Preview
FIFA 23: All the key gameplay features of the final installment of the saga
We tell you all FIFA 23 highlights, the final installment of the saga that will debut on September 30 on PS5, PS4, Xbox, PC, Stadia and Nintendo Switch.
29 years later, a successful era in virtual soccer is coming to an end. EA Sports and FIFA will go their separate ways starting next season. FIFA 23 is the last dance of a franchise that has transcended the pitch. Those responsible for it emphasize that the greatest ambition has been placed on this release despite the fact that EA Sports FC is on the horizon. In fact, they qualify it as "the biggest FIFA ever made, more connected and inclusive".
The official covers, especially the one for the Ultimate Edition, are a foretaste of the decisions taken. Women's soccer is gaining presence at all levels, the number of licenses is expanding and the World Cup is in sight. Everything is ready for its release next September 30 on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Google Stadia and Nintendo Switch (in its Legacy Edition). A few days earlier, on September 27, early access for the Ultimate Edition will begin.
Women's soccer expansion
EA Sports has decided to take steps forward so that women's footbal takes a more relevant role in their offer. For the first time in the series, we will be able to control clubs based on two of the most outstanding leagues on the planet. The chosen ones for the launch will be the Barclays Women's Super League (England) and the Division 1 Arkema (France), which in total add up to 24 playable teams with the same treatment as the men's soccer competitions. Their appearance coincides with an important boost to the controls that we will be able to tell you about in the near future.
Sam Kerr's prominence in FIFA 23 is not only due to his excellent performance for her club Chelsea. Her Australian origin makes her one of the main attractions of the Women's World Cup in New Zealand and Australia 2023, which will also be present in the video game. It will be accompanied by the contents of the Qatar 2022 Men's World Cup, which adds up to two World Cups in the same release. The studio invites us to find out more details about its impact on the rest of the game modes at a later date.
Connected community
FIFA 23 will be the first edition of the franchise to feature full cross-play functionality at launch. The tests carried out during FIFA 22 seem to have been successful. The chosen system divides the community by generations, i.e. PS4 and Xbox One will be able to play against each other, but not against PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Google Stadia, which go together in the current generation bundle.
Yes, you read that right: the PC version will be included in the same package. The community on Origin and Steam will receive the same functionalities as the current systems. This update will increase the minimum and recommended requirements given the technological leap. Cross-play will be available in all 1vs1 game modes.
HyperMotion2: the quest for authenticity
HyperMotion2 technology debuted last year as a way to translate what happens in real-life fields into video games. The technical potential enabled by the current generation supports a complex network of algorithms that make animations and artificial intelligence flow in more natural ways than ever before. FIFA 23 debuts the second edition, which expands the amount of data available in the engine.
While we can't go into detail on how these changes occur yet, players will see some differentiated elements from FIFA 22. The most obvious improvement lies in AcceleRATE, a new speed system that determines a player's traits based on his speed and acceleration. We will find three types: explosive, long-range and peak speed. If the pace had an influence, these traits will be even more influential as the player feels in full run.
Sam Rivera, gameplay producer at EA Vancouver, gives us an example of two completely different types of player. Kylian Mbappé has an explosive acceleration, he manages to get a lot of advantage in the first meters of the race and then stabilize his speed. If he is covered by a player like Virgil Van Dijk, for example, the Dutchman will suffer at the start of the run given his height (1.93 cm) in exchange for his stride being wider and more powerful. Casemiro would be one of the players in the third group; when running he will achieve his maximum speed at the halfway point of the sprint.
When controlling the ball we will see two relevant novelties. One of them is the technical dribble. Rivera explains that performing these breaks will be "more responsive than ever" thanks to the fact that the ball will feel closer to the ground than before. They have also wanted to transfer the personality of the players to their digital avatars. If we control Vinicius Jr we can perform those fake dribbles before directing the ball to the desired side, just as he does in real life. On the other hand, lowering the ball before shooting at goal will receive more natural transitions.
Without the ball, the improvements will be aimed at fighting on defense. Rivera promises that defenders will occupy spaces better and react better when blocking shots. When players are on the edge or inside the box we will see them automatically put their hands behind their backs.
Goalkeepers will make up for the mistakes seen in FIFA 22 when fighting for an aerial ball. With HyperMotion2 they will take into account the space between their body and the striker, allowing for more realistic behaviors when contact occurs in these situations. There are other playable details that may go somewhat unnoticed, but make a difference. When a player blocks his view in front of the striker, he will look for movement to continue to see him and will take a little longer to react if a shot is fired.
From powerful shots to new fouls
All versions of FIFA 23 will also include a variety of new gameplay features that expand the possibilities. The highlight is Power Shots, a new alternative shooting mechanic that rewards skill and risk. When shooting while holding R1+L1 (LB+RB) the player will prepare the leg slower than normal; in those moments the aiming becomes manual, and then the player will come out of the boot propelled with more force.
In 1-on-1 duels against the goalkeeper it seems that this will be the best way to resolve the situation, although the examples offered are more aimed at when we are in tight situations after a dribble. They are relatively easy for defenders to counter. Just by struggling the player can steal the ball while preparing his leg. You will know that a player is going to do it when there is a small zoom on the screen at the moment of making the gesture.
All set-piece situations have been completely redesigned. Fouls and corners offer two levels of adjustment, both the ball itself and the desired direction and effect. With the right stick you control a small target around the ball, and depending on where you place it the style of the shot will vary; with the left stick, on the other hand, you control the direction and curvature. Yes, we say goodbye to the targets in the fouls that have accompanied us for several installments.
Penalties add a sort of rhythm mini-game. Not only do you have to consider direction and power, but you must also nail the position of a constantly moving circle under the ball. If you get the green one, the one with the highest value, your shot will have the best chance of going between the posts.
The preseason kicks off
These are just a few glimpses of what's to come with FIFA 23 in all versions starting September 30. In the coming days we will be able to share specific details about Ultimate Team, Career mode, Pro Clubs and Volta Football, as well as statements from those responsible at the microphone about how they have brought soccer to life in the digital world. Let the ball roll.