FIFA 23 Review: The Final EA Sports Game Before the Big Transition
FIFA 23 marks the end of an era as EA Sports closes the chapter on its long-running football franchise before transitioning to "EA Sports FC." In this FIFA 23 review, we explore whether the game delivers the ultimate football experience or simply feels like another iteration in a long-standing series. From graphics and gameplay innovations to modes, licenses, and community features, this in-depth breakdown helps you decide if it's worth the investment.
1. A Historic Release in the Franchise Timeline
FIFA 23 holds historical significance as the final collaboration between EA Sports and the FIFA organization. With over three decades of dominance in the sports gaming genre, FIFA 23 symbolizes the closing of a legacy and sets the stage for a bold new direction.
In this FIFA 23 review, it's clear the developers aimed to deliver more than nostalgia. They added global representation, polished mechanics, and numerous improvements that celebrate the franchise's legacy while pushing it forward.
The game also includes both men's and women’s World Cups, a first for the franchise, which expands its global inclusivity and representation on a massive scale.
2. Visuals, Presentation, and Realism
FIFA 23 introduces a visual overhaul, especially for next-gen platforms. Thanks to HyperMotion2 technology, player movements are more fluid, dynamic, and true-to-life. Facial animations have improved, stadiums feel alive, and weather effects like rain and snow are more immersive.
One of the biggest praises in this FIFA 23 review goes to its presentation. The match-day environment mimics real-world broadcasts with updated scoreboards, pre-game cutscenes, and post-match highlights that offer a true TV-style feel.
However, while the visuals on PS5 and Xbox Series X are impressive, PC players have long complained about being left behind — a problem only partially addressed this year.
3. Core Gameplay and Match Feel
FIFA 23's gameplay is a major highlight. EA tweaked ball physics, dribbling, and AI behavior for more authentic match flow. The pace feels slightly slower compared to FIFA 22, offering a more tactical style of play.
From an analysis standpoint, the FIFA 23 review shows how the new Power Shot mechanic stands out. It allows players to unleash high-risk, high-reward strikes, making goal-scoring moments feel more rewarding. Defensive positioning is also more realistic.
Nevertheless, issues like assisted passing and goalkeeper inconsistency still persist, sometimes breaking immersion in critical moments.
4. Career Mode Improvements
Career Mode sees meaningful updates in FIFA 23, especially for players who enjoy offline content. The addition of playable highlights lets users control only key moments, shortening match time while preserving excitement. Manager Career gets extra flair with real-life managers like Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola now playable. There's also a new dynamic potential system, making player development more fluid. Despite these additions, Career Mode still lacks the depth seen in competitor titles. Press conferences and transfer negotiations feel scripted, and UI menus remain sluggish. Pros:- New highlights system is time-saving
- Real-life managers add immersion
- Career progression still feels linear
- Menu responsiveness is lacking
5. Ultimate Team: Chemistry, Cards, and Challenges
FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) remains a central pillar. FIFA 23 revamped the chemistry system, removing position links in favor of more flexible squad building. This allows for more creativity without being punished for non-traditional formations. New promo cards, dynamic duos, and World Cup-themed content make FUT 23 one of the most content-rich versions to date. FUT Moments, a bite-sized objective-based mode, adds another way to engage without committing to full matches. However, microtransactions and loot box mechanics remain heavily embedded in the mode, giving paying players a distinct advantage. Pros:- More freedom in squad building
- Excellent promotional content and events
- Microtransactions dominate top-tier rewards
- Pack odds still not transparent enough
6. Women’s Football Expansion in game FIFA 23
For the first time, FIFA 23 includes full integration of women's club football, with leagues like the FA Women’s Super League and Division 1 Féminine. This is a major milestone, marking serious progress in inclusivity. Gameplay for women's teams is well-balanced, with animations and physics tailored to feel authentic. The Women’s World Cup mode offers a full tournament experience. Still, the number of teams and leagues is limited compared to the men's side, and there's no integrated Career Mode for women’s football yet. Pros:- First-time inclusion of women’s leagues
- Unique gameplay feel for women’s teams
- Limited content and support
- No women’s Career Mode path
7. Pro Clubs and Volta: Social and Casual Modes
FIFA 23 continues its support for Pro Clubs and Volta Football. Pro Clubs adds player archetypes and perks, giving your custom footballer a unique identity on the pitch. Shared progression between Pro Clubs and Volta allows for consistent development. Volta brings new mini-games, cosmetics, and casual competition. It’s still the best mode for offbeat fun with friends, although many players feel it's not as refined or supported as it once was. Connectivity and matchmaking improvements have slightly improved the multiplayer experience, though bugs and disconnects occasionally frustrate players. Pros:- Cross-mode progression is efficient
- Customization and mini-games add fun
- Lack of major innovation
- Online lobbies can be unstable
8. Cross-Play and Connectivity in FIFA 23 GAME
One of the standout additions to FIFA 23 is cross-play between platforms of the same generation. This is a game-changer, allowing Xbox Series X and PS5 players to compete directly. Cross-play also extends to friendlies and certain online modes, making it easier to connect with friends regardless of platform. It adds longevity and relevance to multiplayer content. However, cross-play is not available in Pro Clubs — a baffling omission that disappointed much of the player base. Pros:- Long-awaited feature finally delivered
- Better matchmaking across systems
- Pro Clubs excluded from cross-play
- Occasional connection glitches
9. Licensing and Authenticity in FIFA 23
FIFA 23 continues to offer an unmatched number of licensed teams, stadiums, and competitions. From the Premier League to La Liga, from the UEFA Champions League to CONMEBOL Libertadores, authenticity remains a core strength. The commentary team also sees some updates, with improved contextual analysis and reactions to big moments. Crowd chants, stadium-specific sounds, and banners help capture the culture of world football. A few licenses were lost — like Juventus returning as "Piemonte Calcio" for some users — but overall, the depth and variety are still industry-leading. Pros:- Huge library of real clubs and competitions
- Stadium and crowd presentation is excellent
- Occasional licensing gaps
- Commentary can feel repetitive after a while
10. Final Verdict and Rating
FIFA 23 isn’t just another annual update — it’s a historic title that both honors the franchise’s legacy and experiments with key innovations. With enhanced visuals, tactical gameplay, and expanded content like women’s football and cross-play, it delivers one of the most well-rounded football experiences to date. Yet, it’s far from perfect. Long-standing issues like microtransactions in FUT, Career Mode stagnation, and technical bugs remain. Still, as a farewell to the FIFA name, it’s a fitting and feature-packed send-off. Final Rating: 4.3/5 Pros:- Improved visuals and realism
- Diverse game modes and innovations
- Cross-play and women’s football expansion
- FUT microtransactions
- Some features still underdeveloped
