FIFA 23’s big new gameplay feature is a power shot.
While this is going on, you manually direct the shot.
This means the shot direction is unassisted.
“You aimed well, you carved out this space.
They feel fantastic.”
“So you could still get low driven shots.
Even with headers - if you power up slightly, you’ll get a downward, powerful header.
So they’re still there.
Meaning, if you aim at the corner flag, that’s where the shot will go.
“But because the animations are long, you have time.
So it works really well.”
Also new for FIFA 23 gameplay across last-gen and current-gen is a rework of set-pieces.
The speed of the expansion and contraction of the circle changes based on context.
But if you time the shot correctly, you’ll get an accurate penalty.
There’s a slightly odd addition to the physics system: player limbs are now impacted by the ball.
So, if a hard shot hits a player while blocking the ball, the foot will bounce back.
EA is also bigging up proper physics for the goal nets.
There are new animations for players who fall into the net - a small but nice touch.
This is designed to counter the new power shots.
Better defenders can also do backheel tackles.
On passing, EA has added new animations for the outside of the foot.
And here’s a nice new change: left-footed players will finally do skill moves with their left foot.
So if you do an elastico with a left-footed player, they will use their left foot.
The idea is this animation refresh adds variety to the gameplay.
“A few years ago we introduced the active touch system to the game,” Rivera said.
“That created a lot of variety in passing, shooting and trapping.
Then, years later, we expanded that system to defending.
And from there we took it to goalkeepers last year.
Goalkeepers got a lot of positive feedback because of the variety of animations and how reliable they can be.
“This year, we’re taking the active touch system to dribbling.
That results in a very responsive dribble system where the personality of the players really shines.
It’s something you’re going to feel right away.”
Rivera admitted FIFA 22 sometimes feels “slidey”, with players sometimes skating when turning.
The new system for FIFA 23 makes players more grounded, and turning feels better, Rivera said.
There are machine learning-powered steps in-between dribble touches, which should make for better visuals.
On the defending side, FIFA 23 replaces all jockey animations with machine learning motion.
“There’s a pro and con to the different tactics you choose.
There isn’t going to be one that is as overpowered as we saw in FIFA 22.”
