on it and sent it again? Although some of these questions are guaranteed, the answers usually depend on which type of fan you are.
The EA Sports FC 26 is the best in both worlds in many ways. Thanks to improved quality of life and new gameplay presets, this year’s release is not only one of the best for a while, but also the best option for both hardcore and casual fans. There is a depth that the experience allows, the level of experiments and the experiments. Everything takes everyone on the ride while dealing with the appeal of pickup and play.
That being said, FC 26 is not without flaws. That gameplay is a great strength if you can overcome the greedy ultimate team mode and new season pass.
Your Presets, Your Method
The biggest addition to the EA Sports FC 26 is a collection of new gameplay presets. Players can choose competitive and authentic presets that change the general feel and pace of each match. Competitive presets are still the standard or familiar EA Sports FC experience, with fast-paced gameplay and a more responsive feel.
Real presets slow things down even further for a more realistic approach. It really applies to every aspect of gameplay and you can feel it. The pass must be completed with proper power, positioning and first touch being important. You even need to work a little harder to time your passes and acquire teammates in a favorable situation.
Credit: Electronic Arts
This latter preset is closer to the pacing and action you’ll see during live matches, but I’m a fan of this approach to versatility based on player skills and confidence as well as reliability. It is also worth noting that even if the wind can affect the path, you can still jump and fine-tune these presets for a custom approach. The mode itself already gives players an impressive amount of control, so it’s great to see the gameplay that follows the suit.
Unfortunately, however, the real presets are only available in offline mode. This is an understandable attempt to maintain all online interactions in an equal arena. But at the same time, it means that you can’t even use this preset on Ultimate teams playing in single-player matches.
The player and keeper AI are much smarter, snappier and more responsive this year. It all runs through the look. This is obviously standard for each recent entry.
The Art of Victory
There are also many ways to get involved with FC 26. This has a long list of return modes, some of which are given some neat improvements. The Ultimate team is most loved with new live events that will be renewed during this year and with new Challengers competitions that allow players to participate in matches with higher stakes. The knockout tournament is still here, but I have to admit, it is still the most robust mode, or it is whether it is yourself for other players that come with grinding (or paying) for the best players.
The club may have gained the least love here, but the new archetype is a great addition. Structurally, the mode itself remains the same. Players can now form games and attributes based on a bunch of players, both past and present. Similar to the competitive mode based on player stats, we all work on using the same archetype, but it’s better than nothing and is the best mode to jump with friends.
Credit: Electronic Arts
The player and manager career modes also return, allowing Sheidon to be a bit harsh as the former mode makes the archetype play offline and the latter mode brings unexpected events to the fold. For example, players can lose all their low morale and confidence, and coordinate their teams on the spot, urging players to return to chip-top form, both physically and mentally.
Kick-off is packed with customization options for those looking for a quick game, but Rush brings the chaotic fun we’ve had for years. I’m glad that both competitive and authentic modes are applied here. They are perfect for grasping new touches and honing their skills. That being said, they will feel very familiar to the fans returning.
More money, more problems
We have been here before and will do our best to keep this short and sweet. EA Sports FC 26 wants more money. Certainly, the ultimate team is as robust and attractive as possible, so it’s still the same as the longest time. But it’s the second half of the introduction of season pass at EA Sports FC 25 last year, and it’s now at the time of the FC 26 launch, which is even worse. Like other season passes like Call of Duty and Fortnite, players get plenty of access to free rewards and rewards that can be purchased in in-game currency.
Credit: Electronic Arts
The only problem here is that when you’re on your pass this season, you’re looking more than ever and locked behind the paywall. Still, the things you can buy after unlocking XP are so expensive that you’ll either spend hours in career mode or simply pay them with your own cash. This is an attempted formula that shows developers and publishers’ electronic arts own your money, your time, or both.
Given the iconic player to add to Manager mode, this double-edged sword feels even more painful. Because the game itself is more robust and versatile than ever when it comes to additional content, so much of it costs additional costs. Hard pills for swallowing have become much more difficult with FC 26.
Final Thoughts
Overall, EA Sports FC 26 is a great football game that is strongly defined by new gameplay presets, and can help you simplify or deepen things depending on your experience and intentions.
Although it looks great and plays great, the new season pass and greedy ultimate team mode demand more cash (or time) than ever before, and keeps the experience in the long term. If you can hide your wallet, it’s a shift in the right direction of the core.
4 stars (out of 5)
Highlights: Competitiveness and authentic modes add a big boost to the overall gameplay. The ultimate team is busier than ever. The new archetype system feels great
Low Light: Brutal Season Pass and Ultimate Team Still Want Your Money
Developer: EA Romania, EA Vancouver
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC
Available: Now
Reviews conducted on the PlayStation 5 Pro use code provided by the publisher.
Featured header images provided by the publisher.
