FIFA 23: The Last Dance of a Football Giant and a New Era of the Beautiful Game
FIFA 23 stands as a landmark entry in the legendary football franchise developed by EA Sports. As the final installment to carry the official “FIFA” branding, it is much more than just another yearly release — it’s the culmination of nearly three decades of innovation, evolution, and global influence. With new gameplay mechanics, enhanced visuals, and expanded women’s football features, FIFA 23 sends the series off in style.
In this in-depth review, we’ll explore what makes FIFA 23 unique, how it improves upon previous entries, and why it matters to both longtime fans and newcomers. Additionally, we’ll examine its strengths, its missteps, and its lasting legacy in the world of digital football.
The End of an Era: FIFA 23 as EA’s Final FIFA-Titled Game
Before diving into gameplay, it’s important to understand the context. FIFA 23 marks the end of EA Sports’ partnership with FIFA, the global football governing body. As a result, this edition carries significant emotional and historic weight.
For many fans, the FIFA brand has long been synonymous with virtual football. Therefore, FIFA 23 isn’t just another game — it’s the last of its kind. Going forward, EA’s football series will continue as “EA SPORTS FC,” while FIFA itself plans to partner with other developers. This final chapter thus tries to deliver the most complete football experience possible under the FIFA banner.
Gameplay Improvements: HyperMotion 2 and Realism Redefined
One of the most talked-about features in FIFA 23 is the introduction of HyperMotion 2 technology. Building upon last year’s HyperMotion, this system uses machine learning and real-match motion capture to create incredibly lifelike animations and player behavior.
Moreover, HyperMotion 2 is more than a buzzword — it enhances realism in every touch, tackle, and sprint. Players now move more fluidly, respond more naturally to pressure, and behave more like their real-life counterparts. In addition, defensive positioning and off-the-ball movement feel vastly improved compared to FIFA 22.
The addition of Power Shots — a new risk/reward mechanic — brings a fresh dynamic to shooting. Though they take longer to execute, Power Shots feel immensely satisfying when timed right. Meanwhile, goalkeepers are smarter, physics are more accurate, and the ball movement has been fine-tuned for added realism.
Graphics and Presentation: A Visual Love Letter to Football
From the very first match, FIFA 23’s graphical presentation is impressive. Thanks to the power of next-gen consoles and improved PC optimization, the game delivers breathtaking stadiums, detailed player models, and dynamic crowd animations.
Furthermore, broadcast-style overlays, commentary variety, and improved lighting effects give each match a TV-like presentation. Small details like authentic sleeve sponsors, manager animations on the sidelines, and updated player celebrations add to the immersion.
Of particular note is the attention given to female footballers, who are now more accurately modeled than ever before. EA’s visual team went to great lengths to ensure authenticity in body types, movement, and facial expressions.
Ultimate Team: Chemistry Reworked and Women Integrated
FIFA 23’s Ultimate Team mode — the franchise’s most played and most lucrative mode — received several key changes. The most significant is the reworked Chemistry System, which eliminates restrictive link types and allows for more freedom in team building. This encourages more creative squads and reduces the need to stick to one nationality or league.
Additionally, for the first time in the series, women’s players are available in FUT, opening up new tactical and thematic possibilities. Icon players like Marta and real-world stars like Sam Kerr can now line up alongside legends like Ronaldo and Zidane. While purists may debate the blending of genders, it’s undeniably a major step toward inclusivity.
Of course, microtransactions remain central to Ultimate Team. While EA has added more objectives and untradeable rewards to encourage grinding over spending, FUT still favors those willing to pay.
Career Mode: Small Upgrades with Long-Term Impact
Despite not being the headline feature, Career Mode in FIFA 23 saw several meaningful upgrades. For one, Playable Highlights now let players jump into key moments within a match rather than playing the full 90 minutes. This is perfect for those looking to simulate seasons without skipping all the action.
Moreover, the introduction of Manager Personality Traits and Playable Cutscenes adds depth to the experience. Managers like Ted Lasso (yes, he’s in the game) can now be used, providing extra novelty and charm.
However, while these additions are welcome, Career Mode still lacks the full overhaul many fans have been requesting for years. Features like player progression, youth development, and scouting remain largely unchanged from FIFA 22.
Women’s Football: A Bold Step Forward
One of FIFA 23’s most important milestones is its serious inclusion of women’s football. Beyond just having international teams, this year includes club football for women, featuring leagues such as the FA Women’s Super League and Division 1 Féminine.
In addition, EA has announced that more women’s leagues and the UEFA Women’s Champions League would be added through post-launch updates. This signals a shift not just in content, but in philosophy: women’s football is no longer a side feature — it’s part of the core experience.
Gameplay-wise, women’s matches feel distinct due to their pacing and animations. Furthermore, commentary changes and visual branding help differentiate the experience.
Volta and Pro Clubs: Social Modes Evolve (Slightly)
Volta Football, EA’s street-style mode, returns with minor tweaks and more cosmetics. New Skill Games, Weekly Objectives, and limited-time cosmetics add incentive to log in, though the mode still lacks the depth of classic FIFA Street.
Meanwhile, Pro Clubs, FIFA’s beloved 11v11 online mode, finally integrates with Volta progression, meaning you now level up your Pro in both modes simultaneously. Customization options have also expanded, offering more hairstyles, tattoos, and animations.
However, both modes continue to feel underdeveloped compared to Ultimate Team. For fans of social, skill-based football, this remains a missed opportunity.
Crossplay and Online Connectivity: Breaking Down Barriers
FIFA 23 introduces full crossplay for 1v1 modes across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. This means players can finally compete with friends on different platforms — a long-overdue feature.
However, crossplay does not yet extend to Pro Clubs or Co-op Seasons, which is a notable drawback. Moreover, while matchmaking is generally smooth, some players report occasional lag spikes or unbalanced connections, especially in regions with lower server coverage.
Nevertheless, this cross-platform leap is a massive step forward and lays the foundation for even more inclusive online play in EA SPORTS FC 24.
Licensing, Commentary, and Soundtrack: Authentic to the Core
True to tradition, FIFA 23 includes hundreds of licensed clubs, national teams, and stadiums. Iconic leagues such as the Premier League, Bundesliga, and La Liga return in full glory, with accurate kits, banners, and crowd chants.
Commentary has been expanded with new voice lines, dynamic dialogue, and diverse commentator pairings depending on the mode. This adds freshness to both casual and competitive play.
The FIFA 23 soundtrack also deserves praise. Featuring global artists across genres — from hip-hop to Afrobeat — it brings energy and diversity to menus and matches. In fact, many fans consider this the best FIFA soundtrack in years.
Final Verdict: Is FIFA 23 Worth It in 2025?
Ultimately, FIFA 23 is the most polished, ambitious, and inclusive version of FIFA to date. It balances nostalgia with innovation and offers something meaningful for every type of football fan — whether you're obsessed with FUT, committed to Career Mode, or just want to play with friends.
Moreover, its legacy as the final game under the FIFA brand gives it historical significance. While not perfect, FIFA 23 ends an era with class and excitement — setting the stage for EA SPORTS FC to build something even better.
Expert Rating: 9.0/10
