FIFA 21

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EA SPORTS FIFA 21 is the latest edition of the popular football game franchise, offering improved gameplay and features like co-op modes, advanced football intelligence, and dynamic seasons in FIFA Ultimate Team. The Champions Edition and Ultimate Edition come with additional perks such as loan items, player picks, and bonus packs. This game includes optional in-game purchases for virtual items.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Local Multi-Player Play with friends in the same physical space using split-screen or multiple screens
2-Players Play with one other player, either online or locally, in a cooperative or competitive game mode
Multi-Player Compete or cooperate with other players online
Co-Op Team up with friends to complete levels or missions together
Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo
PvP Player versus Player - Fight against other players in real-time, often in arena-style combat
Split Screen Play with multiple players on the same screen, often with divided or shared screen real estate

Reviews

76%

Audience ScoreBased on 25,874 reviews

gameplay291 positive mentions

stability286 negative mentions

gameplay
1,275 mentions
23 % positive mentions
60 % neutral mentions
18 % negative mentions
The gameplay of FIFA 21 has received mixed reviews, with many players noting improvements in mechanics and realism, particularly in player movements and ball physics. However, criticisms persist regarding scripting issues, inconsistent AI behavior, and a lack of significant innovation compared to previous titles, leading some to feel that the game remains a cash grab with minimal enhancements. Overall, while some enjoy the refined gameplay and new features like Volta, others find it frustrating and unbalanced, particularly in online modes.
- “With its realistic gameplay, extensive game modes, and impressive presentation, FIFA 21 continues to solidify its position as one of the most popular football simulation games.”
- “The player movements, ball physics, and overall responsiveness have been improved, resulting in more fluid and natural gameplay.”
- “The addition of new features like agile dribbling and creative runs adds depth to the gameplay, providing players with more control and creativity on the pitch.”
- “The core mechanics remain virtually unchanged, and the so-called 'new features' feel more like gimmicks than meaningful enhancements.”
- “This game has a bullshit gameplay!”
- “The gameplay is the worst I've experienced in a FIFA game, the defense is pretty much non-existent!”
graphics
479 mentions
41 % positive mentions
49 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
The graphics in FIFA 21 have received mixed reviews, with many praising the stunning visuals and immersive environments that enhance gameplay. However, there is notable criticism regarding the lack of next-gen graphics on the PC version, which some players feel are outdated compared to console counterparts. Overall, while the graphics are generally considered good, they are seen as not significantly improved from previous iterations, leading to disappointment among some fans.
- “The stunning graphics create an immersive gaming environment, and the absence of any lag enhances the overall gameplay.”
- “The graphics engine showcases the intensity of the matches, bringing the stadiums and players to life.”
- “With its refined gameplay, impressive visuals, extensive game modes, and attention to detail, FIFA 21 offers hours of enjoyment for both casual and hardcore football fans.”
- “Only downside is lack of new-gen graphics in PC version.”
- “The graphics are very poor and seem the same, if not worse, as they have been 10 years ago.”
- “Unfinished, same old stuff from last year, and all in all complete utter trash plus they didn't put next-gen graphics and it's not demanding on PC whatsoever.”
stability
296 mentions
3 % positive mentions
1 % neutral mentions
97 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been widely criticized, with numerous players reporting frequent freezes, crashes, and various glitches that significantly hinder gameplay. Many users describe the experience as nearly unplayable, especially in online modes and career modes, where bugs can lead to frustrating outcomes. While some acknowledge minor improvements, the overall consensus is that the game remains plagued by persistent issues that detract from its enjoyment.
- “Really good graphics, very smooth gameplay, no glitches as of yet, but overall just a spectacular game my son loves it.”
- “No glitches experienced so far this year.”
- “Nice bug-free PC version on Steam!”
- “The game is buggy to the point of being essentially unplayable.”
- “The fact that several training sequences are either buggy or just nearly impossible makes it worse still.”
- “The game is full of bugs and glitches; it's a shame because the game could be so good with a little time and effort.”
story
130 mentions
11 % positive mentions
71 % neutral mentions
