FIFA 23
- September 30, 2022
- EA Canada & EA Romania
- 31h median play time
FIFA 23 is a sport game that offers various play options, including 2-player, multi-player, co-op, and single-player modes. The game boasts splendid visuals and humor but is plagued by bugs, grinding, and poor optimization. FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition comes with Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S games and 4600 FIFA Points, promising a boosted start to your indicated season. However, it also features poorly optimized gameplay and annoying ads.
Reviews
- gameplay1,227 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The gameplay in FIFA 23 has received mixed reviews, with many players noting improvements in graphics and some mechanics, particularly with the introduction of HyperMotion technology. However, numerous complaints highlight persistent issues such as lag, unresponsive controls, and a lack of significant innovation compared to previous titles, leading to frustrations with both online and offline modes. While some players appreciate the new features and overall gameplay experience, others feel it remains plagued by bugs and inconsistencies, making it a challenging and often disappointing experience.
“Exceptional gameplay which gives a tremendous dopamine when you score a goal.”
“With amazing visuals and improved gameplay, FIFA 23 delivers a well-rounded experience.”
“The gameplay is better than last year's release.”
“The gameplay is the same as all previous FIFAs; graphics are improved and a World Cup mode is added, but apart from that, there is absolutely nothing new. EA should stop pumping out a FIFA game every year and just make one and stick to it for a few years.”
“The gameplay is pretty standard, uninventive, and boring. While the core mechanics of soccer gameplay remain solid, the lack of substantial improvements or meaningful changes is disappointing.”
“The gameplay is so bad that I can't even begin to describe how frustrating it is to play. The mechanics are broken, and the game has a mind of its own.”
- graphics663 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics in FIFA 23 have received mixed reviews, with many players praising the stunning visuals, lifelike player models, and detailed stadiums that enhance immersion. However, numerous complaints highlight poor optimization, frequent bugs, and performance issues, particularly on PC, leading to frustration among users with high-end setups. Overall, while the graphics are generally considered an improvement over previous iterations, they are marred by technical problems that detract from the gaming experience.
“The game's visuals are stunning, with lifelike player models and detailed stadiums that create an immersive atmosphere.”
“With enhanced graphics, lifelike player animations, and refined gameplay, it's a soccer fan's dream.”
“The graphics are absolutely stunning, and every gamemode is super fun.”
“The graphics are so abysmal that it's difficult to tell which pixelated blob is supposed to represent your favorite footballer.”
“The graphics are outdated and the controls are unresponsive.”
“The game is very poorly optimized, and very lacking in graphics settings.”
- stability631 mentions
- 2 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 98 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with users reporting frequent freezes, crashes, and numerous glitches that significantly hinder gameplay. Many players have expressed frustration over the extensive troubleshooting required just to launch the game, particularly on PC, where the EA app and anti-cheat system have been noted as particularly problematic. While some users have managed to enjoy the game despite these issues, the overall consensus is that the game is plagued by bugs, making it difficult to recommend without significant improvements.
“Very nice, no glitches.”
“Good game, no problems with the anti-cheat like some others have had. I have an MSI B550, 3070, 3700X, and 1TB NVMe, and all drivers are up to date. Runs great on max settings.”
“I dunno why all the hate. Yes, they didn't bring many new features, but the game runs great on my PC at 90 FPS. Check your settings and make sure your desktop resolution matches the game one. I'm on a 2070 + 10900K, and it plays better than FIFA 22.”
“The game is incredibly buggy, every time I try to start the game itself takes around 10-15 tries just to load, and then when it eventually starts I am greeted every time by the tutorial and control settings as if it's my first time playing.”
“This game is a buggy mess. It crashes a lot and freezes a lot in the middle of the match.”
“The game is very buggy and unoptimized for PC; it freezes, lags, and crashes constantly, making it unplayable.”
- optimization618 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 62 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has been widely criticized, particularly for the PC version, with users reporting severe performance issues such as stuttering, low frame rates, and frequent crashes, even on high-end systems. Many players express frustration over the game's inability to run smoothly, citing poor optimization as a significant barrier to enjoyment. Overall, the consensus is that the game is poorly optimized, leading to a frustrating experience for many players.
“The game could also be optimized better, but since this is the first time next-gen came to PC, I'll give them some slack.”
“The gameplay seems solid, the performance during the gameplay itself is actually alright, but everything else is immersion-breaking and frustrating.”
