The FIFA 23 pitch notes series’ analysis of career mode on the upcoming game has revealed a fascinating new feature called “playable highlights”.
In the final version of the EA Sports franchise with the FIFA license, the developers have gone all-out with their modifications.
Firstly, a raft of gameplay changes includes thousands of new, unique animations in “Hypermotion 2”. Additionally, new skills, technical dribbling, defensive jockeying, and power shots promise a vastly different playing experience for gamers.
On the content side, FIFA 23 will enjoy some new leagues coming to the game. Most notably, women’s football clubs will be in the game. The Women’s Super League and Division 1 Arkema will be available on FIFA, giving further exposure to the women’s game. Also added to the next FIFA is the Vanarama National League, the fifth tier of English football.
Many fans of the video game will be glad to know that Juventus makes a welcome return to the franchise after its exclusive rights deal with eFootball expired. Meanwhile, several stadiums have also returned to FIFA from eFootball. These include the Nou Camp, Allianz Arena, Stadio Olimpico, and the Allianz Stadium.
Unfortunately, FIFA 23 is not officially released until 30 September. So, gamers have to sit tight on FIFA 22 over the summer. However, the new game is available for pre-order now. And there may be more who decide to get early order access after seeing EA’s revamp of career mode.
FIFA 23 pitch notes reveal playable highlights
In recent years, career mode has received more attention from game developers as they strive to create an authentic managerial or player experience. As ever, you can create a manager, a player, or even a brand-new club in FIFA 23.
But what has really caught people’s attention is the introduction of playable highlights. This allows the user to take control of their team or player in the key passages of play rather than doing the whole match. That is to say, you take over control of your team in scenarios where you can score or concede. Thus you can still directly affect the outcome of the match.
The FIFA 23 pitch notes state that an “in-depth background system” runs an analysis of the two sides involved in a game. This considers the selected players, their ratings, fitness, and the line-ups used by the teams. As a result, the game generates some highlights that you decide the outcome of via playing.
This means that the user does not have to play a full game. Therefore, the process of reaching the match’s result is streamlined, but you still have control.
The highlights can be attacking or defensive and can occur in a variety of places. EA says that this replicates a real football game in a more accurate manner. So, a highlight can occur on a counterattack, a set piece, throw-in, solo run – anywhere there is a chance of scoring or conceding a goal.
This is perfect for those short on time or wanting to get through seasons quicker. But what else is coming to FIFA 23 career mode?
Additional features
Also changing on FIFA 23 is the career mode’s menu layout. Taking inspiration from Ultimate Team, this system has been modified to show the key areas of info that users regularly need.
Additionally, the menus have moved information such as expiring contracts to more prominent places. Previously, info like this took some finding.
FIFA 23 will also have a number of cut scenes added to the game, called “dynamic moments”. Reaching different achievements will trigger said scenes, adding a further immersive aspect to your career.
EA have then gone one step further on their realism aspect by allowing gamers to play as real-life managers in career mode. That’s right, for FIFA 23, you can change the career of your favourite manager, with over 350 to choose from.
Interestingly, you can even switch their starter club, too. Pep Guardiola at Manchester United, anyone?
Player personality
Finally, amongst a whole host of modifications, there is an interesting variation in player career. Called “player personality”, your on and off-pitch actions help define the type of player you are and thus what attributes you have. With this new feature, there are three distinct player personalities.
The first one is “Maverick”. Here, your player is more individualistic and is obsessed with personal and team accolades.
Secondly, a “Virtuoso” uses technical ability to influence the match result but is more understated in their mannerisms.
Thirdly there is the “heartbeat”. They are a team player at their core, dragging the entire side to glory.
Whichever category your player ends up in depends on a number of factors. Most notably, the decisions you make on-pitch, such as deciding to pass or taking on a shot, determine your style. Then, off-pitch elements such as purchases and investments impact it, too.
All the features across both player and manager careers promise an unrivalled sense of authenticity in FIFA 23.
Featured image credit: YouTube/EA Sports FIFA
