Saying goodbye to the FIFA series as a name, EA Sports seeks to give a new impetus to the series with FC 24. So what’s new in the game?
Recently, we went to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, at the invitation of EA Games, where we attended a special event for EA Sports FC 24. On the first day of the event, a presentation that was watched live by many game lovers and star names took the stage was given, while the next day, a special presentation was made only for the press and participants.
On this 2nd day, we also had the opportunity to chat with the production team and of course we tried the game for a long time. In this content, of course, we will take a closer look at the new game of the series, which is trying to gain a new momentum with the name change.
EA Spors FC 24 preview / We played!
First of all, seeing names like Figo, Drogba, Ronaldinho, Laura Georges and Haaland up close during the presentation was unforgettable for me as a football lover. EA has really put its signature under a nice event to promote football and increase the interest in women’s football. I can say this clearly for the details that we see both on the screen and behind the camera.
As you know, women’s football, which has started to become more popular day by day in our country, as it is in the whole world, has been appearing in FIFA games for a while. Although statistically the number of players is very low compared to men’s football, which is more dominant, it is admirable that the company continues this support.
Another point we should underline before we move on to the details is the name change. As you know, EA Sports is saying goodbye to the name FIFA, which it has been using for almost 30 years, due to high royalties this year and will continue on its way as Football Club, in short FC. Don’t let this name change make you think that the game will also change drastically. because when we look at it in general terms, we have a game that is updated and renewed like every year. Of course, while we are talking about innovations in this article, we will be able to witness more clearly how correct these steps are when the game is released.
One of the biggest innovations in the game is the HyperMotion engine developed. Thanks to this new engine, which we can also call the physics engine and called HyperMotionV, we see that important breakthroughs have been made in animation. In fact, you may not notice this while playing the match, but there are many details in the background that both affect the game and affect the visuals.
Analyzing thousands of hours of data with machine learning, the team managed to transfer them to the game. We can see the effect of this in both star player movements and important positions. For example, the flying kick goal scored by Erling Haaland against Borusia Dortmund in the Champions League, which is also included in the promotional trailer of the game, has been transferred to the game in the same way.
On the other hand, we see that fine details on physics, especially in famous names, are transferred to the game. Apart from the facial expressions of the players, even arm and hand movements will be noticed. If we give an example from Haaland, which also adorns the cover of the game; As you know, Haaland is a very strong player physically. And he waves his hands much farther back as he sprints. We can even say that he has a unique running style. Here in the game, the movements of such football players will be much more clear. All these details were transferred to the game as a result of watching with artificial intelligence.
In the interview we attended with the producers, I also asked them how artificial intelligence actually affects the game. I asked a question whether artificial intelligence makes their work easier or opens different doors. The production team stated that they use artificial intelligence technology very effectively, especially in data collection. In other words, it enabled them to focus on different points rather than making their work easier. They stated that normally it is very difficult to watch 1000 hours of match summary with the naked eye and transfer it to the game exactly, but thanks to artificial intelligence, this data collection job is much easier.
One of the most important dynamics in the game is PlayStyles, that is, the style of play. I actually liken it to character development in Pro Club mode. How do you focus more on a style in Pro Club or RPG games and master that style. A similar operation will be waiting for players in FC 24. In other words, if you like to go from the wings and open the middle and hit the head, you will become more proficient in this style. Or, if you are a player who passes the defensive block with short passes, shoots from a distance, and goes on a counter attack, it is possible to master all these dynamics.
The point is that Messi dribbles very well in tight spaces, Mbappe is a master at creating space for himself and finding space. In the game, you will have tactics that will be better according to your style. In other words, there will be a significant difference between a player who normally prefers to go from the center and a player who constantly organizes the wing, and head over the incoming middle. If you are good in the middle and head, or if you are good in tackles with set pieces, you will have an advantage in the game accordingly. At this point, it is said that there are 34 different Game Styles in FC 24 and they are branching out within themselves.
Speaking of playing, there are also important innovations in the plays in the game. It is possible to do almost all the movements we watch on the screen in the game. In the dribbling part, the sensitive transition features draw attention. In the intermediate passes, in-depth pass became even more important. It will now be possible to get much clearer results in forward passes with the LT + RB and Y keys.
In the menu section, we see that EA Sports has decided on a simpler structure. In the main menu, a choice was made in the form of a list. When you go down to the submenus, tabs appear. If it is too detailed, you will see different lists under each tab. On the menu side, I especially liked the Matchday chat. This Match menu is decorated with different cutscenes depending on the team, stadium or match you choose before the match starts or during halftime. Also, match entries are dynamically adjusted. They say that they want to capture the feeling of watching a real match both in this part and in the camera angles of the game.
In FUT mode, as I mentioned at the beginning, we will clearly see the traces of women’s football. Here, of course, it is a matter of curiosity how to balance the player points. Career mode was among the most criticized aspects of the series. Fortunately, the team is aware of this and added the expected changes to the career mode. We will no longer have to chase aggressive transfers. Just like in real life, when there is a team you want to go to, you will knock on the door of your manager, Pasha Pasha. Of course, here, both your career and your potential will be an important value to go to big teams.
As with these changes in gameplay, there are also minor changes on the visual side. We have already talked about ball and player physics in detail. Much attention has been paid to the costume movements. Even while bouncing the ball, you can see how the jersey keeps up with the situation. In addition, details such as shadows and ambient oclusion have been worked on to make the atmosphere more impressive. With good shadows, a better atmosphere and depth were captured both on the pitch and on the fans’ side.
As a result, EA Sports FC 24 game has managed to add significant innovations on the previous game. I really enjoyed the matches I played and the positions I took. But to see the game fully, of course, you have to try the full version. Because in the demo we played, only PSG and Manchester City teams were open. The most criticized aspects of the series, as you know, are the dynamics that are evident as a result of long gameplay. On the other hand, the lack of an opponent in the game is of course a big disadvantage. In order for all these positive aspects and question marks to be lifted, we have to wait for the game’s release date, September 29.