While EA Sports FC24 retains the majority of features from the predecessor FIFA 23 game, it is not without some striking new additions; with the most prominent change being its name itself.
FC24 Pros
For a start, FC24 implements a relatively smaller model of microtransactions in the game. This comes as a much-needed sight of relief, especially when the previous games in the former FIFA lineup implemented a notoriously large and heavily focused model of microtransactions. So, although you can still buy FC coins, it is practically visible that strides have been made to curb or at least lessen the extent of cash-grabbing practices by the developers.
The next point of joy comes into the overall gameplay mechanics that feel almost similar but also not so similar. From the very first glimpse, it is clearly evident that a lot of attention to detail has been put into improving gameplay mechanics. From HyperMotion V and PS5’s DualSense controller feedback to the precise ball and player physics to noticeable field wear and tear, and not to forget the goal post-shaking haptics, everything has undergone a significant overhaul.
And just like that, the inclusion of Playstyle is a welcome addition. Not only does this help sideline FC24’s cons to a much greater degree, but it also makes the concept of team management even more important and crucial to core gameplay performance. In particular, the wide array of 32 abilities spread over Shooting, Passing, Defending, Ball Control, Physical, and Goalkeeping; not only ramps up the strategic principles of the game but also adds a fresh layer to overall gameplay.
Alongside this, you now also have the ability to control the direction of your passes and shots. However, do note that this is not turned on by default and, as such, you need to tinker with in-game settings to toggle it on.
The updated Practice Area in FC24 has now more depth than it ever did in the entire FIFA series. Beginners will find this mode especially helpful to get them to become familiar with FC24 gameplay.
While the Ultimate Team game mode has always been unfair, some slight quality-of-life changes have taken place here as well. For instance, Evolutions now allows you to take the base stats of cards and improve them by completing challenges, as long as they fit the criteria, which vary from stats like Overall, Pace, and Rarity. Nevertheless, you can still buy FC coins to give yourself a head start in the Ultimate Team game mode.
FC24 Cons
Thankfully, there is not much to rant about the downsides of EA Sports FC24 except for a handful of issues. Speaking of which, these issues are not new to the game and have, in one sense, been inherited from the former FIFA lineup.
First and foremost is something we can all agree upon: Poor AI. Despite devs promising advanced machine learning models in AI and heavily advertising HyperMotion, AI opponents still suck in the game. More often than not, you see goalkeepers stand idle, players falling over each other in unnatural ways, as well as AI teammates making terrible attacking or defensive decisions.
In addition, Team Walkouts and Ceremonial Songs have also been cut and replaced by shots of either fans or players getting ready for game day. While this does not impact the core gameplay outcomes, it kind of takes away the vibe and atmosphere of the game.