Introduction

FIFA, the annual video game that has somehow convinced us that we can play football without ever having to leave the couch. With FIFA 22, EA takes another kick at the ball, promising improved graphics, new game modes, and enough microtransactions to fund your own football club. Buckle up, because we’re about to dribble through this review like Kylian Mbappé on a caffeine high!

Gameplay

At its core, FIFA 22 sticks to what the series does best. The gameplay is smooth, with fluid animations that make your players look like they’re actually paying attention to the ball instead of running around like headless chickens. Thanks to the fancy new 'HyperMotion Technology', which uses motion capture data from actual players, you might occasionally get the delusion that you're on the pitch with them. Just be careful not to slam your controller on the ground when you unleash a power shot that somehow ends up in the stands. The Career Mode has received a facelift with new features like a create-a-club option, which means you can finally unleash your inner 7-year-old and design a team with an absurd name, colors that clash, and a flair that can only be described as visually offensive. Ultimate Team remains the much-loved money pit, full of shiny cards that may or may not improve your chances of winning. Spoiler: They won't unless you've mastered the art of spending real-life currency.

Graphics

FIFA 22 looks spectacular on the Xbox Series X/S, with player likenesses so realistic that you might confuse them for CGI renderings. The stadium crowds are, thankfully, less like cardboard cutouts than in previous versions, and you’ll find yourself appreciating the little details—like the hot dog vendor somehow holding a grudge against the ref. That being said, it also boasts your typical FIFA glitches, such as players occasionally morphing into bizarre shapes or performing twirls when falling.

Conclusion

In conclusion, FIFA 22 is a solid entry in the storied franchise that continues to push the limits of sports simulations. With stunning graphics, addictively fun gameplay, and a healthy helping of microtransactions that will make your wallet weep, it offers everything a football fan could want—unless you prefer a more realistic experience in which teams don’t pay exorbitant sums for FUT packs. So grab your friends, join an online match, and prepare to use your advanced football tactics… or just spam sprint and cross until bedtime. You’ll either emerge victorious or face the agony of defeat. Either way, you’ll have some good stories to share, preferably over a pizza and soda!

See Latest Prices for FIFA 22 on Xbox Series X/S on Amazon