In the ever-changing landscape of video games, there are a few constants that players can rely on: death, taxes, and an annual soccer release from EA Sports. However, this year’s edition, EA FC 24, marks the beginning of a new era as it follows the split with the world governing body FIFA. While this divorce made headlines worldwide, it has not significantly impacted the game itself. EA FC 24 is precisely what “FIFA 24,” for better or worse, would have been, and that should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with the franchise.

EA Sports has adhered to its tried-and-tested formula for years, staying close to the path initially laid out with the release of Ultimate Team in FIFA 09. In the 15 years since, the franchise may not have consistently garnered critical acclaim, but it has undeniably become a commercial behemoth.

Once again, the focus in EA FC 24 is on the bottom line, with gameplay and new features taking a backseat to minor adjustments designed to enhance the money-spinning Ultimate Team mode.

Better Fit for Casuals

Ultimate Team Evolutions are a standout feature in EA FC 24. This concept allows players to significantly boost their base cards, breathing new life into characters who might otherwise have been forgotten. This innovation caters to casual players who may not have endless hours to dedicate to the game, ensuring they can utilize their favorite players as the foundation of their team, regardless of their initial stats.

However, while there is creativity in this feature, the community still gravitates towards the meta, resulting in online modes being inundated with the same “evolved” cards of players like Darwin Nunez and Arnaut Danjuma.

Offline modes in Ultimate Team have received some welcome attention, particularly in the Squad Battles format. The previously mind-numbing grind has been significantly reduced, with half-length now at four minutes and a total of 32 matches to complete—compared to FIFA 23’s six-minute halves and 40 matches.

The inclusion of female players in Ultimate Team has made Squad Building Challenges more accessible, as players now have more options for submissions, eliminating the need for prohibitively expensive cards. Other improvements, such as automatic activation of alternate positions and enhanced menu navigation, add to the overall gaming experience.

Innovations Beyond Ultimate Team

Beyond the realm of Ultimate Team, EA FC 24 introduces innovative changes to Career Mode, alleviating the tedious grind of regular training. The introduction of agents in Player Career Mode also allows for a more customized career path, providing players with a fresh experience.

Offline Neglect

Regrettably, while these changes to Career Mode are welcome, offline modes in EA FC 24 have been largely neglected in comparison to Ultimate Team—a long-standing criticism that EA Sports has seemingly chosen to ignore.

This neglect has resulted in several bugs that, while not game-breaking, highlight a lack of attention to detail. In Career Mode, players have reported issues such as star midfielders playing in goal and confusing in-game messages that leave players scratching their heads.

Ultimate Team, too, faces issues, primarily stemming from the addition of female players. Although there are now more high-rated players, only a handful truly fit into EA FC 24’s meta. As a result, the chances of opening a pack and obtaining a game-changing player are exceedingly slim.

However, all these issues pale in comparison to the gameplay itself, which can often be perplexing. Games tend to be high-scoring affairs, with defenders appearing utterly lost. Frequent instances of players easily bypassing opponents and the rarity of successful tackles can leave players scratching their heads. Ricochets, bizarre goalkeeping mistakes, and other frustrating animations are par for the course in EA FC 24, with players having to accept that these quirks can both benefit and hinder them at different times.

The Points Problem

A significant portion of these issues can be traced back to the core problem in EA FC 24 and other EA Sports titles: Points, the game’s premium currency, and the controversial lootbox mechanics.

While there are numerous Packs available for players to earn without spending real money, the majority of these are “Untradable.” This means players cannot sell the contents on the Transfer Market and, consequently, cannot accumulate the Coins necessary to purchase the players they require. Even the early-game Bronze and Silver reward packs cannot be traded, a perplexing decision given the quality of their contents.

One particularly startling example is a pack in the Store that costs 3,000 FC Points, equivalent to approximately $30 in the real world. Shockingly, the contents of this pack cannot be sold, raising concerns about the game’s monetization strategy.

The biggest issue, however, is the lack of competition in the market. EA Sports holds all the licenses for major leagues and clubs, making it the only viable option for soccer gaming enthusiasts. Despite the game’s problems, players worldwide will continue to flock to EA FC 24, further solidifying the company’s monopoly.

In conclusion, EA FC 24 underscores the long-held belief that the introduction of Ultimate Team in FIFA 09 was both the best and the worst thing to happen to the franchise. While it has undeniably brought commercial success, it has also led to a relentless focus on monetization at the expense of gameplay and the neglect of offline modes. The challenges and controversies surrounding Points and lootbox mechanics continue to be a source of frustration for players, but with no true competition on the horizon, EA Sports remains the reigning champion of soccer gaming.

FAQs:

Are there significant changes in EA FC 24 compared to previous FIFA games?

No, EA FC 24 largely follows the established FIFA formula with a primary focus on Ultimate Team mode.

What is the Evolutions feature in Ultimate Team?

Evolutions allow players to boost the stats of their favorite players, making them more competitive in the game.

Have offline modes in Ultimate Team received any improvements?

Yes, Squad Battles in offline modes have seen welcome adjustments, reducing the grind and making them more accessible.

What are the changes in Career Mode in EA FC 24?

Career Mode now includes a new coaching approach and the introduction of agents in Player Career, offering a more customized experience.

Are there any notable bugs in EA FC 24’s offline modes?

Yes, some players have reported minor bugs in Career Mode, such as unusual player positions and confusing in-game messages.

How has the inclusion of female players affected Ultimate Team?

The addition of female players has made Squad Building Challenges easier to complete due to having more options for player submissions.

Are there any gameplay issues in EA FC 24?

Gameplay in EA FC 24 has some problems, including high-scoring games, defenders appearing lost, and frequent animations quirks.

What are the concerns regarding Points in EA FC 24?

The primary concern is that the majority of Packs in the game are “Untradable,” limiting players’ ability to accumulate Coins through trading.

Can players sell the contents of purchased packs in EA FC 24?

Many purchased packs, even those bought with real money, are “Untradable,” preventing players from selling their contents.

Why do players continue to play EA FC 24 despite its issues?

The lack of competition in the market, with EA Sports holding all major licenses, leaves players with no viable alternatives, leading to continued engagement with the game.