UFL, More Like UGH, A Review

Although I occasionally play EA Sports FC games I generally try to avoid such games, especially something like UFL. There are multiple reasons why I avoid reviewing them, but the primary one is that I don’t play the Ultimate Team mode. Since it has become the backbone of EA Sports games, it feels pointless to give a deeper opinion without thoroughly knowing this segment. But since UFL is a big title, and a nice add for our SEO, without much prior research on UFL, I decided to review it. And so, I’m faced with about 20 hours of football focused on buying player cards and assembling teams for online matches—precisely what I’ve been avoiding with EA Sports.

If you are looking for something unrelated to sports check out our Alien Rogue Incursion review!

Game Modes and Content

Honestly, assembling your team is essentially all this game offers. Don’t expect advanced modes, detailed tutorials, a fun story mode, or anything that distinguishes it from the competition. UFL can be divided into three match types: offline matches against friends or dreadful AI, friendly online matches, and ranked division matches. This stripped-down content clearly relies on the assumption that everyone just wants to play ranked matches with their player cards.

Perhaps the biggest problem, in my opinion, is the lack of tutorials. Given that this is a completely new simulation, I would have expected at least training missions to teach the basic controls. Instead, UFL includes poorly designed AI and offline matches, leaving players to learn by playing random games and pausing to read button combinations for special passes or shots.

UFL Gameplay Issues

You might say: "Well, none of this matters if the gameplay is fun." Unfortunately, this is where the real agony begins. UFL seems to have taken inspiration from old football simulations, but only borrowed the worst elements. Where do I even start? The super arcade-style passing is so strong and precise that the game feels more like table football than a grass simulation. Add to this the classic boring tactic of taking the ball with a fast player, running from one end to the other, crossing, and scoring. The game can practically be played without a midfield, as midfielders merely fill space like pawns. Most average attackers resemble Adriano from PES 6—shoot diagonally from the edge of the box, and you’ll likely score, especially with the laughable defensive line that doesn’t block unless manually controlled.

Tactical Frustrations

I had several options to set up team tactics, but none seemed to work effectively. For instance, I assigned my attacking players to press the opponent’s backline, but as soon as the opponent began their action, my players stayed rooted in place. I never felt like my tactics could significantly influence player movement or aggression. The card system allows you to upgrade players through victories, purchase them with virtual currency earned through daily and weekly tasks, or buy them outright with real money. While grinding for virtual coins to acquire decent players takes significant time, there’s little variation between players beyond speed and stamina. With timely substitutions, even budget teams can defeat much more expensive ones.

Licensing and Presentation Of UFL

The game includes licenses for only around 10 clubs such as Shakhtar, Monaco, Sporting, and West Ham, making it feel like a stripped-down Europa League simulator. Player representation is somewhat better, featuring familiar names like De Bruyne, Ronaldo, and Modrić. You can also purchase kits and stadiums for customisation, though the options are limited.

The graphics are decent for a new product—not on par with competitors but serviceable. The commentary, while repetitive, is adequate for a first attempt, mentioning big-name players sporadically.

Technical Flaws

Technically, UFL struggles with player collision mechanics, which can often look comical, and occasional bugs, especially with goalkeepers. While these issues might normally be forgivable for a new game, the absence of a clear improvement plan makes them harder to overlook.

The most irritating aspect was the behaviour during opponent connection issues. If their internet lags, the game freezes with a message on the screen, lasting from half a second to several seconds. It’s like I was playing Mario Maker 2 on the switch. When play resumes, there’s no countdown, and you’re thrown back into the action without any sense of positioning, potentially ruining critical moments.

In Conclusion

At this stage, UFL feels like a rushed copy of Ultimate Team, designed to attract players with its free-to-play model. However, it’s uncertain how successful this approach will be, given the lack of licenses and its overly arcade-style gameplay. While it might improve over time, for now, EA FC still provides miles more content, even if it comes at a cost. UFL is like a poorly aimed shot that goes far off-target but still draws attention in a dull match.

Game Rating: 4.5/10

UFL is an uninspired attempt to compete with EA’s football games. It fails to stand out with its stripped-down content, lack of tutorials, and overly arcade gameplay. While the graphics and commentary show promise, its core issues leave it frustrating and forgettable.

Recommended Age Group

This game is suitable for players aged 10 and up. The simplistic gameplay and lack of depth might appeal to younger players or casual gamers. However, the lack of guidance and repetitive mechanics could frustrate anyone seeking a more engaging experience.