UFL: A New Soccer Game Faces the Giants – Compete or Just Try?

EA Sports FC, formerly known as FIFA, has been dominating soccer video games for a long time. But now, in a bold move to shake things up, Strikerz Studio has finally released its long-awaited game, UFL, after 8 years of development and delays. The game is now available in early access, with the global release happening on December 5, 2024.

Originally, UFL was planned for release in September, but Strikerz delayed it to December after the last beta version received heavy criticism. It’s clear the company wanted to deliver a polished experience for players. Currently, the game is available only on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a PC version promised for 2025.

UFL is one of the new soccer games aiming to compete with giants like EA Sports FC and eFootball. What makes UFL special is that it is free-to-play, allowing many players to try it without spending a lot of money. Additionally, the game focuses on “fair play,” ensuring balanced competition instead of “pay-to-win” mechanics. This means whether you’re a pro or a casual player, you can enjoy fair gameplay without excessive purchases.

What makes UFL stand out isn’t just that it’s free; it also focuses on delivering a fun soccer experience with new ideas to enhance interaction and competition. Developed in collaboration with soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo, UFL aims to prioritize quality and enjoyment over excessive monetization.

Although the game is still in its early stages, beta versions have already allowed many players to test the mechanics and performance. This has sparked discussions about its strengths and weaknesses. So, can UFL stand up to giants like EA Sports FC and eFootball? Let’s find out!

Game Content

UFL offers a unique soccer experience with over 5,000 licensed players. You can build your dream team featuring global stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have a top rating of 91, making them some of the strongest players available.

The game features only 5 licensed teams: AS Monaco, FC Porto, PSV Eindhoven, Beşiktaş, and Shakhtar Donetsk. These teams come with their real kits, logos, and stadiums, providing a highly authentic experience.

The remaining teams in the game are 24 fictional ones, with no connection to real-world soccer. These teams are more for entertainment and expanding options but don’t offer the same sense of realism as licensed teams.

One standout feature of UFL is its focus on starting your team from scratch and improving it yourself. If you love building something your way, this game is perfect for you. But if you’re more into playing with well-known clubs in authentic settings, games like EA Sports FC 25 might offer a better experience with extensive licenses and real-world teams.

Another difference between UFL and EA Sports FC 25 is the absence of random card packs. In UFL, you can directly buy players from the market. The game features two in-game currencies: Credit Points (CP) and Reputation Points (RP). The better you play, the closer you get to acquiring the players you want.

UFL also encourages creativity and customization. You can buy skins to personalize your players or even design your own stadiums. The game has a partnership with Adidas, letting you add special kits to your team. These skins don’t just look good; they also provide skill boosts, adding a new layer of strategy to the game.

Game Modes

Local Mode

Local mode is great for players who like playing with friends or against AI without needing an internet connection. In UFL, this mode offers a simple but fun experience, similar to the “Kick-Off” mode in other soccer games like EA Sports FC.

It includes 29 unique teams designed to fit the game’s atmosphere. You can play offline, making it ideal for casual matches or practicing with a friend on the same console. You can even customize teams for a more personalized experience.

Global Online League

If you love competing with players worldwide, this mode is for you. Inspired by the Ultimate Team mode in EA Sports FC, this league introduces improvements to ensure fairness. You can build your team with licensed players without spending extra money for advantages. Your success here relies entirely on your skills and team management.

The game also offers separate rankings for every team to make competition more organized. At the end of each season, one global champion is crowned, giving players a year-round goal to improve their skills and prove themselves.

Ranked and Unranked Modes

Ranked mode is for serious competitors. There’s no room for luck or mistakes, as success depends solely on your skill and strategy. With no paid advantages, competition here is pure and fair.

For players looking for a more relaxed experience, Unranked mode offers casual matches where you can experiment or play with friends without worrying about results.

Small Team Matches (2v2 or 3v3)

This mode is perfect for players who enjoy teamwork. You can form a small team with friends and compete against others. The fun here isn’t just about winning but also about improving coordination and communication.

Gameplay

UFL leaves you with mixed feelings. It has some great features that grab your attention, but certain flaws ruin the excitement. Let’s dive into the details.

Passing is smooth and satisfying, especially short passes. Long passes add a strategic element as your team moves smartly into positions. Offensive AI works well, making attack-building enjoyable.

However, shooting feels inconsistent. While it can be fun and varied, goalkeeper performance is unpredictable and often frustrating. Defensive play is clunky, and tackling lacks creativity, making defense challenging.

Collision mechanics and speed exploitation further disrupt balance, and technical errors like unreliable VAR decisions hinder the overall experience.

Graphics and UI

Built on Unreal Engine 5, UFL offers detailed visuals but falls short compared to competitors like EA Sports FC. Player and stadium designs are decent but lack the polish of top-tier games. UI design is clean and user-friendly, making team management and gameplay setup straightforward.

Final Rating

7/10

UFL offers a fresh soccer experience but still needs major improvements to compete seriously. While promising off-field ideas and a free-to-play model attract attention, core issues affect enjoyment. With updates and new modes promised, UFL might have a bright future. For now, it’s a decent choice for those seeking something different, but the journey is just beginning.