FIFA 22 review: A whole new ball game?

FIFA 22 offers up the biggest gameplay changes in many a year - on next-gen and Stadia, at least - but in doing so has slowed the pace somewhat. Some will love the new, more measured approach but others might lament the loss of the fast-paced nature of last year's game. Still, we are always traditionally treated to numerous tweaks and alterations after launch, so fully expect some of the minor creases to be ironed out. In the meantime, EA has supplied yet another example of why the franchise has stayed top of the league so long.

Realism is greatly improved; Menus are streamlined; Presentation is great; Ultimate Team mode changes are exactly what's been needed for a while;

HyperMotion (on next-gen) improves the look and feel of the football but at the cost of pace; Takes a while to get used to the new tactics;

FIFA 22 review

For those who were sick of FIFA 21’s frenetic and often slightly absurd gameplay, FIFA 22 will be a welcome change. It’s a much more authentic recreation of the beautiful game that rewards a more patient approach, which some will find difficult to get to grips with. The off-pitch changes feel less significant but for many, that won’t be an issue. Why mess with a winning formula, right? Now if only they’d do something about those microtransactions…

Less focus on pace; Looks and feels more lifelike; Really quick to load;

FUT still too greedy; Few changes off the pitch; Commentary has got worse;

FIFA 22 review review

Less focus on pace; Looks and feels more lifelike; Really quick to load;

FUT still too greedy; Few changes off the pitch; Commentary has got worse;

FIFA 22 review

FIFA 22 breathes new life into the series’ once-familiar gameplay with the addition of HyperMotion technology, and makes well-intentioned strides to refresh its most dated modes.

Gameplay overhaul; Visually authentic; Refreshed Career mode;

Superfluous new mechanics; Microtransaction overload; Cluttered menus