18 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing disappointment over the lack of a traditional story mode, such as the previous "Journey" feature. While some appreciate the new Volta mode for its short narrative and RPG elements, others find it lacking in depth and complexity. Overall, there is a strong desire among fans for a more engaging and substantial story experience in future iterations.
- “There's an actual story progression that you can follow and get behind.”
- “I love the story, love the game, so many customization and simple skill control.”
- “It definitely lacks the complexity of other game modes and you certainly won't be able to sink the same amount of hours into it as modes that offer vaster team building options but it is very cool, the matches are quick and fulfilling, and the skill tree adds a slight RPG feel to it, as well as the neat little story mode that serves as an introduction.”
- “There is literally no story mode in this.”
- “In FIFA 21, there is a story mode in the game under Volta football - the debut, but the story is far too short to be that interesting; it keeps us hanging definitely.”
- “Lack of journey mode (story mode) and its replacement with a pointless career-like Volta mode.”
music
102 mentions
35 % positive mentions
49 % neutral mentions
16 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising the soundtrack as enjoyable and memorable, while others criticize it as repetitive and lacking variety. Many players appreciate the inclusion of diverse tracks, but express disappointment over the inability to change songs during gameplay and the overall quality of the music selection. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a highlight for some, but a significant drawback for others, with opinions ranging from "killer" to "the worst it's ever been."
- “Another year, another bomb soundtrack added to my phone's playlist.”
- “The different environments, the in-game commentary, and the soundtrack all added a very nice touch, making the game mode feel very arcade-like, which it is supposed to feel like.”
- “The soundtrack is killer.”
- “Overall it's a decent FIFA to spend some good hours, but the soundtrack is really poor.”
- “The most annoying aspect of FIFA 21 is the absolute worst music there is in a game.”
- “The soundtrack is so bad that it almost feels like a joke.”
grinding
80 mentions
4 % positive mentions
21 % neutral mentions
75 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being excessively tedious and time-consuming, often requiring players to invest hundreds or even thousands of hours to build competitive teams, particularly in FIFA Ultimate Team. Many reviewers express frustration with the reliance on microtransactions and the lack of meaningful rewards for offline grinding, leading to a perception that the game prioritizes profit over player enjoyment. While some enjoy the grind as a way to engage with the game, the overwhelming sentiment is that it detracts from the overall experience.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “A bit grindy... sometimes.”
- “One long, tedious grind.”
- “The amount of grinding required to get some (good enough) players is not justifiable.”
- “It's got to the point where Ultimate Team is destroyed unless you want to spend every penny you have on player packs or every waking minute you have grinding the supersonic OP versions of regular players.”
- “Worst game I have ever played, so much pay to win and the game is built in a way that you have to spend 1000 hours of grinding but also paying lots of money to get players like Mbappe and Neymar + icons.”
optimization
79 mentions
23 % positive mentions
32 % neutral mentions
46 % negative mentions
The game's optimization for PC has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many users reporting frequent crashes, menu glitches, and poor performance, particularly for online play. While some players with high-end systems experienced smooth gameplay, the general consensus is that the game is poorly optimized for PC, leading to significant frustration among users. Overall, potential buyers are cautioned against purchasing it at full price due to these optimization issues.
- “Very well optimized.”
- “The game is well optimized on Steam.”
- “Easy to play and not very demanding on hardware, optimized and light on system.”
- “Terribly optimized for PC users, don't buy it unless it's almost free for purchase.”
- “This game is a joke, EA doesn't care about PC players, it is poorly optimized, don't give this company your money.”
- “This is a terribly optimized game for the PC (no cross compatibility) and the developers obviously don't care about fixing it because it's EA and everything is a money grab for them.”
monetization
68 mentions
4 % positive mentions
29 % neutral mentions
