FIFA 23 Recap: HyperMotion 2’s lifelike gameplay blurs FUT’s sleazier influence

Pace pretty much has it all FIFA 23. In fact, it was the first thing that struck me, even in – maybe especially in – my first match.

Even though FIFA 23The HyperMotion 2 system of motion capture and machine learning is, by definition, an iterative work, complete with a busy marketing term applied to it, it’s not an incremental one. EA Sports sells itself by capturing, analyzing and processing more 90-minute 11-a-side football matches in the real world FIFA 23 as a game where players have, if not more control of the ball, then at least a better understanding of how their on-screen footballer can handle it. Average or weaker players may have a lot of speed, but with poorer dribbling stats, they waste a lot of energy trying to keep control of the ball, which slows their pace noticeably. However, Forwards, especially the Superstars, can fire up the afterburner and shoot into space like never before. It’s exhilarating, but also a little embarrassing to realize My goodness, I could have done that all the time.

Last week I spoke to Kantcho Doskov, FIFA 23‘s gameplay director at EA Vancouver and asked him what four or five things I should notice first in a series where improvements are often subtle. That kind of control and pace, and differentiation between players, was high on Doskov’s list. “There are so many more subtleties to the gameplay that you’ll feel after several games or after a while,” he said. “But that’s the big first thing you’ll notice.”

He’s right. Even if the game feels slower overall, the defense still swarms out if you don’t think ahead to build your attack. But a lucky through ball to your striker is deadlier than ever and can make the 39th minute of a 0-0 game a desperate and legitimate crucial moment for either side.

“It’s basically just basic dribbling,” Doskov said, meaning explosive moves are possible with just the left stick without using other modifiers or commands on a gamepad. “It’s not just about changing direction. […] It’s about speed changes. We see the best footballers there; They start, they kind of slow down and then they explode into space.”

My conclusion after more than a dozen full matches in HyperMotion2 is that players’ strengths and weaknesses are more apparent, whereas in previous FIFAs it felt like their performance was still moderated by the role they played on the pitch . This makes player management decisions, especially in FIFA Ultimate Team, more meaningful. It also adds needed depth to the development of certain parts of the skill tree in Be a Pro single player.

Despite all the oily sheen that FUT’s microtransactions and calls-to-action leave behind in this mode, it’s still a great testing ground to see how the new game works before heading to my “real” playthrough in the Breaking into Career Modes Of course, I want to do everything perfectly the first time. In FUT I usually look at my top 11 players by standings and then find a formation that will put them on the field. The gameplay changes FIFA 23

now my that’s not such a great idea. If I have three excellent forwards or strikers but midfielders who are bad at giving them the ball or maintaining possession, it might be better to bolster my defense and play a more defensive game, even if their game overall isn’t so is not that noticeable – especially for full games or at higher difficulties.

My point here is that the benefits of HyperMotion 2 aren’t just on the pitch and in the feel of the gamepad; They also make my management decisions more conscious and comprehensive. Dedicated players may have no choice but to spend more to build a team that truly showcases their skills and playstyle. Regardless, streamlining Ultimate Team’s often unfathomable “chemistry” system means players can get more value out of the cards they have FIFA 23.

In previous editions, chemistry not only depended on players having a common trait (e.g. from the same nation or professional club), they also had to be adjacent in whatever formation you chose. This physical connection requirement is removed, which both lowers the total chemistry you can achieve (from 100 to 33) and increases the likelihood that your Ultimate Team club will be able to max out.

The chemistry changes also mean that great players like Kylian Mbappé (whom everyone borrows for five games to start Ultimate Team), who otherwise have no chemistry with the rest of the club, won’t be hit with a chemistry penalty. This is actually a consumer-friendly change as players can use the best players they pack. If they go to the auction house or transfer market, they can add a sentimental favorite to their club without buying up a bunch of other guys to bring it to full strength.

FUT’s New Moments – bite-sized challenges rather than full games – are also a useful showcase for some of the new gameplay changes, and indeed they’re organized almost like a tutorial. One in particular highlights the new aiming system on free kicks, where players can choose which part of the ball they want to hit in order to roll it around, over or even under the defensive wall. There’s also a “Power Shot” challenge that highlights a new charged shot command (hold both bumpers) that can land spectacular goals from well outside the goal area. That risk-reward ability – you have to be really clear to charge and aim a shot like that – is another match-one signal for it FIFA 23

is a more complicated game than last year.

Regardless of all those modifiers and moments and other bells and whistles, FIFA 23 no longer feels devoted to big plays or forgiving of players who recklessly attempt them. This was a common criticism, or at least an unfavorable comparison to the more technically accurate Pro Evolution Soccer, in the past when that franchise was not yet a disaster. I’ve had as much success building my attack as bombing everyone forward and firing crosses hoping one would land. In defence, there’s a new “part-team press” that brings in more than one defender, but not the whole club. Coupled with more accurate tackling (both standing and gliding), it led to some snap counterattacks for me in Ultimate Team. It’s never been my way of playing, but it is now.

The gameplay changes that represent the most significant improvements FIFA 23The additions of , because they cater to all game modes, don’t just give me more things to do or moves to memorize on my gamepad. By opening up new ways to play to my team’s strengths, they’re actually telling me that I’m better at soccer – video game soccer – than I give myself credit for. Of all the things that caught my eye FIFA 23 straight out of the box, that might have come last. But it was most important.

FIFA 23 launched on September 30th Google Stadia, PlayStation 5, xbox series x, and Windows Computer; Versions missing some of the features in this test were also launched for Nintendo switch, PlayStation 4and Xbox One. The game was verified on PlayStation 5 using a pre-release download code provided by EA Sports. Vox Media has affiliate partnerships. These do not affect editorial content, although Vox Media may earn commissions on products purchased through affiliate links. you can find For more information on Polygon’s Ethics Policy, click here.