FIFA 22

The overall sentiment regarding the story of FIFA 22 is mixed, but several critics highlight positive aspects of its narrative approach. Atomix notes that while FIFA 22 lacks a traditional story mode, it introduces a new club creation feature in Career Mode, which adds a fresh layer of personalization and engagement. Gameblog.fr acknowledges the scripted storyline centered around PSG and Kylian Mbappé, emphasizing that the concept is engaging despite some technical shortcomings, such as the lack of original voice acting for key characters. Similarly, Merlin'in Kazanı (Turkey) appreciates the cinematic introduction featuring famous players, which serves as both a showcase and a way for players to learn controls while selecting character traits. Vgames also praises the cinematic opening scene, which hints at a more significant role for the player's avatar, enhancing the narrative experience. These reviews suggest that while the story isn’t traditional, it offers some unique and appealing elements. On the other hand, several critics express disappointment with the lack of a substantial narrative in FIFA 22. GamePro Germany laments the complete removal of the story mode from FIFA 21, which is a letdown for players who valued storytelling in the series. IGN Italia points out that although there is a narrative element in the single-player career mode, it lacks a strong storytelling aspect, focusing more on the cultural identity of football. PlaySense and TrueAchievements both criticize the narrative tutorial for being shallow and lacking depth, with PlaySense describing it as cringy. Additionally, Game Informer and MondoXbox note that the game is devoid of plot and lacks a central narrative, with MondoXbox emphasizing the shift toward multiplayer challenges rather than story-driven content. These critiques suggest that many reviewers feel the story in FIFA 22 is underdeveloped or absent altogether. Despite the varied opinions, there seems to be a general consensus that FIFA 22’s story is not as robust or immersive as previous installments. While some see the new narrative elements as a step forward, others view them as a missed opportunity or a step backward. The shift away from a traditional story mode has polarized the reception, with some critics appreciating the focus on gameplay and personalization, while others feel it sacrifices depth for spectacle. Overall, the narrative in FIFA 22 is seen as a minor addition rather than a central feature, and its reception is largely dependent on individual expectations and preferences for storytelling in sports games.

The majority of critics found the gameplay of FIFA 22 to be a significant step forward, with many praising its realism, improved animations, and more strategic approach to football. IGN noted that while the core gameplay on Nintendo Switch remains largely unchanged, it is still "very good" and "fun and playable." On PS5 and Xbox Series X, several reviewers highlighted the impact of HyperMotion technology, which brings a more authentic and immersive experience. For example, PlayStation Universe and TheXboxHub praised the technology for making player movements and AI reactions more natural, while CGMagazine and Games.cz appreciated the deeper match analysis and more tactical gameplay. Guardian and Gaming Nexus both commended the improved ball physics, player animations, and the shift toward smart, patient buildup play. Forbes and Comicbook.com also noted smoother animations and reduced odd collisions, contributing to a more realistic simulation of the sport. Despite the overall positive reception, some critics pointed out specific issues with the gameplay. GameMAG and Gameblog.fr raised concerns about the perceived scripting and inconsistencies in player performance, while Xbox Achievements and The Loadout mentioned that goalkeepers and defenders can be overpowered or behave unpredictably. Areajugones and Vandal noted that the slower pace, while more realistic, can make skills like dribbling and shooting less effective, and Impulsegamer mentioned that some new mechanics, such as heading accuracy, remain inconsistent. Merlin'in Kazanı and Ragequit.gr also pointed out that while there are improvements, the game still lacks significant innovation and some features, like defensive options, feel underdeveloped. Additionally, PlaySense and The Loadout acknowledged that while the gameplay is better, it still retains some frustrating elements from previous versions. Overall, the consensus among critics is that FIFA 22’s gameplay is a major improvement, with many calling it the best it has been in recent years. While there are some technical and balancing issues, especially around AI behavior and player control, the shift toward realism and strategic play is widely appreciated. TheXboxHub and God is a Geek highlighted the game as feeling like a "real game of football," with better dribbling, passing, and defending. GamingTrend and Jeuxvideo.com also noted that the gameplay is more technical and challenging, which adds depth to the experience. Despite the criticisms, the majority of reviewers agreed that FIFA 22 delivers a very good gameplay experience, with HyperMotion technology and improved animations being key highlights that elevate the simulation to a new level of authenticity.