“When the game runs smoothly, it is really fun, hence the playtime I've racked up.”
“It's disheartening to see a franchise with such a storied history suffer from a lack of optimization, making the game virtually unplayable on the PC platform.”
“The myriad of problems, including performance issues, crashes, and bugs, seriously hinder the overall experience.”
“The game is very buggy and unoptimized for PC.”
- story91 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate a widespread disappointment regarding the lack of a meaningful story mode in the game, with many users expressing frustration over repetitive narratives and the absence of engaging side quests. While some mention the introduction of a new narrative mode, "path to glory," the overall sentiment reflects a desire for a more dynamic and immersive storytelling experience akin to previous installments. Many players feel that the game has not evolved in terms of its story since 2017, leading to a sense of stagnation.
“The addition of dynamic storylines and realistic transfer negotiations adds a layer of depth that keeps players engaged season after season.”
“The introduction of a new story-driven narrative mode called 'Path to Glory' adds a refreshing twist. It allows players to create and shape the career of a rising star, with impactful decisions and engaging storylines.”
“Love playing this game, the story mode and Volta are amazing aspects of the game and you can lose track of time playing them.”
“Main story 0/10, it's empty and doesn't have one.”
“A little disappointed in the career section; there is no story that is presented.”
“The fun is gone, there is no story since 2017, and it is a huge visual downgrade from the original.”
- music75 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The music in FIFA 23 has received mixed reviews, with many praising the energetic soundtrack that features a blend of classic tracks from previous FIFA games, which evokes nostalgia for long-time players. However, some users criticize the selection as repetitive and lacking in new content, describing it as a poor mix of recycled songs and uninspired choices. Overall, while the soundtrack is often highlighted as a standout feature, opinions vary widely on its quality and impact on the overall gaming experience.
“One area where FIFA 23 shines is its soundtrack and commentary. The music is energetic and fits the game perfectly, and the commentary is insightful and adds to the excitement of the match.”
“Furthermore, the game's soundtrack deserves special mention, as it captures the energy and passion of football with a diverse selection of tracks that perfectly complement the gameplay.”
“This time it's the same, but they also added all the best music from the last 10 FIFA games in this, which is what makes it so cool.”
“The music choice is very poor as all they did was select a few good songs from previous games and throw them in with new rubbish.”
“Worst soundtrack of any FIFA ever.”
“Honestly this game is terrible, recycled soundtrack from older FIFA titles, EA anti-cheat being extremely annoying, my in-game settings resetting every time I launch the game, awful optimization for PC, AI behavior being downright janky, and the list goes on and on.”
- humor75 mentions
- 95 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with many players finding the numerous bugs and glitches to be unintentionally hilarious, while others express frustration at the game's scripting and poor performance. Some reviews highlight the comedic aspects of gameplay, such as absurd referee decisions and exaggerated player animations, making it entertaining in a chaotic way. Overall, the humor often stems from the game's flaws, leading to a shared experience of laughter and disbelief among players.
“There's a lot of bugs, but if you're playing career mode, they're just funny.”
“Interceptions are extreme, and so are offsides; the game will automatically position your attacker offside even without the need for your opponent to enable offside trap. Goalkeepers make hilariously cartoonish saves like superhuman jumps and reacting to a ball the speed of a car being shot point-blank.”
“This game is terrible and is a hilarious joke.”
“A complete and utter not funny at all joke.”
“Always lagging and bugging; it's not funny and enjoyable like that.”
“Not funny, because you have to spend money to be equal with other opponents.”
- monetization67 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 58 % negative mentions
The monetization in FIFA 23 has drawn widespread criticism for its heavy reliance on microtransactions, particularly in the Ultimate Team mode, which many players feel creates a frustrating pay-to-win environment. Reviewers describe the game as a "cash grab," emphasizing that the design encourages excessive spending and detracts from the overall gaming experience, leaving players feeling exploited rather than entertained. Despite some gameplay improvements, the pervasive monetization strategies overshadow the game's merits, leading to disappointment among long-time fans.
“While you can technically play the game without spending any money on microtransactions, the game is clearly designed to encourage you to spend as much as possible.”
“FIFA 23 has taken microtransactions to an entirely new level of greed.”
“The ultimate team mode continues to be plagued by microtransactions, creating a pay-to-win environment that can be frustrating for players who prefer a more balanced experience.”
