Introduction

FIFA 23 for PlayStation 4 (model number: FIFA23PS4) has arrived, promising a deeper, more immersive football experience than ever before. Having spent countless hours on the pitch, both online and offline, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review. This year’s iteration boasts significant additions, including the inclusion of both the men’s and women’s World Cups, a first for women’s club teams, and the much-anticipated cross-platform play. But does it deliver on its ambitious promises? Let’s find out.

Key Features

FIFA 23’s headline feature is undoubtedly the inclusion of both the men’s and women’s World Cups. The detail in the presentation is impressive, capturing the atmosphere and excitement of these global events perfectly. The addition of women’s club teams, specifically the Barclays FA Women’s Super League and Division 1 Arkema, is a huge step forward for inclusivity in gaming. Gameplay feels distinct but equally engaging. Beyond the World Cups, the improved HyperMotion2 technology promises more realistic player movements and animations, and it largely delivers on this promise. The introduction of cross-platform play is a welcome addition, enabling seamless matches with friends regardless of their platform (within the same generation).

Performance and Gameplay

On the PlayStation 4, FIFA 23 performs admirably. While not reaching the graphical heights of its next-gen counterparts, the visuals are still impressive and the frame rate remains largely stable during gameplay, even during chaotic moments. The HyperMotion2 technology is noticeable, with player movements feeling fluid and responsive. Passing is more intuitive, shooting feels impactful, and defending requires strategic thinking rather than button-mashing. Online gameplay is generally smooth, although occasional lag is expected depending on your connection. The cross-play function worked seamlessly in my experience, connecting me with friends across multiple PS4 consoles without issue. The improved AI also adds a nice touch to offline matches, making the opponents more challenging and strategic.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Inclusion of men’s and women’s World Cups
• Addition of women’s club teams
• Improved HyperMotion2 technology
• Cross-platform play (same generation)
• Improved AI
• Intuitive gameplay mechanics

Cons:

• Some minor graphical limitations compared to next-gen versions
• Occasional online lag is possible
• Certain aspects of gameplay might still feel familiar to long-time players

Final Verdict

FIFA 23 (FIFA23PS4) on the PlayStation 4 is a solid entry in the franchise. The addition of the World Cups and women’s club teams significantly boosts the overall package, offering a more inclusive and engaging experience. While not a revolutionary leap forward from previous iterations, the improvements in gameplay, AI, and the inclusion of cross-play make it a worthwhile purchase for both veteran and new players alike. The performance on the PS4 is commendable, with only minor compromises compared to the next-gen versions. Overall, I highly recommend FIFA 23 to any football fan looking for a fun, immersive, and engaging football experience.