Realism and Tiki-Taka!

My journey with FIFA started back in 2009 after being a big fan of the PES series, which dominated football games in Egypt and the Arab world at the time. PES 06 was one of my favorite games, but discovering FIFA shifted my preference. FIFA felt more realistic with its physics, injuries, and even handball rules!

FIFA 23 is the final installment of the series with this title, as EA’s contract with FIFA is ending. This game acts as a celebration of the series’ legacy. With such a rich history, does FIFA 23 live up to expectations? Let’s find out in this review.

Over the years, FIFA’s popularity soared with the introduction of Ultimate Team, becoming the primary reason for purchasing the game annually. However, this often left other game modes like Career Mode neglected. This year, things are different, with notable improvements across all modes and impactful technical enhancements.

Technical Changes

The new Hypermotion 2 technology significantly enhances motion capture, now available on PC and next-gen consoles. Player movements feel more realistic, with individual animations tailored to players like Dembele, Vinicius Jr., and Mbappe. This adds depth and authenticity to gameplay.

Facial expressions have also been updated, making characters more lifelike. Additionally, free kicks now require more skill, and the overall gameplay has slowed down, emphasizing passing over fast-paced goals.

The AI has seen major improvements, offering smarter positioning and more challenging gameplay. Goalkeepers also have refined animations, with individual finger movements allowing for more dynamic saves.

Offline Modes

Career Mode received much-needed attention this year. You can now play as real managers, invest in club activities, or focus on highlights with the new Playable Highlights feature, which lets you control key moments in a match rather than simulating entire games.

Player Career Mode has also improved with the Player Personality system, allowing you to develop your player’s traits to match your preferred style, whether as a leader, team player, or solo performer.

Ultimate Team

Ultimate Team sees three major changes:

1. A revamped chemistry system that no longer uses colored lines but instead focuses on player positions and leagues, providing more flexibility in team building.
2. The introduction of Star Currency, which allows you to purchase players either on loan or permanently, adding a strategic layer to managing your resources.
3. FUT Moments: Bite-sized challenges throughout the year, offering rewards for casual players who can’t commit to weekly challenges.

Graphics and audio are the best in the series, with detailed character models, realistic stadiums, and immersive commentary. Cinematic elements add to the experience, making matches feel like live broadcasts.

Final Verdict: 9.5/10

Highly recommended!

Special thanks to Electronic Arts for providing the review copy.

Available now at Gamezawy Store