Virtual football has grown immensely. With FC24’s release, players are exploring its features, especially Squad Battles. Like all new games, it’s met with varied feedback. Let’s dive into FC24’s Squad Battles highlights and challenges!
1. Wildly Fluctuating AI Skill Levels
As a Squad Battle player, the fluctuation in the AI’s skill and playstyle is quite apparent. Although different teams offer various challenges, sometimes it feels as if the game’s AI decides its dominance over the player, making some matches extremely tough, even on world-class difficulty. Furthermore, as one upgrades their team, there’s a lurking sentiment that the PC team escalates in skill as well.
2. Comparing Difficulty Levels: FC24 vs Previous Editions
Players have remarked that Squad Battles are significantly harder this year. Last year’s ‘Ultimate’ seems synonymous with this year’s ‘Legendary,’ and last year’s ‘Legendary’ feels like the current ‘World-class.’ One can’t help but wonder if EA’s intent was to motivate offline players to frequently upgrade their teams through purchasing packs.
3. The Frustration with ‘Legendary’ Difficulty
For many, playing against ‘Legendary’ is not only challenging but sometimes feels unreal. This is evident when the AI team, even when losing, opts to pass the ball within their defense rather than attack. In previous editions, a leading player could expect the opponent to go on an all-out attack, but this seems absent in FC24.
Moreover, the AI in ‘Legendary’ seems to have uncanny prowess in corners and comebacks, especially after the 80th minute, making it an uphill battle for the player.
4. The Barrier to Earning Coins/Packs
The heightened difficulty could potentially be a strategy by EA. If players struggle in Squad Battles, they might resort to the store to make up for their coin deficit. However, the overwhelming challenge might deter some, especially those dedicated to Squad Battles, from playing the game altogether.
5. Observations on AI Players
Players have reported exceptional AI performance when using female players, describing them as faster, more efficient, and often unbeatable. Also, there’s a shared sentiment about certain unrealistic playstyles being overpowered, moving away from authentic football.
6. Shortened Match Duration
Another noticeable change is the shortened match duration, with halves now being 4 minutes compared to the previous 6 minutes. This new timeframe poses challenges, especially when attempting a comeback.
7. The Mystery of Playstyle Fluctuation
Though playstyle variation is expected, as visible on the opponent selection screen, the variation in skill levels leaves many puzzled. Unlike FIFA23, where one could blame overpowering promo cards, the reason behind this in FC24 remains ambiguous.
All in all, FC24 introduces novel features and tougher squad battle challenges. While players overcome these obstacles and wait for the update, they are also welcome to consider supporting their teams with the FC 24 Ultimate Team Coins sponsorships I’ve received!
