Fifa 22 review – a flamboyant multiplex of total football

PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox, Stadia, Nintendo Switch; Electronic Arts
The latest iteration of the all-conquering football sim favours more structured play and rains down a multitude of modes and options - but ethical questions about Ultimate Team remain

Somehow, over the past five years, the Fifa games have expanded beyond a simulation of the sport of football and towards a simulation of its entire global culture. Fifa 22 is absolutely packed with modes and options allowing you to experience every facet of the beautiful game, whether that's role-playing as a young professional scoring a tournament-winning goal for Barcelona, or knocking a ball about on an Italian backstreet with a bunch of pals. The Fifa series wants to be all things to all fans, and Fifa 22 gets closer than ever.

At its heart is EA Sports' endlessly evolving match engine, which has historically favoured flashy moves and spectacular goals over tactical brilliance. The studio has made stuttering moves away from this model in the past, but Fifa 22 definitely feels more sober and structured than its predecessor. Improved ball physics, an array of new player animations and changes to the pace of turns and passes make for a game that encourages smart, patient buildup play, while the options to control and communicate with AI team-mates require you to keep a close eye on what everyone else is doing, utilising their little sleights and sprints in creative ways.