So you’re ready to lace up your virtual boots and dribble your way through the labyrinthine world of FIFA 21, huh? Well, buckle up, because this game is filled with all the essential football flavors—sweaty palms, questionable refereeing decisions, and occasional moments when you yell, 'How did that *not* go in?!'. "FIFA 21" delivers yet another dose of pixelated pitch action, with some dazzling new features and the same physics-defying goals. Honestly, who needs realism when you can score bangers like they do in spectacular Premier League flair? Let's kick off this review, shall we?
Enters FIFA 21—if you're looking for a direct boot-to-your-moggy like last year, this isn't it. No sir, they’ve jazzed this thing up significantly. One standout mode is Ultimate Team, your digital Mecca for trading cards, where you can combine legends like Eric Cantona and Xavi within footy’s equivalent of a Tinder date. Just don’t swipe right on that loan deal unless you want to annoy your friends for a fortnight about how your squad isn’t racking up enough wins! Career Mode saw some much-needed TLC this year, where you can micromanage your way to glory. Gone are the days of just dumping big-money signings and praying for a miracle. Now, you can jump into matches at will—perfect for those moments when you're too busy scrolling TikTok to watch the thrilling spectacle of your players epically failing to cross the ball. Plus, they finally added more transfer options, so you can spend millions buying someone just to sit on the bench like you would in real life! And let's not forget that VOLTA mode, the street football action that makes you feel cool, if even just for a split second. In short, FIFA 21 focuses on providing a more engaging, if still maddening, experience. Be prepared for a few rounds of 'did I really just miss that shot!?'.
Graphically, FIFA 21 is about as close to a football match as a HD projector is to your grandma's old tube TV. Player likenesses are detailed enough to make you wonder if you'll ever get into a discussion about hairstyles at your local bar. The stadiums are equally gorgeous, though they could use a bit more pizzazz, especially when it comes to the crowd—because let's face it, sometimes those animated cutouts look more lifeless than my ex's social media presence. Oh, and the new celebrations? Watch out—now you can dazzle your friends with moves that'd make even the most experienced TikTokers jealous. Just don’t be surprised when your mates roleplay the crowd and start booing if you dawdle too long during victory poses. The last thing you want is to be the meme of the month!
FIFA 21 is a delightful, if slightly flawed, entry into the much-loved franchise. Whether you’re gunning for a Champions League title in career mode or hoping to battle your way through Ultimate Team, there’s enough here to keep both seasoned veterans and casual players entertained. The disappointing absence of certain leagues and a few niggly bugs will make some love it a little less, but at the end of the day, you’ll find yourself whisked away into the world of football once again. So, grab your controller, bring your favorite takeout, and prepare to hear the phrase 'just one more game’ echo throughout your living room until the sun rises! 7.5/10, mainly because who can stay mad at a game that nails the feel of football almost as well as it nails those dodgy random player ratings? Now go crack the virtual sticks and dominate the pitch!