FIFA 23

In the end, the upsides far outweigh the downsides or omissions, and the creators' concentration on improving the modes that earn the most money is logical. As a whole, however, the game works well.

FIFA 23 is perfectly serviceable, the gluttony of FIFA fans won't find much to complain about. Truth be told, the formula is so one-dimensional that it is hard to get wrong after iterating on the same product year after year. Subtle tweaks to gameplay do mix things up, but not enough has been done to refresh the modes on offer. Either EA are out of ideas, or they are storing them up for their next game in their new franchise. Anyone looking a football game in 2023 though should certainly stick with the tried and tested FIFA.

If better hair physics is what you were hoping for when it comes to the new edition of FIFA – you’re in luck! The hair looks gorgeous now. But as for the other, more important things we need, it is the same as always. It takes a bit of improvement and a lot to pay for it.

FIFA 23 signs off on EA and FIFA’s partnership with another solid entry that brings the gameplay experience closer to the real thing, but it’s once again sullied by its Ultimate Team monetisation.

FIFA 23 is a modest final hurrah for one of the most iconic game series of all time. It feels like EA Sports is saving the big advances for its EA Sports FC replacement coming next year, with FIFA 23 only offering marginal flourishes of something great and a lot of repetition. On the pitch, the game of football is good – better in many ways than FIFA 22. Animations are smooth and varied, there’s more free-flowing action and more variety in player types. Yet, everything else feels half-baked. Career mode is, to put it mildly, awful and Ultimate Team remains a cash grab that’s only for those willing to put far too much into it. The commentary is equally terrible, and while the larger focus on the women’s game is great, it‘s too limited.