Introduction

FIFA 23 for PlayStation 5, model number FIFA23PS5, has arrived, promising a more immersive and inclusive football experience than ever before. After countless hours spent on the pitch, both solo and with friends, I’m ready to share my detailed review. This isn’t just a quick glance; this is a deep dive into the game’s strengths and weaknesses, designed to help you decide if it deserves a spot in your PS5 library.

Key Features

FIFA 23 boasts a number of significant additions, most notably the inclusion of women’s club teams from the Barclays FA Women’s Super League and Division 1 Arkema. This is a massive step forward for representation in gaming. Beyond that, the cross-platform play (within the same generation) is a welcome change, allowing for seamless matches with friends regardless of their specific console setup. The Ultimate Team mode continues to be a central focus, offering endless customization and competitive gameplay. The improved HyperMotion2 technology promises more realistic player movement, and it largely delivers.

Performance and Gameplay

Graphically, FIFA 23 is stunning. Player models are incredibly detailed, and the animations are fluid and realistic, especially with the improvements brought by HyperMotion2. The gameplay itself is largely responsive, but I did encounter some occasional lag during online matches, particularly in high-pressure situations. This wasn’t consistently problematic, but it’s something to be aware of. The new physics engine feels more realistic, allowing for more nuanced ball control and impactful tackles. The introduction of power shots adds an exciting element to the gameplay, making scoring opportunities feel more rewarding. The AI opponents, however, sometimes feel a bit too predictable in their play style, lacking a true sense of unpredictability. Ultimate Team, while still engaging, feels slightly overloaded with menus and options, making navigation occasionally cumbersome.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Stunning graphics, realistic player animations, improved HyperMotion2, inclusion of women’s club teams, cross-platform play (same generation), engaging gameplay, power shots mechanic.
• Cons: Occasional online lag, predictable AI opponents at times, Ultimate Team navigation could be improved, large base game size.

Final Verdict

FIFA 23 (FIFA23PS5) is a significant improvement over its predecessors, especially with the addition of women’s club teams and the enhanced gameplay mechanics. While some minor issues remain, such as occasional lag and predictable AI, the overall experience is enjoyable and immersive. The game’s visual fidelity and responsive gameplay make it a worthwhile purchase for any serious football fan. I highly recommend it.