After nearly 30 years under the FIFA license, EA Sports’ relationship with the international football association FIFA has concluded. Consequently, all previous FIFA titles have been removed from digital storefronts, highlighting a key consideration when acquiring digital licenses. This year’s football offering from EA Sports is rebranded as FC 24 (Football Club 24). Despite this significant name change, the game largely maintains the established core structure and mechanics, while also incorporating several notable changes and enhancements.

One of the most prominent, and debated, alterations is the integration of female players into the popular Ultimate Team mode. This decision has sparked discussion within the community, with some questioning the competitive balance and realism of mixed-gender teams. However, it’s crucial to remember that this is a video game, where absolute realism is not always the primary design principle. Furthermore, the inclusion of female players introduces greater diversity in team composition and potentially attracts a broader audience. While met with mixed reactions, this inclusion can be viewed as a progressive step for the franchise.
From a technical standpoint, EA Sports FC 24 features graphical enhancements. The user interface has been optimized for improved speed and navigation, resulting in a more polished user experience. The introduction of new camera angles across various game modes adds a fresh perspective to gameplay. Player animations and on-field interactions have also been refined to deliver a more authentic and responsive feel.

Despite these improvements, the game exhibits some initial issues. Goalkeeper AI can occasionally be erratic, potentially leading to frustrating moments for players. Furthermore, several bugs and glitches persist within Ultimate Team, which will hopefully be addressed in subsequent updates. Notwithstanding these shortcomings, the title provides a generally robust and enjoyable gaming experience.
Another point of consideration is the limited number of significant changes to certain game modes, despite the rebranding. This may lead to the perception that the title is not as revolutionary as expected. However, EA Sports FC 24 remains a dependable football simulation that delivers an engaging experience for both returning and new players.

In conclusion, EA Sports FC 24 is a solid installment in the long-running football franchise. While it presents some shortcomings and controversies, it still delivers an entertaining and immersive gaming experience. With further refinements and adjustments, it has the potential to achieve even greater success in the future.
EA Sports provided a review copy for this assessment. Provision of materials does not influence our editorial objectivity.