FIFA 23: The Final Chapter in EA’s Iconic Football Legacy

For nearly three decades, the name “FIFA” has been synonymous with virtual football. With FIFA 23, Electronic Arts (EA) closed a historic chapter, delivering its final installment under the FIFA brand before rebranding to EA SPORTS FC. Released in September 2022, FIFA 23 aimed to be the most complete, realistic, and globally diverse football game to date—blending cutting-edge technology, fresh licenses, and refined mechanics.

But does FIFA 23 truly live up to the expectations of a farewell title? In this detailed review, we’ll explore the game’s development, gameplay innovations, career mode upgrades, FUT enhancements, and how it compares to previous titles. This is the ultimate breakdown of FIFA 23 for fans, critics, and casual players alike.

A Farewell to FIFA: Background and Release Context

EA’s Final Collaboration with FIFA

FIFA 23 marked the end of EA’s partnership with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, following disputes over licensing costs and creative direction. As the final entry in the legendary series that began in 1993, expectations were sky-high. EA made it clear that FIFA 23 would go out with a bang, featuring:

• Expanded licensing

• Cross-play integration

• HyperMotion2 technology

With this title, EA promised an experience that refined tradition while embracing innovation.

Multi-Platform, Multi-Generational Launch

FIFA 23 launched on:

• PlayStation 4 & 5

• Xbox One & Series X|S

• Nintendo Switch (Legacy Edition)

• PC (including a next-gen engine)

• Google Stadia (before its shutdown)

The inclusion of cross-play for same-generation consoles and PC was a long-requested feature that significantly expanded the game’s social reach.

HyperMotion2: Next-Level Animation and Realism

What is HyperMotion2?

Building upon the first HyperMotion system introduced in FIFA 22, HyperMotion2 uses motion capture from real-life 11v11 matches and advanced machine learning to create:

• Over 6,000 new animations

• Enhanced collision physics

• More natural player movement

This tech is exclusive to next-gen platforms and PC, making FIFA 23 the most fluid and lifelike FIFA to date.

Visible In-Game Effects

In practice, HyperMotion2 makes gameplay feel:

• Smoother during transitions between dribbles and passes

• More dynamic with player agility and momentum shifts

• Better animated when it comes to headers, slide tackles, and goalkeeper saves

However, it may be imperceptible to casual players and sometimes overshadowed by legacy AI flaws.

Gameplay Refinements and Mechanics

Slower Pace, Tactical Depth

FIFA 23 introduced subtle but impactful gameplay changes:

• Slightly slower pace promoting realism

• Stronger emphasis on midfield battles

• More weight to physicality and ball control

This shift benefits players who favor tactical build-up play over arcade-style pace abuse.

New Power Shot Mechanic

The Power Shot is a new high-risk, high-reward shooting option. When timed correctly, it results in:

• Thundering long-range goals

• Realistic body animations

• Crowd-pleasing moments

It also forces defenders to close down quickly, adding a new layer of defensive urgency.

Career Mode: Small Improvements, Big Potential

Playable Highlights and Manager Customization

Career Mode saw the return of long-requested features:

• Playable Highlights: Lets you control only key moments in a match, saving time

• Manager Customization: Use real-world managers like Pep Guardiola or Thomas Tuchel

This adds novelty and narrative immersion to long campaigns.

Player Career Additions

For Player Career enthusiasts, new features include:

• Personality System: Earn points in categories like Maverick, Virtuoso, or Heartbeat

• Career Objectives: Season goals that influence growth and narrative events

While these additions offer role-playing elements, many fans felt Player Career still lacks depth and dynamic storylines compared to competitors.

FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT): Expanding the Meta

Chemistry System Overhaul

FIFA 23 introduced a revamped chemistry system:

• No more position-based links

• Nationality, league, and club now apply across the squad

• Up to 3 chemistry points per player

This change opened the door to more creative squad building and reduced restrictions.

FUT Moments and World Cup Content

New additions included:

• FUT Moments: Scenario-based single-player challenges

• World Cup Modes: Limited-time content, themed cards, and national squads

FIFA 23’s World Cup integration made it one of the most content-rich FUT cycles, with new icons, heroes, and promo events almost every week.

Women’s Football: Breaking New Ground

New Teams and Leagues

FIFA 23 is the first title in the series to include:

• Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL)

• D1 Arkema (France)

• Women’s International World Cup squads

This marks a historic moment for the franchise, giving players access to real-world women’s leagues in standard play modes.

Women in FUT

Another major step was introducing female players in FIFA Ultimate Team, including icons and heroes such as:

• Sam Kerr

• Marta

• Alex Morgan

This inclusion was celebrated by many, though some in the community criticized the blending of genders in a competitive online mode.

Presentation, Graphics, and Audio

Visual Polish

Next-gen and PC versions of FIFA 23 feature:

• Enhanced stadium lighting

• Realistic pitch degradation

• More detailed crowd reactions and celebrations

From broadcast-style camera cuts to goal replays, FIFA 23 looks more like live football than ever before.

Commentary and Soundtrack

The audio landscape was bolstered by:

• New commentary team: Derek Rae and Stewart Robson

• Updated Chants and Reactions: Fans adapt to game states dynamically

• A diverse 50+ song soundtrack, featuring artists like ROSALÍA, FKA twigs, and Stromae

Online and Cross-Play Experience

Seamless Cross-Play Integration

For the first time, players on:

• PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC

• Or PS4 and Xbox One

...could face off in Divisions, Seasons, and FUT matches, making matchmaking faster and more global.

Performance and Latency

While cross-play enhanced accessibility, it also exposed issues:

• Slightly longer load times

• Some input delays

• Limited options for disabling cross-play in certain modes

Despite this, FIFA 23’s online experience was generally stable and smooth, especially on next-gen platforms.

FIFA 23 vs. Previous Installments

Evolution or Iteration?

Compared to FIFA 22 and FIFA 21, FIFA 23 offered:

• Superior visuals and animations

• A more balanced meta

• Less reliance on pace abuse

• Expanded team rosters and player pool

However, it didn’t reinvent the formula. Critics noted that legacy issues (e.g., defensive AI flaws, clunky menus, limited career dynamics) still lingered.

Is It Worth Upgrading?

For next-gen users or those who value realism and FUT updates, FIFA 23 is a significant upgrade. But for players sticking to last-gen consoles, the experience feels too close to previous years.

Pros and Cons of FIFA 23

Pros

✅ HyperMotion2 creates fluid, lifelike animations
✅ Revamped Chemistry system encourages creativity in FUT
✅ Inclusion of women's club football adds major value
✅ Cross-play support increases accessibility and player base
✅ Visuals and presentation set a new series standard

Cons

❌ Career Mode still lacks dynamic story and interactions
❌ Pay-to-win elements dominate FUT
❌ Legacy issues like clunky menus and defensive AI persist
❌ No real innovation in Pro Clubs or VOLTA
❌ Last-gen versions feel recycledFinal Rating and Expert Verdict

Conclusion: FIFA 23 Is a Polished Finale for a Legendary Series

FIFA 23 is not a reinvention—but it is a refinement of everything FIFA has aimed to be over three decades. From visual mastery and smoother gameplay to expanded representation and deeper online functionality, this final installment offers a complete, respectful goodbye to the FIFA brand.

While it doesn't fix every legacy issue, FIFA 23 delivers a meaningful evolution, not just for football simulation fans but for gaming as a whole. As we step into the EA SPORTS FC era, FIFA 23 will be remembered as a high note and cultural milestone in virtual sports history.