The overall sentiment toward the graphics and visual design of FIFA 22 is largely positive, with many critics praising its next-gen enhancements and attention to detail. Reviewers like IGN Italia and Eurogamer Italy highlight the use of Hypermotion Technology and improved player movements, which contribute to a more realistic visual experience. TheGamer and NME commend the lifelike player models, particularly the intricate hair animations and facial expressions, while GamePro Germany notes the brighter, more immersive stadium atmospheres. PlayStation Universe and Comicbook.com emphasize the game’s 4K support and 4K visuals, calling it one of the best-looking sports games. GameMAG and GameInformers also acknowledge minor upgrades, such as better textures, hairstyles, and smoother animations, which collectively elevate the game’s aesthetic appeal. These improvements, especially on next-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, are seen as significant steps forward for the series. However, several critics point out notable shortcomings and inconsistencies. Nintendo Life criticizes the game as a dated port of FIFA 17, suggesting it fails to meet modern standards, while GameOver.gr and Ragequit.gr highlight a stark visual disparity between star players and lesser-known athletes, creating a chaotic appearance. Vandal and GameMAG note that textures and lighting show little advancement compared to FIFA 21, and Jeuxvideo.com points out that older consoles like the PS4 lack features such as Hypermotion Technology, resulting in poorer collision modeling. GRYOnline.pl and Multiplayer.it mention licensing issues and occasional animation glitches, while NME criticizes the subpar cut-scenes featuring David Beckham and Thierry Henry. Additionally, Cubed3 and Everyeye.it note inconsistencies in player face scans and disparities between top-tier and lower-league teams, underscoring a lack of uniformity in visual quality. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that FIFA 22 delivers a visually impressive experience, particularly on next-gen platforms. While not revolutionary, the game’s graphical upgrades are seen as a natural evolution, with IGN and PlayStation LifeStyle praising its "best-ever" visual design. Xbox Achievements and SomosXbox acknowledge the "slicker presentation" and improved animations, even if they fall short of "mind-blowing" expectations. Games.cz and Gaming Nexus emphasize the next-gen quality of graphics, though they concede that older consoles lack the same polish. Ultimately, while some critics, like Nintendo Life, find the visuals underwhelming, the majority agree that FIFA 22 strikes a balance between incremental improvements and the series’ traditional strengths, making it a visually solid entry in the franchise.

The sound design and music of FIFA 22 received widespread praise for their immersive and dynamic qualities. Critics highlighted the game’s vibrant soundtrack, which features a diverse array of popular artists and club chants, enhancing the realism of matches. CGMagazine and IGN praised the "amazing and emphatic" soundtrack, while Hobby Consolas and SpazioGames noted the inclusion of authentic club chants and the most diverse tracklist in FIFA history. The stadium atmosphere was frequently lauded, with Everyeye.it and Games.cz emphasizing the immersive sound design that mimics real football broadcasts. Commentary improvements, such as the new team led by Stewart Robson and Alex Scott (as noted by Press Start Australia) and the revitalized French and Italian voices (Jeuxvideo.com, Multiplayer.it), were seen as significant upgrades. Additionally, the cultural representation through localized soundtracks and commentary, as highlighted by IGN Italia, added to the game’s appeal. Despite these positives, several critics pointed out notable flaws. The commentary, while improved in some regions, was criticized for being repetitive and lacking charisma. Games.cz and SomosXbox noted that the voices, though consistent, lacked variety and needed updates, while Trusted Reviews and Vandal described the commentary as "lackluster" and "outdated." Technical issues also emerged, such as the "weird humming" in crowd noise (The Loadout) and "flat" stadium sounds (PlaySense). Some reviewers, like PlayStation Country, found the soundtracks "not particularly noteworthy," and others, like NME and Impulsegamer, offered minimal details on the audio, suggesting areas where the design fell short of expectations. These critiques underscored that while FIFA 22’s audio was generally strong, it wasn’t without its shortcomings. Overall, the consensus among critics leaned heavily toward appreciation for FIFA 22’s sound design and music, with most acknowledging its role in enhancing the game’s authenticity and excitement. While the soundtrack’s diversity and commentary improvements were universally praised, the repetitive nature of some voice lines and technical hiccups prevented it from being universally flawless. Critics like IGN, CGMagazine, and SpazioGames emphasized the game’s audio as a standout feature, whereas others, such as Trusted Reviews and Vandal, highlighted lingering issues. The mixed feedback suggests that while FIFA 22 set a high bar for audio quality in sports games, there was room for refinement in areas like commentary variety and technical polish.

