Rematch Review (PS5, Xbox Series X|S & PC)

The world of video games is often dominated by familiar heavyweights like FIFA and PES. Nevertheless, now and then, a new contender enters the arena, promising to offer a fresh and unique experience. Rematch, developed by Sloclap, is precisely that: a fast-paced, 5v5 soccer game that takes a bold approach with its third-person perspective. Combining action, teamwork, and strategy, Rematch aims to carve out its own space in the crowded soccer game market. But does it have what it takes to stand out? Let’s dive in and find out in this Rematch review.

Getting Into the Field

Rematch sets itself apart with a straightforward entry point. Players are dropped into fast-paced 5v5 soccer matches where they control one player at a time. Notably, the game’s layout doesn’t overwhelm players with excessive menus or options from the outset. Instead, it quickly immerses players into the action.

One of the first things you’ll notice is how simple the game is. From the start, the learning curve feels manageable. It allows players to jump right in, even if they’re new to competitive soccer games. The controls are simple, and players don’t need a deep understanding of the game to get started. For newcomers, it’s an easy pick and play. While for seasoned soccer fans, there’s a satisfying level of depth beneath the surface.

However, the lack of a solid tutorial for new players is a bit of a drawback. While the game isn’t overly complex, a more robust tutorial or training mode could have been beneficial. It would help players grasp all the mechanics before diving into the chaos of the real matches. As it stands, you may end up feeling slightly lost in the first few games, trying to figure out how to best use your player’s abilities and interact with your teammates.

The Game

The gameplay is the heart and soul of Rematch. It doesn’t disappoint in delivering an action-packed, fast-paced experience. The third-person perspective adds a distinct element compared to the standard first-person or top-down views that dominate the genre. This view enables a more immersive experience. Additionally, it allows players to track the ball, their teammates, and opponents simultaneously in a dynamic and engaging manner.

Furthermore, the matches are quick and exhilarating. The game’s pace is undoubtedly one of its most compelling features. The action rarely slows down, with fast transitions from offense to defense and a relentless back-and-forth that keeps players on their toes. The mechanics around dribbling, passing, and shooting feel satisfying, with controls that strike a balance between simplicity and depth. It’s fun to chain together quick passes, dodge opponents, and sprint toward the goal, all while keeping an eye on what your teammates are doing.

On the flip side, the frantic pace can also be its biggest flaw. In an effort to keep things fast and exciting, the gameplay can sometimes feel chaotic, especially for players who prefer more control over the match’s flow. The AI often feels unpredictable, and there’s a lack of real control over the movement of your teammates. This can be frustrating when players try to set up a play, only for one of the AI-controlled teammates to wander off or fail to make a crucial pass.

While playing with friends can help mitigate this, the single-player experience sometimes leaves you feeling isolated and disconnected from your team. The lack of coherent team strategies is a letdown in a game that relies so heavily on teamwork. It can make the game feel a little random, with your team’s success or failure feeling more based on luck than skill.

Interface

In terms of interface design, Rematch keeps things simple, which is a good thing for a game that demands quick thinking and immediate action. The HUD displays the essentials: score, time left, and player stats. There isn’t any unnecessary clutter, which allows players to stay focused on the match. Everything you need is easy to find, and the overall presentation feels sleek.

However, this simplicity does come with a downside. For instance, there’s little in the way of player customization or deeper tactical options. While the main gameplay is engaging, the game lacks some more advanced features, like on-the-fly strategy adjustments or more detailed player stats. That means you’re left with a more basic experience compared to other sports games. If you’re someone who likes to have complete control over your team’s formation or tactics, Rematch might feel limiting.

Another issue with the interface is the lack of in-depth feedback during gameplay. When playing, it’s often difficult to know exactly what went wrong with a particular move. Whether it was a poor decision on your part or simply a mistake by the AI, more robust in-game feedback could help players improve their skills and better understand the mechanics.

Building Your Dream Team

Like most sports games, Rematch allows players to choose their team and pick individual players for each match. The idea here is to build a squad that complements your playstyle and strategic approach. Each player has different abilities, speeds, and attributes that can be crucial in certain game situations. It’s a fun layer that adds some depth, and one of the game’s selling points is the variety of players available, allowing for a wide range of playstyles.

However, while the roster is diverse, the player selection system feels a bit shallow. There’s no real development of your players. They don’t level up or grow over time, which takes away some of the fun in managing a team. In many sports games, part of the excitement is building a team and watching your players evolve. However, in Rematch, it feels more like picking from a static list without the same sense of accomplishment.

Another drawback is the lack of detailed player roles. In many sports games, you can create complex team strategies based on your players’ strengths. Rematch, however, doesn’t go as deep in this regard. There is no real customization of roles beyond selecting a player type, which leads to a somewhat one-dimensional approach to building your squad. This limits the depth of strategic play and can make the experience feel repetitive.

Team Up or Go Solo

Multiplayer is where Rematch really shines. The ability to team up with friends or play against other players online in 5v5 matches adds a whole new layer of excitement to the game. Playing with a team that communicates and works together can be immensely satisfying, as you pull off coordinated moves, set up perfect passes, and strategize your way to victory.

That said, the multiplayer experience is not without its issues. The matchmaking can feel uneven at times, with players sometimes being thrown into games where skill levels are wildly different. While the game is meant to be fast and competitive, the balance can feel off, with some matches turning into one-sided affairs rather than competitive challenges. This can be especially frustrating when you’re playing with friends and the other team seems far more coordinated or skilled.

Another issue with multiplayer is the reliance on your team’s AI when you don’t have enough human players. The AI is competent but inconsistent, often making poor decisions or failing to react to in-game scenarios as you would expect a human player to. This can make solo play feel frustrating, as it’s easy to feel like you’re carrying the entire team.

The Goalkeeper

Have we mentioned how cool the goalie system is yet? The way it works is refreshing and provides a unique twist to the gameplay. After each goal is scored, the game switches up positions, meaning players will likely play as the goalie at least once per match. This system adds unpredictability and excitement, keeping players on their toes. The goalie mechanics are cool, and the arcade flair makes it a lot of fun.

What’s particularly impressive is how the goalie system seamlessly shifts responsibility. If you leave your area to make a tackle or run with the ball yourself, another player can immediately take over the goalie role by running to the area. It all happens in the blink of an eye, and it’s implemented incredibly well, providing a smooth and exciting dynamic to the game.

Verdict

Rematch is a fast and fun soccer game, perfect for those who want a quick thrill. Its third-person perspective offers something fresh. The gameplay is smooth, and multiplayer matches can be exciting, especially when playing with friends. Furthermore, the unique goalie system is a nice touch, adding variety to each match.

However, the game feels limited in depth. While the gameplay is enjoyable, it doesn’t offer complex mechanics or skill progression. Players looking to master advanced techniques or build long-term strategies might find themselves disappointed. The lack of player progression, meaningful customization, and deeper team management makes the game feel shallow.

Ultimately, the game has potential, but it needs more to stand out in the sports game genre. Hopefully, future updates will add more depth, such as player progression, advanced mechanics, and meaningful customization options. These improvements could elevate the game and give it the longevity it currently lacks. Until then, Rematch remains a solid choice for a quick and casual soccer fix. However, it might not satisfy players looking for a deeper, more strategic sports experience.