Rematch Is What All Sports Games Should Be: It’s Just Fun

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Despite having just a handful of playtime due to time constraints, I found myself consistently thinking that Rematch is genuinely enjoyable as I played it.

In simple terms, “Rematch” is a forthcoming online soccer game developed by Sloclap, the same team behind Sifu. This exciting game offers 3-vs-3, 4-vs-4, and 5-vs-5 online matches, allowing you to manage your own player on the field. Essentially, it’s similar to Rocket League, but instead of cars, you control players in a soccer setting.

You have the option to operate your player via either a mouse/keyboard combo or a controller. I gave both a try, but encountered some issues with the mouse controls that had me largely relying on the controller during my playtime. The problems, such as limited camera rotation with a mouse, should hopefully be addressed in upcoming beta tests and when the official release arrives on June 19th.

During the weekend beta test, we were given the opportunity to engage in 4v4 and 5v5 matches, private games, as well as explore some customization features. While these customization options offer a unique way to stand out on the field, they’re not something I personally find essential in games like this, so I didn’t delve deeply into them. However, one aspect of the customization that caught my attention is the inclusion of characters with prosthetic arms or legs. It’s a thoughtful detail that will undoubtedly make players with prosthetics feel more represented in a genre where they might not typically find such inclusivity.

The Fast-Paced Gameplay of Rematch

In the playground, all Rematch elements harmoniously unfold. The size of the playing field adapts according to the number of teams involved, while the distinctive environments of these fields add a touch of exclusivity, elevating the gaming experience.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been thoroughly impressed by the game’s smooth and intuitive controls. In its beta stage, I barely encountered instances where my character didn’t respond as expected or failed to execute the actions I intended. Instead, every move felt precise and well-timed, giving me the confidence that this game is truly a polished gem in the making.

In this game, everything is controlled manually and relies on your skill. Where you direct your passes and shots depends entirely on where you aim them, and gaining possession requires moving towards the ball. The ball won’t stick to your feet if you are near it, making your positioning and offensive strategy crucial. Additionally, when you have control of the ball, you must choose how hard you want to hit it. There are light, medium, and powerful hits used for passes, lobs, clearing the ball, and shooting goals. Mastering the art of aiming your shot or pass with the correct spin and power can be challenging, but once you get the hang of it, it’s incredibly rewarding to execute successfully.

If you’re unable to execute the desired shot or pass, you might unexpectedly create humorous situations by repeatedly hitting the ball off the wall instead.

In many games, there are simple ball tricks that are relatively easy to grasp but demand perfect timing to excel and outmaneuver an opponent. Misjudging the ball’s movement can lead to a counterattack and regret from your teammates who would love to tease you in the chat—luckily for me, they can’t. However, the in-game voice communication was notably better than any other online game I’ve played, making it a much more enjoyable experience.

In this game, there are no violations like fouls or offsides, and the ball doesn’t leave the field when it hits a wall. Everything is set up to keep the game fast-paced and chaotic. It works wonderfully because even playing defense is as exciting as offense, particularly with a well-timed sliding tackle that disrupts an opponent’s play.

Ultimately, Sloclap has skillfully designed the goalkeeping experience to be enjoyable and non-intimidating. While tending goal, all you need to do is maintain your position and strategically time your saves to prevent the ball from entering the net. Occasionally, certain shots will be unstoppable, but there will be others that leave you in awe as you make a save that seems almost miraculous.

As I said earlier, it’s just fun.

Teamwork Is Key

Beyond mastering individual play and control of your player, collaborative teamwork is crucial for achieving any victory on the field. Approaching a Rematch with the mindset of being an unstoppable Lionel Messi against a group of beginners is a recipe for humility. Trying to handle every aspect alone will result in goals conceded and a team that may disregard your involvement, which not only isn’t enjoyable but also increases the chances of losing. Instead, focus on working together with your team for a more rewarding and successful experience.

A well-timed approach, identifying vacant areas on the field, and spotting open teammates during runs will prove more effective than any other tactic you might consider. Incredibly, there have been matches where my team focused exclusively on certain positions for the entire game, resulting in a seamless performance where we maintained possession for what seemed like nearly all but 30 seconds.

Rematch Final Thoughts

In Rematch, each game offers a unique experience, even with recurring teammates. Over time, you’ll find yourself improving and growing bolder with unconventional play strategies or shot attempts. Whether it’s attempting an intentional pass above the goal from the wall or making a self-pass off the side wall, the exhilaration of successfully executing these moves is something that few other sports games can mimic.

Given it’s still in beta development, I can’t provide a comprehensive review on Rematch and Sloclap’s offerings yet. However, based on my initial playtime, it seems that Rematch is shaping up to be a promising candidate for the title of Sports Game of the Year in 2025.

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2025-04-14 19:48