66 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy in this game has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, primarily through the FIFA Ultimate Team mode, which is seen as heavily reliant on microtransactions and designed to encourage players to spend additional money. Many reviewers express frustration over the game's focus on profit over gameplay quality, with accusations of exploiting younger players and creating a pay-to-win environment. Overall, the sentiment is that the game's monetization practices detract significantly from the overall experience.
- “The game is designed for in-game purchases, and if content is lost, hacked, or taken without warning, you still will not get this back.”
- “Plenty of community members have come up with brilliant ideas to spice up the pro-clubs gameplay and also make it profitable for EA since they love to have in-game purchases; yet EA doesn't listen to any of what the community says and they just continue doing as they please.”
- “Essentially, EA makes you pay $59 to buy the game and then pressures you to purchase microtransactions to be competitive.”
- “The passion for making games went once microtransactions arrived.”
- “Unfortunately, it is just another greedy cash grab by EA milking a popular sport while making no improvements to the game whatsoever.”
- “Essentially, EA makes you pay $59 to buy the game and then bullies you to purchase microtransactions to be competitive.”
humor
58 mentions
97 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with players finding enjoyment in funny glitches, multiplayer antics, and absurd gameplay moments, particularly when playing with friends. Many reviews highlight the comedic aspects of bugs and referee decisions, contributing to a lighthearted experience, although some players note that single-player modes lack the same charm. Overall, the game is described as funny and entertaining, especially in social settings, despite some frustrations with gameplay mechanics.
- “It's nice to see your friends raging and laughing at the same time.”
- “Very funny game!”
- “This game is so funny and good.”
- “Not funny”
- “Not funny”
atmosphere
16 mentions
38 % positive mentions
44 % neutral mentions
19 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its attention to detail, including realistic player likenesses and vibrant lighting, which enhance the overall visual experience. Players appreciate the energetic feel of modes like Volta and the immersive crowd dynamics, although some express disappointment with the lack of unique player portraits, which detracts from the overall atmosphere. Overall, the game's presentation and match ambiance are considered superior, particularly in comparison to competitors.
- “The attention to detail in the player likenesses and the atmospheric lighting further enhance the visual fidelity of the game.”
- “I loved the presentation of FIFA and the atmosphere it shows.”
- “Several members went to South Africa and recorded the vuvuzela noise during actual football games, in order to capture the atmosphere over there.”
- “It doesn't add to the atmosphere that after a while the market is flooded with players who don't even have a portrait, so it looks like I have an army of anonymous players in my team.”
- “Maybe, I love FIFA's graphics and the match atmosphere more than PES.”
- “Several members went to South Africa and recorded the vuvuzela noise during actual football games in order to capture the atmosphere over there.”
emotional
10 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Players describe the game as a deeply emotional experience, eliciting a wide range of feelings from intense frustration to euphoric joy, particularly during wins. This emotional rollercoaster fosters a strong investment in the game, leading to a love-hate relationship that can be both exhilarating and heartbreaking.
- “Anything that can get your emotions going as much as this game can (rage to glorious happiness when you manage a win or, god forbid, a run of wins) means you become emotionally invested.”
- “Overall, this game is an emotional experience and is a love-hate relationship.”
- “Makes you want to cry.”
replayability
6 mentions
17 % positive mentions
33 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
The dynamic player rating system significantly enhances the replayability of career mode, allowing any player to rise to stardom and ensuring that each game feels unique and engaging. Additionally, the inclusion of playable scenarios from the 2010 World Cup further adds to the game's longevity and replay value.
- “The dynamic player rating system has made career mode more replayable than previous titles because now any player can be a superstar rather than the normal high-caliber youth guys like Mbappe, Rashford, Pulisic, etc.”
- “The biggest thing for me is that it doesn't feel fake or forced - each game is unique and the replay value is still there many games into career mode.”
- “The dynamic player rating system has made career mode more replayable than previous titles because now any player can be a superstar rather than the normal high caliber youth guys like Mbappe, Rashford, Pulisic, etc.”
- “In addition, scenarios from the 2010 World Cup are playable with an online update.”