The voice acting in FIFA 22 received several positive remarks, particularly highlighting the introduction of fresh commentary teams and regional adaptations. Critics like Everyeye.it and Jeuxvideo.com (on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X) praised the new duo of commentators for their synergy and the inclusion of unique phrases that reduced repetition, enhancing the audio experience. IGN Italia noted the debut of a new commentator who performed well, adding a sense of freshness to the game’s presentation. Additionally, MondoXbox and SpazioGames celebrated the addition of Lele Adani and the revitalized commentary duo, respectively, while Multiplayer.it commended the well-executed Italian voice acting, emphasizing its contribution to immersion. These positives suggest that EA’s efforts to modernize the commentary roster and diversify dialogue were generally well-received, especially in localized versions and for new faces like Alex Scott, though her role was not deeply analyzed by some reviewers. However, several critics pointed out significant shortcomings in the voice acting, particularly its lack of originality and consistency. Gameblog.fr and Games.cz criticized the absence of distinct, original voices for key characters, which undermined the scripted storyline’s immersion and engagement. NME and PlaySense specifically called out the poor quality of voice acting in cutscenes featuring high-profile figures like David Beckham and Thierry Henry, describing it as rushed and unconvincing. Vandal and TrueAchievements echoed concerns about repetitive dialogue and underutilized voice talent, with the latter noting that scripted lines felt out of place and failed to capitalize on the potential of the actors. These critiques indicate that while some improvements were made, the voice acting still struggled with authenticity and depth, especially in narrative-driven moments. The overall consensus among critics appears mixed, with incremental progress balanced by persistent issues. While Jeuxvideo.com (across platforms) and SpazioGames acknowledged enhancements in commentary variety and phrasing, others like Gameblog.fr and NME emphasized that these changes were insufficient to address deeper problems. Regional adaptations, such as the Italian voice acting praised by Multiplayer.it, showcased EA’s ability to tailor content effectively, but broader concerns about repetition, lack of originality, and unconvincing performances remained. Critics like Everyeye.it and IGN Italia highlighted the value of new commentary pairs, yet Games.cz and TrueAchievements suggested that the team’s creativity and engagement fell short of past iterations. Ultimately, FIFA 22’s voice acting was seen as a step forward in some areas but still required more nuanced development to fully meet expectations.

