EA Sports FC 27's Tactical Depth Marred by AI Issues

EA Sports FC 27 adds a worthwhile strategic layer with its new Tactics system, but the game is undermined by long-standing issues with computer-controlled player behavior. The introduction of an open-world social hub, The Grounds, has also drawn criticism for feeling unnecessary and technically flawed, according to an in-progress review by IGN.

The Grounds: An Unwelcome Open World

The promised open-world hub, The Grounds, is a significant new feature that has not made a strong first impression. The reviewer states it often feels like EA is trying to solve a problem that didn't exist, arguing that simple menus could deliver the same communal online matchmaking functions more efficiently. The hub is described as a visually saturated, low-resolution city populated by lifeless NPCs, suffering from framerate drops and unnatural character animations.

The issues are compounded by unskippable cutscenes and poor voice acting. While the hub brings back Alex Hunter from The Journey story mode, his delivery is now "noticeably more rigid and detached." The performance of guest star Kylian Mbappe is criticized as stiff and mechanical, with the reviewer noting it was clear he "read his lines directly from a script all in one take."

A Step Forward in Tactical Play

In contrast, the expanded Tactics system is highlighted as the game's best addition. It builds on recent playstyles and roles, giving players much more control over team behavior in different phases of play. The system explains the purpose, strengths, and weaknesses of different tactical approaches, making soccer strategy more approachable.

The reviewer provides a practical example from playing as Manchester United. A deeper defensive approach worked well for Noussair Mazraoui, whose patient style maintained his position. The flexibility allowed for effective mid-match adjustments, such as switching to a 4-2-2-2 against Crystal Palace to exploit space on the wings, or moving to a 4-2-3-1 wide against Manchester City to control the center.

New Player Roles allow for specific tailoring of individual responsibilities within a formation. For instance, a player like Benjamin Šeško can be set as an inside forward to cut in for shots or given a wider role to stretch the defense. Defensively, roles can be adjusted to have attackers drop back and support fullbacks when protecting a lead.

Persistent Gameplay Flaws

The tactical sophistication, however, is sometimes undermined by the game's own artificial intelligence. On higher difficulties, pathing and defensive logic can break down, allowing a careful gameplan to be ruined by a CPU defender refusing to challenge for a ball or making an inexplicable movement. Passing can also produce frustrating errors, sending balls to covered players instead of open teammates.

Some improvements are noted. Crossing and corner kicks now produce more convincing positioning battles and give the player greater control in the box. The reviewer scored several successful headers with Harry Maguire from corners, a rarity in previous series entries.

The full review will explore Career Mode, Presentation, Online, and Ultimate Team in the coming days.