UFL has finally launched, offering football fans a free-to-play gaming experience that emphasizes “play-to-win” over “pay-to-win.” The game, now available globally, has been put to the test to determine its gameplay quality and how it compares to EA FC 25, its biggest competitor in the football gaming world. Originally scheduled for a September release, the developers at Strikers postponed UFL’s debut to December following mixed feedback from beta tests.
Game Modes and Features (UFL Breakdown)
Upon entering UFL, players are immediately prompted to create a team name. This step is necessary as the primary mode available is an ultimate team-like feature, alongside offline local play. However, progress made during beta testing does not carry over to the full game.
The interface in UFL is sleek and user-friendly. Players start with a low-rated squad and can upgrade their team by utilizing the transfer market, which boasts over 15,000 licensed players. Among these are stars like Lionel Messi and UFL ambassador Cristiano Ronaldo, both rated 91.
To purchase players, credits (CP) and reputation points (RP) are required. While CP can be bought via in-game purchases, RP must be earned by playing matches. Higher divisions yield more RP, rewarding skill and performance. Additionally, UFL has partnered with Adidas, offering exclusive kits and official club licenses for authentic teams, stadiums, and badges.
Skins add customization options, allowing players to personalize cards with animations and gain skill boosts. Furthermore, UFL incorporates unique skill attributes for players, similar to play styles in FC 25. For example, Virgil van Dijk excels in areas like aerial dominance and interceptions.
Gameplay Experience
Four game modes are currently available:
- Ranked Online Matches: Progress in divisions and compete with others.
- Online Casual Matches: Play co-op or solo for fun.
- Offline Local Mode: A kickoff-style experience.
- Local Training: Practice skills such as shooting and dribbling.
UFL compensates for its limited real-life club licenses by introducing 29 fictional teams, each themed around specific leagues or regions, such as La Liga and South America.
Strengths and Weaknesses of UFL Gameplay
UFL stands out in passing mechanics, allowing fluid first-time passes and seamless ball movement. The attacking AI also shines, consistently making intelligent runs to provide options. Long passes impressed with their power and accuracy, though over-the-top through balls seemed overly effective, bordering on broken mechanics.
Shooting offers variety with finesse, driven, and regular shots, accompanied by diverse animations. However, goalkeepers emerge as a glaring weakness. Their delayed and repetitive dive animations often result in goals, undermining the defensive aspect of gameplay.
Dribbling feels rigid, and players struggle to maintain ball control. Turning is slow, encouraging a reliance on passing rather than solo runs. Tackling is another area needing improvement, with limited animations making defensive play challenging. Despite these drawbacks, the defensive AI shows improvement over the beta versions.
Graphics, Commentary, and Bugs
Graphically, UFL remains underwhelming compared to EA FC 25, which dominates in visual fidelity. Bugs occasionally disrupt gameplay, such as lingering substitute graphics. Commentary adds entertainment value with unique and amusing lines, including anecdotes about record-setting goals from unusual distances.
After eight years of development, UFL offers a mixed experience. It excels in some gameplay aspects but falls short in others, such as dribbling and goalkeeping. For players seeking a free, competitive alternative to FC 25 and prioritizing gameplay over licensing authenticity, UFL is a worthy option. Strikers plans to introduce more game modes, which could address the current limitations. Overall, UFL is a promising addition to the football gaming scene, but further refinement is essential to reach its full potential.
