Gameplay Evolved: The Central Play Crisis in FC 24

Alex
2 min readOct 7, 2023

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Two weeks after FC 24’s launch, initial excitement seems short-lived. Despite its potential, a major gameplay issue emerges.

Gameplay Evolved: The Central Play Crisis in FC 24

The Predicament of the Overload Ball Side Press

Arguably, the most significant concern in FC 24 is the “overload ball side press” tactic, which, by default, seems active for most players, whether they’ve customized their settings or not. When the depth exceeds 44, the game instigates an extreme overload ball side press, and any setting over 70 amplifies this effect.

What’s startling is the absence of a stamina drain with this tactic. Players can employ this strategy throughout the entire match without their team feeling fatigued, a stark contrast to earlier versions where such a tactic would significantly drain the team’s energy. This results in players feeling constantly cornered, with passing lanes obstructed and a perpetual sense of being pursued by relentless opponents.

Ramifications of the Overbearing Press

Given the press’s overpowering nature, the only viable strategy becomes playing down the wings and continuously alternating plays. The once strategic battleground of the center field now stands congested, rendering central attacks almost redundant.

Moreover, FC 24 appears to have toned down both Pace and through balls, especially the lofted ones. The outcome is a game where central play feels lackluster, and through balls seem ineffective. This shift forces players towards the wings, giving rise to repetitive and increasingly predictable gameplay.

The Evolution of Gameplay Tactics

Limiting avenues of attack not only curtails gameplay variety but also fosters excessive wing play. Even players who previously favored central strategies find themselves gravitating towards wing-based approaches. This deviation from the game’s norm is concerning, as FC titles have traditionally avoided such monotony.

Interestingly, the only potent counters to this dominant press tactic are the newly introduced play styles and the r1-controlled sprint. These features, too, lean towards being overly influential, making it exceedingly challenging to dismantle defenses. The finesse shot plus emerges as one of the few consistent ways to score against adept opponents.

In summary, FC 24 emphasizes wing play and AI reliance. Players hope future updates refine the ‘balanced’ tactic for better gameplay diversity. If you need cheap FUT 24 coins, please consider the sponsorships I have received; thanks!

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