Rematch: The Game Set to Dethrone EA Sports FC on Steam!

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Rematch, created by Sloclap – the team behind Sifu and Absolver – is causing quite a stir before its scheduled release on June 19th. On May 28, it entered its final phase of beta testing, which seems to indicate smooth sailing for this promising sports title. In fact, it has already climbed to the top of Steam’s rankings, reaching nearly 150,000 simultaneous players on its first day.

Rematch surpasses both EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA) – an iconic sports game franchise, and Marvel Rivals – the popular free-to-play shooter that’s been topping charts lately. Achieving such success is quite remarkable for Rematch, especially considering it competes against giants like EA and NetEase. However, its impending full release could bring about changes. At this stage, Rematch appears to be a potential contender challenging established soccer games. But what makes Rematch stand out, and how will it fare once it becomes a $30 game this summer?

Rematch Has the Makings of a Sports Game Phenomenon

Rematch Is Unlike Anything Big Sports Franchises Are Doing

In contrast to games like EA Sports FC, Rematch offers unique gameplay perspectives, with players taking on the role of an individual player within a five-person team. Unlike traditional sports games that provide omniscient control over the field, this setup results in a more immersive and engaging experience, but also presents a greater challenge due to the emphasis on teamwork, specialization, and coordination since you’re only able to control one set of cleats.

Simultaneously, Rematch stands out as a more arcade-oriented game compared to its peers like EA Sports FC and eFootball, resembling titles such as Rocket League. It boasts that it features “no fouls, no offsides, no breaks,” fostering a faster-paced and continuous flow that sets it apart from the simulation-heavy structure of similar games. This results in a more streamlined and rich gaming experience, free from the interruptions of gameplay stops and advertisements common in other sports games.

Rematch is also highly stylized, with implausible visuals in line with Sloclap’s other releases.

Rematch Is Offering a Much-Needed Alternative in the Soccer Games Market

It’s well known that prominent sports gaming brands such as FIFA, NBA 2K, and Madden are often criticized for their aggressive monetization strategies and design patterns in the video game industry. These games have been at the forefront of problematic practices like in-game gambling through modes like Ultimate Team. Additionally, they’ve faced criticism for releasing a new full-priced game annually with minimal enhancements. Controversial elements such as real ads within NBA 2K have added to the growing discontent among their massive fanbase.

Despite the fact that these sports games are frequently among the top sellers of the year, there are several possible explanations for this. One significant factor is the lack of high-profile alternatives in the market. If someone appreciates the gameplay dynamics of a game like FIFA, they won’t find many other titles offering a comparable experience. Additionally, since these major publishers collaborate with leagues such as the NFL and NBA, other game companies often struggle to obtain licenses for using real-world sports elements such as team names and logos.

I’ve noticed a shift among many gamers, including myself, moving away from prioritizing realism and playing with their favorite teams due to some shortcomings in the franchises we’ve grown accustomed to. Sometimes it seems like games such as FIFA are more about making money than providing enjoyable experiences, relying heavily on microtransactions that stifle innovation and creativity. Essentially, players are yearning for something fresh, and Rematch is delivering exactly that.

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2025-05-29 23:46