FIFA 23

Millions of FIFA fans around the world are heading back to the pitch with FIFA 23 from EA Sports. Available now for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. The latest edition of the world’s best selling sports video game series includes many new features such as the next evolution of HyperMotion2 technology and women’s club teams with the inclusion of the Barclays Women’s Super League and Division 1 Arkema.

Additionally, FIFA 23 allows you to experience the pinnacle of both men’s and women’s international football with the men’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023. Moreover, FIFA 23 features cross-play throughout multiple online game modes.

Let’s take a look at some of the new technology and features announced by EA Sports.

FIFA 23 Details

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PS4, Xbox One and Switch (Legacy Edition)
Reviewed on: Xbox Series X
Developer(s): EA Vancouver, EA Romania
Publisher(s): EA Sports
Genre: Sports
Modes: Single player, multiplayer (cross-play)

HyperMotion2 technology

Introduced for the new generation of consoles and PC hardware, HyperMotion returns this year on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Unfortunately, if you’re playing on Nintendo Switch, PS4, or Xbox One, you’ll get the same set of pre-made animations from the previous year. That being said, a new motion system on next-gen hardware adds more realistic player movements to make it look like a real player.

The overall result is smoother movement and a smoother on-pitch experience. HyperMotion 2 does this by using motion capture and machine learning technology to produce more natural-looking animations. It took me a few games to notice the difference.

It’s a subtle change, but it makes a big difference. The new engine adds over 6000 new animations to the game, making the action on the field look more realistic than ever. I can’t help but feel that the promise of HyperMotion 2 isn’t fully realized, but it’s a step in the right direction.

FIFA 23

For the first time, women’s club teams

Quite possibly one of the biggest and best additions to FIFA 23 is the addition of women’s club teams with Barclays Women’s Super League and Division 1 Arkema. There are more than 19 000 players across more than 700 teams in over 100 stadiums and over 30 leagues.

This makes FIFA 23 the only place you can play UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, CONMEBOL Libertadores, CONMEBOL Sudamericana, Premier League, Bundesliga, and LaLiga Santander in the same game.

Generational cross-play

In FIFA 22, EA Sports tested out cross-play with Online Friendlies and Online Seasons. However, in FIFA 23 cross-play has been expanded to more game modes. Cross-play is available in FUT Division Rivals (except Co-Op), FUT Champions, FUT Ultimate Online Draft, FUT Online Friendlies (except Co-Op), FUT Play a Friend, Online Friendlies, and Online Seasons (except Co-Op Seasons).

Additionally, cross-play is available for players on the same platform generation. This means, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC versions of the game will be cross-play compatible. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of FIFA 23 will be cross-play compatible with one another.

A variety of mode advancements and innovations across multiple modes

In addition to Hypermotion2 and the addition of women’s club teams, FIFA 23 includes a variety of mode advancements and innovations. These span across Career Mode, Pro Clubs, VOLTA FOOTBALL, FIFA 23 Ultimate Team and more. And, the new Training Centre coaching system gives those who are new and less experienced the ability to easily learn the fundamentals of gameplay and hone their skills.

FIFA 23 builds on last year’s success and adds new ball control mechanics. These new ball control mechanics give you more control over the ball, making it easier to maintain possession and create some pretty spectacular moves. This is especially noticeable when playing on higher difficulty settings where the player AI is set to be more aggressive.

For me, one of the most significant gameplay changes comes in the form of set pieces. Free kicks and corners have been completely redesigned to give you more control over how you approach them. You can spin the ball, change its trajectory, direction, curl, and more. This gives you the freedom to create interesting set scoring opportunities.

FIFA 23

Next-gen visual improvements and framerate boost

With FIFA 22, I felt that the players didn’t look as good as I thought they should have on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. This year, in FIFA 23, this is partially rectified. The developers have upgraded the visuals on player models and faces, though I still feel they aren’t as good as Madden’s.

You can now see individual strands of hair, stubble and even more detail on the player’s faces. This attention to detail makes the game look more realistic than ever. Additionally, the Xbox Series X|S and PS5 versions of FIFA 23 benefit from a framerate boost and run at a consistent and smooth 60 fps.

FIFA 23 makes significant improvements over last year’s game

Overall, FIFA 23 is a great soccer game that includes some notable improvements over FIFA 22. The new ball control mechanics and redesigned set pieces are welcome additions that make the game more enjoyable. And, the power shot mechanic adds an extra layer of skill to your shots for more satisfying scoring.

However, I still feel that the game’s graphics aren’t up to par with other sports titles, and the over-reliance on microtransactions negatively affects his FUT. Let me know in the comments section below if you picked up FIFA 23 and what you think about it.

+ HyperMotion2 technology adds even more realism to the game
+ Visual improvements over last year’s game
+ Generational cross-play

– Not all modes feature cross-play
– FUT still heavily monetized

OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF FIFA 23

Gameplay: 4/5
Graphics: 4/5
Sound: 4/5
Lasting Appeal/Replayability: 4/5

Overall Rating 4/5 (80%)

Purchase FIFA 23 for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, PC, Xbox One, PS4 or Nintendo Switch

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Jon Scarr
Jon Scarr
Jon is the Gaming Editor and is based in Toronto. He is a proud Canadian who has a serious passion for gaming. He is a veteran of the video game and tech industry with over 20 years experience. You can often find Jon streaming the latest games on his YouTube channel. Jon loves to talk about gaming and tech, come say hi and join the conversation with Jon on Threads @4ScarrsGaming and @4Scarrsgaming on Instagram.
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2 COMMENTS

  1. When will the code if you ordered it be digitally be sent to you when you preorder? Because I read many things and they said the code would be sent early to be able to install before the drop on Friday.

  2. Glad to see them finally adding women’s teams. Should have done it years ago but at least they are doing it now. Coincidentally the UEFA Womens Euro final is on this Sunday between England and Germany one of the great national rivalries.

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