FIFA 22

FIFA 22 is the best FIFA game in years. HyperMotion pushes the action along, with a renewed focus on Career Mode more than welcome. It’s a more refined, well-developed package this time around, and I’m excited to see where the series is headed in the future.

FIFA 22 is the most enjoyable football title in years thanks to revamped player AI and gameplay mechanics that offer unprecedented realism on the pitch. Off the pitch, EA still has some work to do, but new additions to Career Mode and match days somewhat make up for Ultimate Team’s egregious tactics.

As good an entry as we’ve seen in recent years, FIFA 22 is a step in the right direction for EA Sports’ oft-faltering series and has laid a foundation for what will hopefully be positive changes going forward.

Forgive me, father, for I have sinned. Before FIFA 22, it had been five years since I last owned the Adam Johnson of the games industry. Part-way through the story of Alex Hunter, I realised it was time for me to put my money where my mouth is. I decided not to play this version of electronic football and stick to one that is superior. I chose only to play the one that doesn't lure people into poverty with the promise of cards, stealing their innocence - and money.

FIFA's Jogo Bonito hasn't changed much, but it's enough.

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “You only get one shot at a first impression.” If that’s truly the case, then our first dose of FIFA on the PlayStation 5 generation last year left a little something to be desired. Though there was nothing offensively wrong with FIFA 21, it felt like a split-generation hybrid, swiftly ported to the new platform to meet consumer demand. It never really offered up a next-gen “WOW” moment. It was just… there. Can EA manage to impress now that the PlayStation 5 is their lead development focus, or will FIFA 22 once again feel like a franchise in stasis?

FIFA 22 has been in my PS5 library for a week now, giving me time with a good chunk of its single-player and multiplayer offerings including Ultimate Team, Pro Clubs, and its Career mode. However, after struggling to find players for its improved Volta street football mode, thus being unable to experience the extent of the changes made to one of the series’ newest additions, I’m not able to yet give our final scored verdict of EA’s latest football sim. Still, despite Volta clearly not being the most popular mode right out of the gate, the rest of this package is shaping up to feature some of F...