FIFA 22 just before release: Why should you play it? The brief check

Friday, October 1, 2021, sees the release of FIFA 22. The football game is the latest entry in the long series of FIFA titles and is set to bring a few innovations. MeinMMO takes a look at the game and shows who it is interesting for.

What is FIFA 22? FIFA 22 is the current football simulation from EA Sports. As usual from previous years, the game is released in fall and brings a variety of licenses. Real clubs from the 1st and 2nd Bundesliga, the 3rd league, the Premier League, and many other leagues are represented in the game.

There are many different modes to play: You can manage your own club in career mode, play street football in Volta, or team up with friends in Pro Clubs.

Additionally, there is the Ultimate Team mode, which is updated throughout the year with new content and where you try to build a strong team using various player cards.

When does FIFA 22 come out? The official release of FIFA 22 is on October 1, 2021. Prior to that, it was possible to secure early access with EA Play Early Access or by pre-ordering the Ultimate Edition. The standard version will start on October 1.

FIFA 22 will be released in various versions.

• All innovations can be found in the version for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Stadia.
• PC and older console generations will have to do without some of the new features, such as “Hypermotion”.
• Additionally, there is a stripped-down, but cheaper “Legacy Edition” for Nintendo Switch. This primarily updates things like jerseys or rosters but remains at the gameplay level of two generations ago.

Checklist – Should I play FIFA 22?

For a quick overview, we have included a short checklist for you. We have prepared 10 statements, and if you answer at least 7 of them with “yes,” you can safely pick up FIFA 22. More detailed information about FIFA 22 can be found further down in the text.

• I am a football fan and want to play with my favorite players and clubs.
• I am looking for a game that is fun to play against friends on the couch.
• I don’t need a story; I’m looking for a game to play in between.
• I enjoy every game in the FIFA series and want new content in Ultimate Team.
• I enjoy building a team and searching for better players.
• I have taken a long break from the FIFA series and want to get back in.
• I’m looking for a sports game that is also fun to play alone.
• I want to play online against other players and improve.
• I have only played FIFA on older systems and want to try the new versions for PS5 or Xbox Series X | S.
• I am looking for an alternative to Pro Evolution Soccer.

FIFA 22 – What’s new in the game?

Why should I check out FIFA 22? 22 players chase a ball and try to score more goals than the opponent. If you can’t relate to this principle at all, FIFA 22 is not for you.

However, if you are a football fan, FIFA 22 can convince with several points. One is the large package of licenses, which currently no other game offers. From Bayern Munich to TSV Havelse, clubs from the three major German leagues are included. Most of the other clubs from around the world are also present. Only fans of the Italian league have to make some compromises now.

On the other hand, FIFA 22 impresses on NextGen consoles thanks to HyperMotion with overhauled gameplay and realistic animations created based on motion capturing. This is the big innovation in FIFA 22 and is definitely noticeable – however, Hypermotion is missing on older consoles and PC.

Otherwise, the gameplay offers significantly improved goalkeepers, new ball physics, and improved AI. You can learn more about this in the PS5 review of FIFA 22.

These modes are available: Both alone and together, FIFA can be fun. Offline you can let loose in career mode, which this year offers the option to create your own club. Here you have free rein in terms of stadium, club crest, jerseys, and more. Additionally, the player career has been improved with a new skills system.

Furthermore, the Volta mode has been revamped and now brings some fun mini-games as well as new elements like special abilities. Those who enjoyed FIFA Street in the past will recognize some aspects here. Especially this mode can be fun online in FIFA 22 with friends.

Otherwise, Ultimate Team (FUT) is the first stop. There you try to build your personal top team using card packs and defeat online opponents. In FUT, you can also engage in trading on the transfer market or crafting squad building challenges. This year there is a new progress system and probably more new events and content as well.

The problem with Ultimate Team remains that due to the pack mechanics, you get a gameplay advantage if you invest additional money. If you want to play Ultimate Team competitively without investing money, you will probably need to compensate with a lot of time – unless you get very lucky and quickly draw strong players from packs.

However, if you are more relaxed about it and not necessarily aiming to play against the elite in the highest divisions, you can also progress well in FUT without spending money or making huge time investments.

Finally, there is the Pro Clubs mode. Here you can play matches with up to 11 vs. 11 players. For the first time, it is possible to set up male and female pros together. Additionally, there are more customization options; here, you can also customize the stadium, jerseys, goal songs, and more.

FIFA 22 – How worthwhile is it for newcomers and returners?

What it looks like for newcomers: Anyone picking up FIFA for the first time (or after a long break) will find a realistic football game that scores with many names from real football. Additionally, there is a large package of modes in which you can indulge virtually. Career, Volta, FUT, and Pro Clubs – all these modes have something to offer and are fun.

What it looks like for returners: Those who played FIFA 21 will quickly recognize a lot in FIFA 22 as well. FIFA 22 improves many details but doesn’t reinvent the wheel. The truly fresh elements are the “Create-a-Club” feature in career mode and the new gameplay variations in Volta.

Additionally, there is a new season in FUT with a new rewards and competition system, as well as improved gameplay. This is particularly notable in the NextGen version thanks to gameplay improvements. If you haven’t experienced the PS5 or Xbox Series X version from last year, the leap is definitely noticeable.

Who should not play it?

• Players are wrong with FIFA 22 if they have no interest in football.
• If you expect a completely new gaming experience compared to FIFA 21, you might be disappointed. There are no completely new modes as of now in FIFA 22.
• If you want to try “HyperMotion” on PC or old consoles, this innovation is not available there.
• If you want to play crossplay against friends on different platforms. This is not possible in FIFA 22.
• If you don’t play FIFA online but only in career mode and expect more than the “Create-a-Club” feature? Then you can continue playing FIFA 21.
• If you want to play competitively online, but the Ultimate Team system does not appeal to you. A large part of the new content that comes throughout a season lands there.

Do you want to take a closer look at what’s new in FIFA 22? Then we have a detailed overview of all the new features in FIFA 22 for you.