EAFC 24 marks the dawn of a new era in virtual football, stepping into the shoes of its renowned predecessor, the FIFA series.

Developed by EA Vancouver and EA Romania, and published by EA Sports, this inaugural installment of the EA Sports FC series emerged after Electronic Arts concluded its partnership with FIFA with the release of FIFA 23. Serving as the 31st overall installment in EA Sports’ football simulation games, EAFC 24 made its grand debut on September 29, 2023, captivating gamers across various platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

The game’s cover art pays homage to football legends, with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland gracing the Standard Edition, while the Ultimate Edition features a stunning array of 31 iconic current and former players from around the globe. This artistic ensemble, reminiscent of the iconic album cover of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, includes luminaries like Sam Kerr, Virgil van Dijk, Son Heung-min, Zinedine Zidane, Pelé, and David Beckham. Learn more about the game here.

Upon the unveiling of the Ultimate Edition cover, fans raised eyebrows at the resemblances of certain figures to their real-life counterparts, sparking discussions about the in-game likenesses. However, Electronic Arts swiftly reassured fans, promising enhancements to the in-game likenesses. John Shepherd, EA’s vice president, attributed the complexity of designing the cover art to the inclusion of numerous players reflecting the game’s extensive league and club licenses. Despite initial concerns, Shepherd’s assurance placated fans’ worries.

EAFC 24 introduces HyperMotion V, a groundbreaking technology hailed as the game’s “biggest leap forward.” Building upon its predecessor’s foundation, HyperMotion V integrates volumetric data from 180 matches, predominantly featuring English and Spanish professional men’s and women’s teams. This data, captured from cameras around stadiums, enriches player movements, ball physics, and team dynamics, fostering unparalleled realism. Furthermore, the incorporation of machine learning algorithms enhances player movement authenticity, revolutionizing the gaming experience.

A notable addition to EAFC 24 is the introduction of PlayStyles, which meticulously captures the distinctive playing styles of real footballers. Powered by data optimized by Opta Sports, PlayStyles enrich the gaming experience by assigning unique attributes to players, mirroring their real-life counterparts. Additionally, the extension of PlayStyles+, attributed to elite players, further diversifies gameplay, providing nuanced roles within the squad.

EAFC 24 heralds a new chapter for Ultimate Team, formerly known as FIFA Ultimate Team. With the inclusion of Evolutions mode, players can now enhance specific player cards, unlocking stat boosts and new PlayStyles. Moreover, the addition of women’s footballers in Ultimate Team signifies a significant stride towards inclusivity, enabling gamers to assemble diverse squads comprising both men and women.

The game breaks barriers with the introduction of cross-platform play, facilitating seamless multiplayer experiences across various consoles. This inclusivity fosters a vibrant gaming community, transcending platform limitations and uniting players worldwide.

EAFC 24 transcends the confines of traditional football simulation, delving into the intricacies of club management and street football with its VOLTA Football modes. With updated graphics and enhanced gameplay options, players embark on a multifaceted footballing journey, embracing the spirit of the beautiful game in diverse settings.

For Nintendo Switch enthusiasts, EAFC 24 signifies a significant leap forward, bridging the technological gap with other platforms. Leveraging the Frostbite game engine, the Switch version delivers a comparable gaming experience, albeit with some limitations. Despite constraints, the inclusion of VOLTA Football and improved Ultimate Team features elevates the Switch version’s appeal, catering to a diverse audience of football aficionados.

EAFC 24 expands its horizons with an array of new licenses, including women’s leagues such as Spain’s Liga F and Germany’s Frauen-Bundesliga. Additionally, exclusive partnerships with UEFA, England’s Premier League, and Spain’s La Liga enrich the gaming landscape, immersing players in authentic footballing experiences.

Despite initial teething issues, EAFC 24 garnered praise for its immersive gameplay, enhanced realism, and inclusive features. Reviewers commended the game’s strides in replicating real-world football dynamics, albeit with some room for improvement in certain aspects. Notable enhancements such as HyperMotion V and personalized PlayStyles resonated positively with gamers, promising an engaging gaming experience.

EAFC 24 transcends gaming boundaries, evolving into a cultural phenomenon with widespread acclaim and fervent fan engagement. With record-breaking sales and a thriving online community, the game cements its status as a cornerstone of virtual football, inspiring generations of players to embrace the beautiful game in a digital realm.