Discovering "FC 24": FIFA's Fresh Appearance and Exciting Features for Its Enthusiastic Fans

"Electronic Arts (EA Sports), the American company, has announced the release date of their upcoming football video game titled "FC 24," which is a fresh addition to the well-known FIFA series. The company's CEO, Andrew Wilson, unveiled the details during a press conference held in Amsterdam earlier this month. Unlike previous years, the game will be available in just two editions this year: the standard edition priced at $70 and set to hit the markets on September 29th, and the higher-tier "Ultimate Edition" priced at $100, available a week earlier and featuring additional perks like in-game currency and a "Hero" player, along with a player from the "Team of the Week (TOTW)."

"FC 24" marks the first time this name is used in the FIFA series, as a result of the termination of a 30-year partnership between "Electronic Arts" and the International Federation of Association Football "FIFA." This move came after FIFA's demand for an increase in the annual revenue of $150 million they received from the company and their refusal to grant exclusive branding to just one game, aiming to pursue contracts with other game developers.

What's new in "FC 24"?

As for the game's new features, promotional materials suggest that while there are positive tweaks to the players' style, there are no radical changes from previous installments in the series. Notably, the introduction of the new "PlayStyles" feature allows players to adopt various styles on the field. On the cover of the game, Erling Haaland, the forward from Manchester City, replaces the previous cover star, Kylian Mbappe, who held the position since the 2021 release. The most significant update will be seen in the highly popular "Ultimate Team" mode, which will be the centerpiece of this year's enhancements.

One of the most impressive additions to the game this year is the revolutionary "Capture Volumetric Technology," highly praised by the game's lead producers, Sam Rivera. Developed over four years, this technology enhances the realism of player movements by combining motion data with muscle data. Interestingly, players no longer need to wear motion-capture suits during gameplay. Instead, cameras positioned around the football fields capture their precise maneuvers in real-time. Any new movements performed by players during matches will be seamlessly incorporated with the next game update.

The lifelike animations bring a higher level of individuality to each player's style, aided by the "PlayStyle" and "PlayStyle Plus" technologies. The former indicates the style a player adopts on the field, while the latter further enhances the uniqueness of that style. With access to a vast array of real player data through "Opta Sports," EA Sports utilizes advanced AI algorithms to provide an accurate simulation of each player's playing style during the game, offering an unparalleled gaming experience."

For instance, "FC 24" showcases the remarkable playstyle of Erling Haaland, renowned for his explosive shots and exceptional fitness. Within the game, Haaland possesses the "Powershot PlayStyle," allowing him to unleash powerful strikes akin to a martial artist. Fans will recall his incredible goal for Borussia Dortmund in the previous Champions League season, a move that can be executed solely by Haaland in "FC 24."

The game also accurately captures Haaland's unique running technique, where he sprints with his long arms trailing behind his arched back. This distinct style sets him apart from players like Raheem Sterling, known for their goose-step running approach. Each style has its implications, particularly in tight spaces, making the "Speed Dribbling" feature a crucial aspect that enables players like Lionel Messi to sprint with precision ball control.

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Regarding gameplay updates, "FC 24" introduces improvements in passing mechanics. Developers have meticulously crafted three precise passing styles inspired by Manchester City's midfield maestro, Kevin De Bruyne. Players can now execute accurate passes using combinations like "R1+Through ball," precise lob passes with "R1+Lob," and curved precise passes with "R1+L2+Lob." These passes add an element of surprise and unpredictability, particularly appreciated by skillful players. However, some players may find that these passes function similarly to conventional manual passes from earlier editions.

Additionally, the "Controlled Sprint" feature remains a valuable asset in the game, requiring minimal skill to perform effectively. By simply pressing the "R1" button and using "R3" to change player directions, gamers can deftly maneuver with the ball, evading defenders with ease. Matt Prior, the game's design manager, draws inspiration from Manchester City players like Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish, who possess such impressive abilities in real life. It's evident that Prior is an avid supporter of the City team, infusing the game with realistic and thrilling gameplay elements.

In "FC 24," significant updates have been introduced, particularly in the area of acceleration models. The game now features 7 different acceleration models, a substantial increase from the previous version, "FIFA 23," which had only 3. The spotlight is on the "Lengthy" model, which has been expanded into three variations: "Controlled Lengthy," "Mostly Lengthy," and "Lengthy Pure." The intention behind this expansion was to grant defenders a better chance to keep up with rival attackers, as seen in the previous version's "Lengthy" acceleration model.

Defense stands out as a prominent and appreciated feature in "FC 24." Defenders gain an advantage compared to "FIFA 23," as the ball remains better controlled at their feet after successful slide tackles, eliminating the random scattering that occurred in the earlier version. Goalkeepers have also been improved, displaying better shot containment without the ball deflecting back to opposing attackers, a frustrating issue faced by players in the previous year.

Ultimate Team mode

In the highly popular "Ultimate Team" mode, players are delighted with the announced updates, especially the "Evolution" feature, enabling them to develop their team cards by conquering specific challenges. For instance, promotional footage revealed the evolution of player Mokoko's card from a silver-rated player with a 72 rating to a gold-rated card with an 85 rating, achievable through specific in-game challenges. Additionally, players can enhance the "PlayStyle" aspect of their cards for improved performance throughout the season, mirroring a feature already present in the "Career mode."

The introduction of mixed teams in the "Ultimate Team" mode is a noteworthy addition. Players can now combine both male and female elements within their teams, creating a harmonious balance between the genders. For example, including both Lauren James from Chelsea's women's team and Reece James from the men's team in one squad boosts the performance of both players to their maximum potential. Although this update has sparked some controversy due to its deviation from the traditional separation between men's and women's football, it also paves the way for increased popularity among female players.

Female players in the "Ultimate Team" mode generally possess shorter stature and lighter physique compared to their male counterparts. This discrepancy in muscle mass may influence their playing style, particularly when considering the impact of the "PlayStyle" element. However, producer Sam Rivera emphasizes that height and muscle mass are not the sole determining factors for a player's performance. Even some of the best male players, like Lionel Messi, have relatively low weight and muscle mass. The underlying principle remains that if both male and female players share similar height, muscle mass, and statistics, their in-game performance will be comparable.

Overall, "FC 24" introduces a range of exciting updates that enhance gameplay and realism, catering to the preferences of players and creating an immersive experience in the world of football gaming.