FC 26: Evolved or Revolving Door?

With the major European soccer leagues still in their opening weeks, it’s once again the time of year when a new iteration of the premier digital soccer game arrives, prompting the annual debate: is it worth buying now, or should you wait?

For many, including myself, this decision has been complicated by the growing influence of Ultimate Team. Previous versions of the game showed initial promise, only to be undermined by gameplay tweaks designed for a specific audience: hardcore gamblers with a limited understanding of real-world soccer, who primarily watch highlight reels of soccer superstars.

Last year’s entry followed this disappointing pattern. Initially praised as a return to form, gameplay in that version was gradually altered by adjustments related to Ultimate Team, leading to frustrating issues on the field. While I still enjoyed the game, knowing those changes were coming, I wouldn’t have given it the 8/10 score I did.

Fortunately, last summer, the developers announced a significant change for the newest version: the career mode gameplay will be completely separate from the online modes, giving single-player fans reason to be optimistic.

This announcement was a breath of fresh air. For the first time in years, I found myself eagerly anticipating the game’s release. While it’s impossible to predict the long-term impact of this change, the separation from Ultimate Team’s influence offers hope for a more consistent and enjoyable experience.

The Match Day Programme

I’ve been exposed to so much marketing material for these games that I’ve become desensitized to it. Every year, there’s a promise of a revolutionary experience, but the reality often feels too familiar.

This year, the marketing focused on a revamped gameplay experience, with a clear division between “Authentic” and “Competitive” modes. There was also mention of significant updates to the career mode.

Eager to experience the “Authentic” mode, I started with a quick exhibition match between two top teams. My initial impression was surprisingly positive. In this mode, the game had a more natural and deliberate flow, punctuated by moments of intense action. It actually felt like watching and playing real soccer.

Dare to Defend

One of the most noticeable improvements is the automated tracking back, especially from midfielders. Players now intelligently adjust their positioning based on their teammates and react to oncoming attackers.

This means there’s no longer a gaping hole in front of the defense, preventing easy long passes. More effective defending also leads to more realistic scorelines, with tighter, more tense matches.

In addition to better defending, the new version brings back the viability of headers. My first goal and first goal conceded both came from headers, adding another dimension to attacking play. Headers aren’t overpowered, but they’re a valuable option once again.

I was also impressed by the more realistic tackling. The developers have been refining the defending mechanics for years.

Now, tackles feel more grounded in physics and common sense, rather than relying on unrealistic animations. This makes shielding the ball more effective and creates a more physical game overall.

A Real Job

The true test of a soccer game lies in its career mode. For my initial playthrough, I chose a team that finished in the top half of their league the previous season but has a somewhat unbalanced squad. Plus, they have one of the best-looking uniforms.

On the surface, the career mode appears similar to the previous version, but the improvements are in the details. You can now fully simulate up to five other leagues, a welcome addition for those who like to track the progress of their loan players. This allows you to monitor their stats and development more closely.

I played my season with “Unexpected Events” enabled, but didn’t encounter any major surprises like sudden retirements or financial crises. The managerial landscape evolves gradually, with few early-season firings. The coaches bringing their own vision to new teams adds welcome depth to long-term careers.

Finally, the scouting system eliminates the need to rely on external websites to check player potential. Scouts now provide an in-game estimate of a player’s potential, with the accuracy depending on their skill. This is a much-needed improvement.

Embrace the Tactician

After a difficult preseason, I switched to a different formation. Team tactics in the new version are similar to the previous one, offering a solid way to shape your team.

It’s important to remember that your basic formation dictates how your team plays without the ball. The game allows you to visualize your team’s positioning both statically and dynamically, making it easier to understand player roles.

However, the game won’t prevent you from making tactical mistakes, as I learned when trying to use a target man and shadow striker who occupied the same space. Adjustments were necessary to improve the attack.

My team improved when I switched my striker to a poacher role, which focuses on making runs rather than build-up play. This created space for the attacking midfielder, who could then support the attack.

While the game will never replace dedicated management sims, it incorporates some elements of those games while remaining fun to play.

A Seasonal Re-Run

It’s been almost two decades since my first experience with the franchise. The presentation is far more advanced now, but the new version looks and sounds very similar to last year’s. While some player faces have been updated, much of the presentation remains the same, in line with series tradition.

Unfortunately, some problematic design choices from the previous version remain, such as white text on white backgrounds during negotiations.

The licensing situation also hasn’t improved significantly. While it’s good to have Argentina back, the absence of major leagues is still a disappointment.

While licensing can be expensive and complicated, the developers should leverage their resources to secure important leagues, which are crucial sources of talent.

There’s also a lack of depth in the licensed leagues. Only a few leagues have multiple tiers, which cheapens the experience.

The VAR Check

So, should you buy the game now, or wait? If you enjoy career mode and want a soccer game that feels authentic, this is a good choice. The separation of Authentic and Competitive gameplay is a significant improvement.

The career mode offers enough content to justify the purchase, especially with the new challenge mode. I plan to play through multiple seasons and the game provides what I need for that.

However, if you primarily play Ultimate Team, this version is similar to last year’s. The price might not be a major concern for those who spend money on packs, but it may not be a worthwhile investment.

The single-player gameplay and career mode are the highlights, while the audiovisual presentation and licensing haven’t changed much. PC players can address these issues with mods. For others, perhaps next year will bring more improvements.

The annual release cycle of soccer games often makes it hard to justify buying each new version. However, the latest version stands out by giving much-needed attention to the single-player experience. With no need for multiplayer balancing, the gameplay is likely to remain consistent. I’m thoroughly enjoying the current game and uninstalled the previous version after just one match. If you prefer a slower, more tactical game with tight wins, this is for you.