The technical performance of FIFA 22 on next-gen platforms like the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S is largely praised for its improvements. Reviewers such as Jeuxvideo.com highlight "fewer bugs and no loading times on next-gen consoles," while IGN Italia notes the game "runs smoothly with the new technologies." MondoXbox and Generación Xbox commend the "excellent performance" and "stable frame rate and high detail" on Xbox Series X, and LaPS4 points to "stable 4K resolution and 60 FPS gameplay" on the PS5. Gameblog.fr and GameOver.gr also observe "impressive technical performance" and "quick loading times," respectively, with PlaySense emphasizing the PS5's ability to "showcase its capabilities" despite minor graphical inconsistencies. On PC, Jeuxvideo.com acknowledges the "new statistics screen" as a positive addition, even if the platform still lags in other areas. The Xbox Series X’s Hypermotion Technology is a standout feature, as noted by Multiplayer.it, which enhances player movements and animations, while TheGamer and SomosXbox praise the "improved player behavior and physics" on the platform. However, technical issues persist across platforms, particularly on older systems. Jeuxvideo.com and LaPS4 criticize the PS4 and Xbox One versions for "longer loading times" and "technical limitations," with the latter lacking the advancements of next-gen. Nintendo Life on the Switch highlights "technical stagnation and lack of stability," as the game has not seen updates or improvements over the years. On the PS5, Atomix and LevelUp point to "bugs and glitches in animations" and "unrealistic player movements," while Vandal notes "performance drops to 30 fps in cutscenes." GamePro Germany specifically criticizes the Xbox Series S for "notable bugs affecting visual clarity," and TrueAchievements highlights "optimization issues on Series S" that impact player models. XGN and Games.cz mention "career mode glitches" on PS5, and SpazioGames raises concerns about "server stability affecting online play" on Xbox Series X. ComicBook and Vgames also flag "minor AI issues" and "connection problems" in online modes, respectively, indicating that while next-gen performance is strong, older systems and specific features still face challenges. Overall, the consensus among critics is that FIFA 22 delivers a technically solid experience on next-gen consoles, with smooth frame rates, fast load times, and enhanced features like Hypermotion. However, older platforms like the PS4, Xbox One, and Switch suffer from performance limitations and technical stagnation, as noted by Jeuxvideo.com and Nintendo Life. While Gameblog.fr and GameOver.gr acknowledge the game’s general improvements, they also stress that bugs and glitches—particularly in animations, career mode, and online play—remain. Attack of the Fanboy and Everyeye.it suggest that while the PS5 version is more stable than FIFA 21, there is still room for refinement. The Xbox Series X benefits from strong optimization, but the Series S faces specific issues, as highlighted by GamePro Germany and TrueAchievements. Despite these flaws, most reviewers agree that FIFA 22 represents a step forward in technical execution, though the balance between innovation and stability is not yet fully realized, as Eurogamer Italy and LevelUp suggest.

The overall sentiment toward FIFA 22’s replay value is mixed, with several critics highlighting its strengths in varied gameplay modes and incremental improvements. IGN and Vgames praise the revamped Career Mode and the engaging Volta Football, noting that these additions provide a deeper, personalized experience for players. Pure Xbox emphasizes enhancements in Player Career Mode, Pro Clubs, and Ultimate Team, such as new match objectives, squad play, and the Division Rivals system, which they argue keep the game fresh for long-time fans. Cubed3 and SomosXbox also commend the new gameplay systems, Manager and Player Career Mode upgrades, and Volta party modes, suggesting that the diversity of options ensures hours of entertainment. Additionally, Jeuxvideo.com and Gameblog.fr acknowledge the richness of modes like Ultimate Team and Volta, while TheXboxHub points to ongoing updates and engaging mechanics as factors that sustain interest. These reviews collectively suggest that FIFA 22’s replay value is bolstered by its accessibility and the ability to explore different playstyles, particularly for players invested in its core features. However, the negatives are centered around a perceived lack of innovation and exploitative monetization practices. Jeuxvideo.com and CGMagazine criticize FUT and VOLTA for stagnation, with the former described as “not recommended” due to its pay-to-win nature and microtransactions. Xbox Achievements and Gaming Nexus note that while there are upgrades, the game feels repetitive, with many aspects resembling previous iterations. Trusted Reviews and Vandal highlight that FUT’s reliance on microtransactions creates an unfair advantage, deterring long-term engagement for non-paying players. LaPS4 and XGN also point out that the focus on monetization blurs the line between free-to-play and pay-to-win, diminishing the appeal of modes like Division Rivals. Meanwhile, GamingTrend and Guardian criticize Volta as either uninteresting or underdeveloped, and GamePro Germany mentions the removal of the story mode as a potential drawback. These critiques underscore concerns that FIFA 22’s replay value is compromised by its formulaic design and financial barriers. The consensus among critics is that FIFA 22’s replay value is a double-edged sword. While IGN, Vgames, and Eurogamer Italy argue that its core modes and customization options offer solid engagement, others like Jeuxvideo.com, Xbox Achievements, and Gaming Nexus feel the lack of substantial innovation and the prevalence of microtransactions dilute its longevity. Nintendo Life and Atomix note that the game’s similarity to past entries may reduce its appeal for players seeking fresh experiences, but TrueGaming and Areajugones counter that the learning curve and adaptability of new systems can enhance replayability. Ultimately, the game’s replay value hinges on player preferences: those prioritizing FUT and Career Mode may find it satisfying, while others frustrated by exploitative practices or stagnant content might see it as a missed opportunity. The divide reflects a broader debate about balancing accessibility, innovation, and monetization in sports games.