“The game is so heavily designed around in-game purchases that it's virtually impossible to progress or enjoy the experience without shelling out an exorbitant amount of money.”
“This game is a complete cash grab where its entire purpose is to drain your free time and your wallet.”
- grinding54 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 61 % negative mentions
The reviews consistently highlight that grinding in the game is excessively time-consuming, with many players feeling it requires "a second life" to achieve meaningful progress. While some note improvements in gameplay and reduced pay-to-win elements, the overall sentiment is that the grinding experience is tedious and frustrating, often leading to poor rewards and technical issues that detract from enjoyment.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“A bit grindy sometimes.”
“Insane level of grinding needed.”
“Do not buy this game, it is a total scam; they want you to spend hours grinding for packs in SBCs and different game modes in Ultimate Team, and you will always get lame players.”
“Playing this game for hours and hours, grinding to finally have a competitive team, and now can't even enjoy... just sad.”
- emotional20 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional responses to the game are overwhelmingly negative, with players expressing intense frustration, self-hatred, and despair. Many reviewers report feeling emotionally drained and tormented by the gameplay, leading to a desire to disengage from the game entirely. Overall, the game is described as a source of significant emotional distress, with players recommending against it for mental well-being.
“Made me cry.”
“FIFA makes me want to cry.”
“It destroys any hope of enjoyable multiplayer experiences and inflicts emotional torment on those who dare to engage with it.”
- atmosphere14 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is a mixed bag; while stunning visuals and detailed player models create an immersive experience, the overall presentation can feel flat and uninspired due to lackluster gameplay and poor officiating. Vibrant stadiums and realistic sound effects enhance the excitement, but inconsistencies in match presentation and a failure to capture the thrill of real-world soccer detract from the overall immersion. Despite some positive elements, the atmosphere often falls short of expectations, leaving players wanting more.
“The game's visuals are stunning, with lifelike player models and detailed stadiums that create an immersive atmosphere.”
“With its realistic gameplay, stunning graphics, and atmospheric sounds, it immerses players into the world of soccer and elevates the excitement of the sport to the highest level.”
“Whether it's the electrifying atmosphere of a packed stadium or the subtle movements of players, the game's visuals elevate the immersion and make each match feel true to life.”
“The stadium atmosphere did not fare any better.”
“The lackluster performance on the field seemed to dampen any potential excitement, resulting in a flat and uninspiring atmosphere.”
“From the lack of quality play, absence of thrilling moments, and poor officiating to the underwhelming atmosphere, it failed to deliver the excitement and enjoyment that fans anticipate from a football match.”
- replayability9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The replayability of the game is generally viewed as lacking, with many users finding it less engaging than previous iterations like FIFA 22. While some appreciate the variety of game modes and offline play options, the overall sentiment suggests that the game struggles to maintain long-term interest, particularly due to issues with the online Ultimate Team mode and the need for significant investment to enjoy it fully.
“It's a lot of what I remember from the last FIFA game I played (18), with a lot of different game modes to keep my attention and add a lot of replayability and depth.”
“Ultimate Team looks a lot more playable now but still requires you to either pump a lot of money into the game to get good players or grind too much to gain a small amount of coins.”
“Gameplay is more playable than PES; I like it.”
“I have tried absolutely everything I know to make the game more playable, but it just does not work.”
“Just buy EA FC 24. This game was bad during release and now, more than ever, it has become redundant. Even FIFA 22 has more replay value than this. There's no need to waste your time; it's sad that this will be remembered as the last FIFA game while FIFA 14, 15, 17, and 18 will die in vain since EA ended online support for them a while ago.”
“If you only want to play the offline mode with friends or just squad battles in FUT mode, then I guess it's okay since those modes are playable for the most part. But a large part of this game is through the FUT online mode, and not being able to do it is just annoying.”
- character development1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users express frustration with the character development process, particularly noting the inconvenience of having to restart character design when attempting to return to the previous screen, which detracts from the overall experience.
“I was sent to the next screen and needed to go back, but doing so meant I had to start character design from scratch. I don't understand why you can't just go back to your character creation screen; it's silly.”
“The character development feels incredibly shallow, with no real growth or meaningful choices that impact the story.”
“I was disappointed by how limited the character customization options were, making it hard to create a unique identity for my character.”