FIFA 23 Review: The Final Dance of a Football Giant

The End of an Era

FIFA 23 marks the end of a legendary partnership between EA Sports and FIFA. As the final installment in the long-running FIFA franchise, it carries the weight of legacy, expectations, and the promise of a swan song worthy of its name. But does it truly deliver a game-changing experience, or is it just a farewell with familiar faces? In this review, we’ll dive deep into gameplay, graphics, modes, innovations, and everything in between to answer that question.

HyperMotion2 Technology – Evolution or Gimmick?

One of the most heavily advertised features in FIFA 23 is the introduction of HyperMotion2 Technology. EA claims it uses machine learning and motion capture data from real matches to deliver the most realistic gameplay yet. And to a certain extent, it does.

Fluidity and Movement

Players feel more responsive on the pitch. Dribbling, sprinting, and cutting directions look and feel smoother than in FIFA 22. Animations, especially during tackles and shots, appear more natural and varied. The difference is subtle but noticeable.

Goalkeepers and AI

Goalkeepers have improved positioning and more lifelike reactions, although they still have the occasional awkward moment. AI-controlled players move with more intelligence, creating space and adjusting dynamically, which makes single-player matches more engaging.

Graphics and Presentation – A Next-Gen Shine

While FIFA 23 isn’t a massive leap graphically from its predecessor, the attention to detail is remarkable, especially on next-gen consoles and high-end PCs.

Stadiums and Atmosphere

Stadiums feel alive. The crowd reacts with better synchronicity, and unique team chants make every home ground feel like a fortress. From Anfield to the Allianz Arena, every pitch has personality.

Player Faces and Animations

Star players like Mbappé, Haaland, and Messi have face scans that are near-photorealistic. Celebrations have also been revamped, making goals more satisfying and dynamic to watch.

Gameplay Improvements – Small Tweaks, Big Impact

FIFA 23 makes incremental improvements to gameplay that might not seem revolutionary but significantly enhance overall experience.

Pace Balance

Speed no longer dominates the game. Fast players are still valuable, but strength and positioning now play a bigger role. This encourages more strategic play and midfield battles.

Passing and Shooting

Passing is crisper, and there's more variety in how the ball travels. Shooting has been fine-tuned with the introduction of Power Shots — a risk-reward mechanic that feels great when mastered but leaves you vulnerable if mistimed.

Set Pieces Reimagined

Corners and free kicks have been redesigned. Players now control the ball trajectory with more precision, allowing for curling efforts and knuckleballs, adding depth to an often-overlooked aspect of gameplay.

FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) – Fresh Faces and Familiar Grinds

FIFA Ultimate Team remains the most played mode, and in FIFA 23, EA introduces a few exciting updates.

FUT Moments

A new feature called FUT Moments offers short, scenario-based challenges. These moments are perfect for casual players or those looking to earn rewards without playing full matches.

Chemistry System Overhaul

One of the biggest structural changes is the new Chemistry system, which no longer restricts players by position and league as strictly as before. This opens up more creative squad-building opportunities.

Icons and Heroes Return

Legendary players like Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho return as Icons, while cult legends like Yaya Touré and Diego Forlán appear as FUT Heroes, adding excitement to pack openings and team customization.

Microtransactions Still Present

Despite all the positives, the presence of pay-to-win mechanics remains. Competitive players may still feel pressured to spend real money for top-tier squads, which continues to be a divisive issue.

Career Mode – A Quiet Comeback

Career Mode in FIFA 23 receives a few overdue updates that make it worth revisiting for solo players.

Playable Highlights

Instead of playing full matches, players can now choose to only play "highlights" – key attacking and defensive moments. This saves time while keeping the core excitement.

Manager Customization and Real-Life Coaches

You can now take control of real managers like Jürgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola, complete with authentic appearances. It’s a fun novelty that adds immersion.

Player Career Enhancements

Player careers now include personality traits, decision-making paths, and off-the-pitch activities, giving more control over narrative progression. While still not at RPG levels, it’s a step forward.

Women's Football – Major Steps Toward Equality

FIFA 23 makes historic progress by expanding its offerings in women’s football.

Club Teams Included

For the first time ever, you can play as women’s club teams from top leagues like the Barclays Women’s Super League and Division 1 Féminine. This is a landmark addition that expands representation.

Improved Animations and Presentation

Women’s animations have been tailored separately from men's to reflect realistic movements and playing styles. It's not just a reskin — it feels authentic.

Volta Football – Still Searching for Identity

Volta, EA’s answer to the beloved FIFA Street series, returns with mixed results.

Customization and Minigames

Volta now features more avatar customization, unlockables, and arcade-style minigames. It’s fun in short bursts but lacks long-term appeal or meaningful progression.

Online Co-op

Playing with friends in 3v3 or 4v4 can be enjoyable, but matchmaking remains inconsistent. Without a clear vision, Volta still feels like an add-on rather than a fully-fledged mode.

Pro Clubs – Minor Tweaks for Loyal Fans

Pro Clubs, the fan-favorite mode where each player controls a single character, gets some quality-of-life improvements.

Shared Progression with Volta

Your avatar now shares progress between Pro Clubs and Volta, making it easier to level up and unlock items. This is a welcome change for those who dabble in both modes.

Skill Tree Customization

The skill tree system remains, but with added perks and badges to personalize your playstyle further — whether you're a towering CB or a pacey winger.

Cross-Play and Online Stability – A New Frontier

FIFA 23 introduces cross-play for the first time, allowing players on different platforms to compete online.

Limited But Promising

Cross-play is currently limited to 1v1 modes like Seasons and FUT Rivals. Pro Clubs and Co-op still lack this feature, which is disappointing but understandable given technical challenges.

Smooth Online Experience

Latency and matchmaking are generally solid. EA’s servers hold up well even during peak hours, though occasional lag still occurs.

Licenses and Authenticity – EA’s Trademark Strength

One of FIFA’s biggest selling points remains intact: its licenses. From kits to stadiums to player names, FIFA 23 delivers unmatched authenticity.

World Cup Mode Included

To celebrate the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the game includes a dedicated World Cup mode, complete with national teams, authentic visuals, and tournament-style gameplay. It’s a highlight for fans of international football.

What Could Be Better – Room for Growth

Despite its strengths, FIFA 23 is not perfect.

• AI Still Makes Odd Decisions: Defenders can switch off inexplicably, and keepers occasionally dive the wrong way for no reason.

• Recycled Commentary: Much of the commentary feels recycled from previous games, reducing immersion over time.

• Lack of Innovation in Some Modes: Pro Clubs and Volta haven’t evolved meaningfully and may feel stale to returning players.

The Future – What Comes After FIFA 23?

With EA parting ways with the FIFA branding, FIFA 23 becomes a collector’s piece — the last of its kind. Next year, EA will launch EA Sports FC, promising a fresh identity and new innovations. That makes FIFA 23 more than just another annual update — it's a bridge to a new footballing era.

A Worthy Farewell to a Giant

FIFA 23 is not perfect, but it is satisfying. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it refines the formula in meaningful ways. From improved animations and tactical gameplay to expanded representation and a nostalgic World Cup mode, it delivers a complete package for casual and hardcore fans alike.

Whether you're a FUT grinder, a Career Mode enthusiast, or someone who just loves a good virtual match with friends, FIFA 23 has something for you. And as the final chapter in the legendary franchise, it leaves behind a legacy built on passion, controversy, and unforgettable football moments.