I have been playing FIFA football simulation game series since 1995. In other words, I have been playing ever iteration of this game for three decades. Now known as EA Sports FC since 2023, every iteration feels like the previous iterations. But somehow, like iPhone every year, football fan gamers will still come back to play despite all the complaints. This year is no different with the latest EA Sports FC 26.
- Price: From S$79.90 (get it on Shopee and Lazada)
- Genre: Football Simulation
- Platform: Switch, Switch 2, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X (version reviewed)
| PROS | CONS |
| Competitive and Authentic modes cater to different audiences | Heavy reliance on micro-transactions |
| Improved gameplay mechanics, especially passing and defending | Player Career mode remains the same |
| Career Mode feels more dynamic with new features | Some features, like Unexpected Events, feel superficial |
| Stunning visuals |
The headline feature of FC 26 is the split between Competitive and Authentic gameplay modes. Competitive mode is designed for online play, maintaining the fast-paced, arcade-like feel that Ultimate Team players thrive on. It’s chaotic, full of high scores, and prioritises flashy attacking play over defensive realism.
Authentic mode, on the other hand, is an entirely different beast. Available in offline modes like Career Mode, it slows the game down to emphasise realism. Fatigue, weather conditions, and tactical nuance play a much larger role, offering a more cerebral experience that feels closer to real-world football. Defences are smarter, midfield battles are more tactical, and every pass feels more deliberate. For players who enjoy immersion and strategy, Authentic mode is a breath of fresh air.
Career Mode, often overlooked in previous entries, has received some much-needed attention this time round. The Manager Market adds a dynamic element, with AI-controlled managers being hired, fired, and poached by other clubs. This brings variety to CPU team tactics and makes the world feel more alive. Unexpected Events, such as injuries or players leaving mid-season, aim to add unpredictability. However, this feature feels more like a rebranding of existing mechanics rather than a true innovation.
The addition of deeper simulation, where stats and growth are tracked across multiple leagues, is a welcome touch for fans of long-term saves. Combined with Authentic gameplay, the Manager Mode feels like a love letter to offline players — even if the repetitive cutscenes are still a glaring blemish.
Unfortunately, Player Career Mode remains stagnant, with little innovation compared to previous years. It just feels like the previous game. Though, you cannot skip training at one go now. You have to select each training before simulating it. For those who enjoy stepping into the boots of a single player, this mode still lags behind the rest of the game.
Ultimate Team (UT) continues to dominate the FC franchise. For the uninitiated, UT allows you to assemble your Avengers or Dream team by winning games, unlocking more players and other enhancements. In FC 26, UT brings about small but meaningful updates. The reintroduction of tournaments, a gentler power curve, and the new Evolutions mechanic — which allows for gradual player upgrades — are all welcome changes. The introduction of Live Events and Gauntlets encourages creativity in squad building, while making the grind feel slightly less punishing.
However, EA’s micro-transaction strategies remain controversial. The Premium Season Pass looms large, locking many desirable features — including Icons and Heroes for Career Mode — behind paywalls. While it’s technically possible to earn the rewards through gameplay, the grind is significant, especially for offline players. For a mode that has always faced criticism for its pay-to-win mechanics, this expanded monetisation feels like a step backward.
Visually, FC 26 is stunning. The menus are cleaner and more responsive, and the increased variety of stadiums, kits, and player likenesses adds to the authenticity. The soundtrack, featuring a mix of bangers and hidden gems, is another highlight.
On the pitch is where FC 26 also shines. Gameplay improvements are noticeable across the board, particularly in dribbling, passing, and goalkeeping. Players move more fluidly, AI teammates make smarter runs, and goalkeepers are sharper than ever. Headers finally work as intended, and defensive AI feels more competent, especially in Authentic mode.
On the downside, defending in Competitive mode remains a challenge. The lack of player fatigue in online matches means fast attackers can sprint at full speed for 90 minutes, making clean sheets feel like a miracle. While this caters to the online community, it sacrifices realism, leaving some players frustrated.
VERDICT: EA Sports FC 26 is a game of contrasts. The split between Competitive and Authentic modes is a smart move that allows EA to cater to both casual and hardcore players. Career Mode improvements, particularly for managers, breathe new life into offline play, while Ultimate Team continues to dominate with its addictive grind, albeit frustrating monetisation.
While the game feels like a step forward in many areas, it’s still weighed down by its reliance on micro-transactions and some superficial updates. For long-time fans, FC 26 offers enough incremental gains to justify the purchase. For newcomers or those seeking a dramatic overhaul, this entry might feel like more of the same.