FIFA 23

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FIFA 23 Review: The Beautiful Game’s Bold Farewell to the Past

The final chapter of EA Sports’ long-standing partnership with FIFA is more than just a football game – it’s a celebration, a revolution, and a farewell gift wrapped in stunning detail.

The End of an Era

With FIFA 23, EA Sports closes the curtain on a 30-year legacy under the iconic FIFA brand. As the last installment in the franchise before it evolves into EA Sports FC, FIFA 23 carries the heavy responsibility of honoring its roots while pushing toward a modern football experience.

So, does it deliver? In many ways – absolutely. But the answer is more layered than a simple yes or no. FIFA 23 is both a celebration and a contradiction – it introduces bold improvements but holds onto familiar flaws. It’s a game built on evolution, not revolution, and that makes it both comforting and frustrating.

Let’s dive deep into what makes FIFA 23 one of the most intriguing entries in football gaming history.

HyperMotion2 Technology: The Heartbeat of Immersion

What is HyperMotion2?

The headline feature this year is HyperMotion2, an evolution of last year's motion capture engine. Using real match data from full 11v11 professional games, FIFA 23 generates ultra-realistic animations that dynamically adjust based on gameplay.

Does it Work?

In a word: yes. From the way players pivot, to how defenders anticipate runs, FIFA 23 feels incredibly alive. Every match pulses with energy. Strikers shimmy with finesse, defenders lunge with urgency, and goalkeepers scramble in believable chaos. You’ll feel the weight of the game more than ever before – especially in offline and slower-paced modes like Career.

It’s not perfect – occasionally animations will clash or feel awkward – but it’s a massive leap forward in realism.

Gameplay: More Strategic, Less Arcade

Slower, Smarter Football

Gone are the lightning-fast sprints of past FIFAs. FIFA 23 slows things down, encouraging build-up play, tactical positioning, and timing. It rewards players who think like managers, not just button-mashers.

Key changes include:

Power Shots: A new mechanic that allows for blistering, high-risk shots. They feel satisfying when they connect but are hard to master.
Revamped Free Kicks and Penalties: The new system is more visual and intuitive. You’ll see your aiming arc and spin – perfect for newcomers.
Defending Improvements: Defenders now jockey more naturally, intercept passes smarter, and position better against crosses.

Is It Still Fun?

Yes – but more so if you're patient. Quick, aggressive players may initially feel stifled. But once you adjust, you’ll uncover a game rich in nuance and realism.

Graphics and Presentation: Stadiums Come Alive

FIFA 23 is stunning. It’s not just about photorealistic players (though that’s a highlight) – it’s the little things:

The camera pans during goal celebrations.
The dynamic lighting in Champions League nights.
The ripples in the net as the ball hits the back.

Crowds are more reactive, commentary is smoother, and cutscenes feel like actual TV broadcasts. The presentation has finally caught up with FIFA’s ambition to mirror real football.

Women’s Football: A Long-Awaited Leap

One of FIFA 23’s most exciting additions is the expansion of women’s football. For the first time ever, players can:

Compete in Women’s Club Football, including the English WSL and French D1.
Experience female career mode players.
Play with women in FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT).

These are not token gestures. The animations, likenesses, and gameplay feel carefully crafted. It’s a milestone moment for inclusivity in sports gaming.

Career Mode: Still a Gem, Still Needs Polishing

What’s New?

Playable Highlights: Instead of playing the full match, you now get key moments (e.g., attacking chances, penalties) to influence results.
Transfer Analysts: You’ll receive grades and feedback on your signings – a nice touch of Football Manager flair.
Real Managers: For the first time, you can play as big-name coaches like Jurgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola.

What’s Still Missing?

Despite these improvements, Career Mode still lacks depth compared to true management sims. There’s minimal press interaction, poor player development systems, and repetitive objectives. It’s fun – especially for casual players – but it could be so much more.

FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT): Familiar but Fused

New Chemistry System

One of the most controversial changes is the revamped chemistry system. It’s now more flexible – players don’t have to be directly next to each other on the pitch to link. It opens up creative squad-building, but some veterans may miss the old layout.

FUT Moments

A great addition for solo players, FUT Moments are bite-sized challenges inspired by real football scenarios. Want to recreate Messi’s World Cup magic or Haaland’s hat trick? Here’s your chance.

Pay-to-Win Still Exists

Let’s be honest – loot boxes and microtransactions still haunt FUT. While you can enjoy it without spending, competitive players often feel pressured to invest real money.

Volta & Pro Clubs: Minor Tweaks, Major Potential

Volta Football

FIFA’s street football mode, Volta, is still stylish and vibrant, but content feels recycled. The arcade modes are fun, especially with friends, but lack long-term depth.

Pro Clubs

A fan-favorite mode where you control a single custom player online. FIFA 23 adds shared progression with Volta and cosmetic unlocks, but crossplay (available only in limited forms) is still missing from Pro Clubs, frustrating many in the community.

Crossplay: A Long-Awaited Revolution

Finally – FIFA 23 introduces cross-platform play between PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

But – and it’s a big but – it’s only available in 1v1 modes like:

Online Seasons
Ultimate Team (excluding co-op)

Modes like Pro Clubs and Career Mode online features still lack crossplay. Hopefully, EA Sports FC will fix that.

Audio & Commentary: Immersive but Repetitive

The commentary team, led by Derek Rae and Stewart Robson, delivers solid performances. There are new lines, better context-based reactions, and more excitement in big matches. However, after a few hours, repetition sets in.

The soundtrack is as energetic as ever, blending global pop, indie, and EDM. It complements the menus and loading screens perfectly.

Accessibility and UI: Cleaner, Smarter

Menus are now snappier and less cluttered. EA has also added:

Better colorblind options
Improved controller remapping
Simplified tutorials for beginners

It’s a subtle but crucial step in making FIFA 23 playable for all audiences.

The Verdict: FIFA 23’s Legacy in the Making

The Good

HyperMotion2 makes gameplay feel more authentic
Gorgeous graphics and atmosphere
Expanded women’s football representation
Crossplay (finally!)
Deepest FIFA to date in terms of modes and content

The Bad

Career Mode still lacks true depth
FUT is still monetization-heavy
Crossplay isn’t across all modes
Some legacy bugs and animation glitches remain

Who Should Play FIFA 23?

🎮 New Players: With smoother tutorials, crossplay, and accessible mechanics, FIFA 23 is an ideal entry point.

⚽ Football Fans: If you love the sport, this is the most realistic digital version to date.

👥 Casual Gamers: Jump into Volta or Career Mode for relaxed, solo fun.

💰 Competitive Players: FUT remains the king – if you're willing to grind (or pay).

What’s Next? The Future as EA Sports FC

FIFA 23 is more than just a yearly update – it’s the closing ceremony of an era. With EA Sports FC 24 taking over next, expectations are high for innovation and freedom outside FIFA’s licensing.

But FIFA 23 doesn’t feel like it’s winding down. It feels like it’s gearing up. It celebrates the past and sets the foundation for the future – with just enough innovation to stay exciting and just enough familiarity to feel comforting.

A Worthy Send-Off

FIFA 23 may not be perfect, but it’s ambitious, beautiful, and bold. It’s a game that respects its legacy while testing new waters. For long-time fans, it’s a heartfelt farewell. For newcomers, it’s an inviting gateway into the world’s most beloved sport.

Whether you’re chasing Champions League glory, building your dream Ultimate Team, or just scoring screamers with your favorite player, FIFA 23 offers a rich, layered football experience that’s hard to put down.

So lace up your digital boots – one last time under the FIFA banner.