FIFA 18

FIFA 18 does enough to better its predecessor thanks to new player animations and improvements to the gameplay.

Powered by Frostbite, FIFA 18 blurs the line between the virtual and real worlds, bringing to life the heroes, teams, and atmospheres of the world’s game. FIFA 18 launches on September 29th.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

83%

Audience ScoreBased on 32 reviews

gameplay4 positive mentions

monetization3 negative mentions

FIFA 18 features gorgeous graphics and improved animations, making it visually stunning.
The gameplay is fast, fluid, and engaging, providing a fun experience for both newcomers and veterans.
Ultimate Team and The Journey modes have received significant enhancements, offering depth and excitement.

Some gameplay issues remain, with a focus on attacking play that can lead to unbalanced matches.
Career mode improvements may not satisfy all players, and some modes, like Pro Clubs, feel neglected.
Concerns about pay-to-win mechanics in Ultimate Team and a complicated menu system detract from the overall experience.

gameplay
12 mentions
33 % positive mentions
42 % neutral mentions
25 % negative mentions
The gameplay in FIFA 18 is characterized by smoother mechanics and subtle improvements over its predecessor, particularly with player animations and on-field behavior that enhance realism. While many players appreciate the fast, fluid, and engaging experience, some feel that the core gameplay remains largely unchanged and may not satisfy those who were dissatisfied with previous iterations. Overall, the game offers a variety of well-layered modes and high production values, contributing to an enjoyable experience for fans of the series.
- “EA's rendition of 'the beautiful game' is here again with smoother gameplay, improved intangibles, and well-layered modes.”
- “[Fast, fluid, fun gameplay, modes a-plenty with noticeable depth, solid sights & sounds].”
- “[Noticeably improved on-field gameplay, top-notch production values, enhancements and tweaks pervade every game mode, players behave more like real-world counterparts, great commentary and soundtrack.]”
- “FIFA 18 is superb to look at with the slick menus, pre-match changes, vast licenses, wonderfully represented stadiums, and player images, but changes to its gameplay are a necessity for me.”
- “EA has made subtle improvements to the Frostbite-based gameplay that was introduced last year, but if you weren’t a huge fan of the gameplay last year, chances are you’re still going to be quite unhappy with what is on offer.”
- “Gameplay is largely unchanged; the journey still gets repetitive.”
story
7 mentions
57 % positive mentions
14 % neutral mentions
29 % negative mentions
The story in FIFA 18 is engaging and immersive, featuring well-acted cut-scenes and a compelling narrative centered around Alex Hunter's journey, which fans find both enjoyable and full of surprises. While some elements may feel clichéd or over-dramatic, the overall presentation and authenticity enhance the experience, making it a significant draw for players.
- “The journey remains a truly immersive experience, the cut-scenes are well acted and put together, and the storyline is an enjoyable one.”
- “Great story mode that is full of surprises.”
- “Understated story mode”
- “FIFA 18 brings back Alex Hunter and makes his story better.”
graphics
3 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are widely praised for their gorgeous visuals and impressive lighting details, marking it as the best in the series to date. The overall presentation is stylish and authentic, contributing to a refined and engaging gameplay experience.
- “Gorgeous visuals.”
- “Beautiful visuals and top-notch production values; presentation is as stylish and authentic as ever.”
- “Gorgeous graphics with amazing lighting detail.”
atmosphere
2 mentions
150 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
150 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is highly praised for its excellent presentation and authenticity, enhanced by the Frostbite engine, which effectively brings stadium environments and the essence of the sport to life. Players appreciate the diverse atmospheres and the engaging on-pitch improvements, contributing to an immersive experience that keeps fans entertained for hours.
- “Excellent level of presentation and authenticity. The Frostbite engine helps to bring players, stadium atmosphere, and the beautiful game to life.”
- “Superb presentation, improved further by the more diverse atmospheres.”
- “The atmosphere is incredibly immersive, making every match feel like a real event.”
- “The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth needed to immerse players.”
- “Despite the game's potential, the atmosphere is dull and fails to evoke any real emotion.”
- “The environments are visually appealing, but the overall atmosphere feels lifeless and disconnected.”
monetization
1 mentions
0 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
300 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate a prevalent concern regarding pay-to-win mechanics, particularly related to FUT microtransactions, which may create an uneven playing field for players who do not wish to spend additional money.
- “There's an obligatory worry about pay-to-win with FUT microtransactions.”
- “The monetization model feels exploitative and heavily favors those willing to spend more money.”
- “It's frustrating to see that progress is often locked behind a paywall, making it hard to enjoy the game without spending.”
stability
1 mentions
0 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
300 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a mixed bag, with players noting frame rate drops and various technical bugs and glitches that detract from the experience. While the sequel is generally solid, it tends to play it safe, leading to a sense of familiarity that may diminish the impact of its standout features.
- “The journey is a solid sequel, but plays it too safe.”
- “Wonder goals have lost some of their value thanks to how common they are now.”
- “There are frame rate drops and technical bugs and glitches.”
music
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highlighted for its top-notch production values, featuring a great soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. Additionally, the improvements in on-field gameplay and player behavior contribute to a more immersive atmosphere, complemented by engaging commentary.
- “The soundtrack is fantastic and really enhances the overall experience.”
- “The production values are top-notch, making every moment feel immersive.”
- “The commentary is engaging and adds depth to the gameplay.”