FIFA 23 predictably focuses its changes on the mode

Beyond the gameplay that is moment-to moment, FIFA 23 Coins predictably focuses its changes on the mode that makes EA its most profit. The microtransaction-ridden Ultimate Team is flush with additions, but Career Mode and Volta Football barely get a look-in, which says much about EA's long-standing attitude to these modes, especially in this supposedly ornamental final FIFA-branded entry.

It's the same issue we've experienced in Madden NFL 23 or NBA 2K23: despite how we dislike how they make the playing field tilt towards the player who pays the most, so many players are playing and investing in it that EA simply keeps increasing the number of players on it instead of the fair and balanced models we prefer.

FIFA 22 marks the beginning of the next generation of virtual football, even though it doesn't completely reinvent the ball, the attacking and defending gameplay is now fluid from moment to moment. Goalkeeping blunders and visual inconsistencies aside this year's FIFA remains among the most intricate and enjoyable multiplayer sports games available on the market, and new features across Career Mode and Volta Football make FIFA's main modes more fun to play.

Microtransactions still loom large, but small iterative changes and the performance of the new generation consoles combine to make FIFA 22 feel like a worthy upgrade, without needing any revolutionary or thrilling features by EA's side. -- Jordan Oloman, September 27 2021

Player Career features a revolutionary persona system that lets you make the most dramatic quotes, play the role of your favorite footballer. In my case, it came to receiving 25 "MaverickPoints' for purchasing a 'High-end Hybrid Mattress' for a Serbian striker playing in the K-League, so you can imagine the amount of time I spent with the system.

It is now possible to choose an actual Manager (or Ted Lasso, however real you believe him to represent) for your character Manager Career and FUT 23 Coins Manager Career, however, other than playing as a muted Jason Sudekis or dress as Eddie Howe in a lovely sweater vest, there's not much to do beyond gawp at the awkward cutscenes.