EA Sports FC 26 Xbox Series X Review – Year of the Keeper

What’s up, fellow footballers? It’s that time of the year when our favorite teams from around the world hit the pitch for another season of the beautiful game. This also means it’s time to hit the virtual pitch in EA Sports FC 26!

When it comes to yearly sports game releases (in this case, FC 26) we never expect to see a complete redesign or overhaul of the game mechanics. As much as players complain, the truth is that the overall gameplay experience is solid. From the MP, tournaments, Pro Teams, Champions League, and of course, Ultimate Team. All the modes we could want to satisfy our virtual football experience are right here. With that said, there are plenty of tweaks and enhancements in all the mentioned modes, many of which were requested by the community.

Career mode now includes challenges that complete objectives in the season pass, therefore unlocking reward items that can apply to career, UT, or other game modes. This was a long-time requested feature. Let’s be honest, a LARGE majority (myself included) spend 90% of our play time in Ultimate Team. So having the ability to unlock season pass objectives from other game modes encourages us to try out those modes. We saw this a few years back with MOMENTS. I’ve moved away from that mode, but it’s still here, along with its own item pack system, which I’m not a fan of.

What I am a fan of is FINALLY the king of Rome is BACK! Francesco Totti! I unlocked him in career mode but unfortunately this unlock does not cross over into UT but he can still be obtained in that UT as an icon item.  

Other notable new icons include Andrés Iniesta, Alex Morgan, Marcelo, and Zlatan Ibrahimović. While the entire list of new icons and heroes is great, I’m still hoping to see David Villa return one day.

The MAJOR change that applies to pretty much every game mode is the actual gameplay mechanics. Now we have seen plenty of updates in this department over the years, but never have the changes felt so noticeable as in FC 26. Players feel like they are finally performing to their in-game stats. In FC 25 and previous releases many of the well known players OVER performed from what their attributes state.

You will instantly notice this when sprinting. The double pull trigger speed boost trick no longer works. You used to be able to hold RT and just when you felt the player slowing, release and quickly hold RT again to continue the sprint, as if it was a 1 second cooldown.

This change produces a more realistic experience; the same applies to those on defense. When playing against the AI, they are more responsive and aware, so if I’m running down the right side with Salah, the CBs are sticking like glue to my STs to intercept my cross into the box.

You will also notice more pressure on the ball carrier in the final 3rd. The defense will close in and cut out passing lanes. This produces a much more challenging match, and for those wondering I usually play on pro difficulty.

Now, in my opinion, the biggest change and improvement is with the goalkeeper. Gone is the constant punch away or deflected shot that results in a rebound goal. The keepers are more active and alert, regardless of the play. I’ve seen some AMAZING stops by keepers rated 65-70.

Now some may argue that’s not possible but it’s fantastic to see and again, it produces an unexpected gameplay experience because you wouldn’t expect a low-level keeper to perform quick dive saves or run out the box toward an attacker.

If you’re playing in UT, then this experience can vary depending on attached playstyles and skill boosts. And on the topic of keepers, they have now added keeper EVOs, so you can take your favorite bronze or silver keeper and move them up to a high-level item.

Of course, this depends on the available EVO, but I already turned my NYCFC Matt Freese from bronze to a respectable silver.

Overall, FC 26 continues to be the best football (soccer) game available. All the major leagues are present, except for 2 being Liga MX and Brazil’s Serie A. The stadiums are stunning, and the crowd sounds pull you into the action.

My only complaint is that I wish they would bring back individual player chants. I miss hearing the crowd chant ROONEY or sing Zaha’s name after scoring a goal. Regardless, I’m having a great time building my UT and playing Arsenal in my live matches. With that said, whether you’re a casual or diehard, there is fun to be had for all in FC 26.

This review was written based on a digital review copy of EA Sports FC 26 for the Xbox Series X provided by EA Sports.