EA SPORTS FC™ 24: Glitz and Glamour Over Gameplay?
EA SPORTS FC™ 24 invites players into the spiraling chaos of football with boastful graphics and some notably innovative features. However, does the shine of the surface hide a multitude of flaws?
last updated Jul 30, 2024
While gameplay mechanics promise an authentic football experience, execution falters as players encounter an array of bugs and erratic AI behaviors.
Gameplay: A Beautiful Mess
The gameplay mechanics in EA SPORTS FC™ 24 attempt to deliver a simulation experience but trip over their own ambitious designs. While the introduction of HyperMotion V and various PlayStyles promises a more authentic football experience, execution falters as players encounter an array of bugs and erratic AI behaviors. Defense mechanics can swing from overly competent to laughably incompetent, leaving players feeling as though their carefully crafted teams are suddenly betraying them. Moments of brilliance can quickly dissolve into moments of frustration as gameplay becomes marred by connectivity issues and relentless crashes, suggesting developments were rushed or inadequately tested. Ultimately, the game may offer exhilarating highs, but the frequent lows transform the experience into a rollercoaster of rage and misplaced hopes.
Audio: Commentary That Doesn’t Quite Save the Experience
The audio design deserves a nod for aspiration, as the commentary and ambient sounds try to immerse players in the football atmosphere. However, the excitement can quickly be overshadowed by the relentless barrage of glitches that interrupt gameplay, throwing players off their rhythm. Commentary can often feel robotic or repetitive, failing to add the necessary spark that enhances those euphoric moments on the pitch. Plus, with the game crashing or lagging during key moments, the brief bursts of thrilling crowd noise are more of a painful reminder of what could have been than a celebration of achievements. Given the high-stakes nature of football, audio elements need to be fluid and engaging, but the current state leaves a lot to be desired.
Graphics: A Visual Treat With Hidden Issues
On the surface, EA SPORTS FC™ 24 presents a visually stunning package, with realistic player models and beautifully rendered stadiums. The Frostbite engine enhances the graphical fidelity, promising an experience that feels cinematic and alive. Yet, beneath this glossy exterior lurk performance issues that are simply unacceptable for a game at this price point. Players may find themselves experiencing frustrating frame drops in critical moments, with performance inconsistencies that shatter the immersive experience. It seems the graphics department had a glorious vision, yet the execution falls short when technical failures and bugs disrupt the natural flow of the game. EA could surely use a performance patch or two to regain stability and reward players with the kind of visual showcase this title deserves.
Community and Multiplayer: A Two-Edged Sword
The community surrounding EA SPORTS FC™ 24 is vibrant and passionate, but it often reflects the game's divided nature. While engaging with fellow players can enhance the experience through shared strategies and competitive play, the overwhelming sense of frustration with bugs and system issues has developed a culture of skepticism. Ultimate Team, once the crown jewel of the franchise, is now riddled with complaints about pay-to-win mechanics and unbalanced gameplay. Players that thrive on connection and competition may find themselves at the mercy of server issues and matchmaking problems, tarnishing the spirit of the sport. Ultimately, the community has the potential to uplift the experience, but as it stands, it feels more like a realm of shared grievance rather than a united front dedicated to football.
STEAM RATING
Developer
EA Canada & EA Romania
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Release Date
September 28, 2023
Final Whistle: A Beautiful Game Crippled by Flaws
EA SPORTS FC™ 24 promises the thrill of football, but beneath its polished graphics and immersive detail lies a battlefield of bugs and gameplay inconsistencies. While gameplay mechanics like HyperMotion V and detailed player animations show potential, technical issues run rampant, resulting in a maddening experience that may send even the most patient players reaching for the console’s off button. If you're craving football simulations, the title offers glimmers of hope wrapped in a frustrating package. Awaiting fixes and improvements might spare you the heartache of an ill-fated purchase. Approach with caution, and perhaps wait until the dust settles before diving into the chaos.