We tried EA Sports FC 26: the successor to FIFA changed what everyone was asking for, but it still doesn't break the mold.

Every spring, as if it were the start of a new season of the world's most popular sport, the American video game publisher EA Sports re-releases its virtual football classic.

But since the series stopped being called FIFA and became EA Sports FC , eFootball (formerly PES or Winning Eleven) has lost its luster, and a new free-to-play option (UFL) hasn't fully satisfied gamers; expectations for this game vary year after year.

EA Sports FC 25 left a bit of a mess, and EA Sports FC 26 arrived with the promise of recapturing the lost magic . And while it's not a revolution, as expected, there are signs that something is changing to keep this game alive on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch 2.

From the start, EA Sports FC 26 feels different. Not so much in the visuals—because the Frostbite graphics engine remains the same—but in the pace of the game . The animations are cleaner, and the player movements are more natural.

The ball rolls with a fluidity not seen in years, and above all, many of those "impossible" situations that made you want to turn off the console out of boredom are gone.

The most notable improvements are in the artificial intelligence . Defenders position themselves better, and it's no longer enough to let them defend on their own; crosses are more realistic— the ball may or may not stay at the foot, it doesn't go through —forwards make more logical runs, and the midfield has more influence.

Goalkeepers , on the other hand, remain a mystery: sometimes they save impossible balls, and the next minute they let one slip by that makes you want to smash the joystick against the ground.

The result is more balanced, more human gameplay, where the outcome depends much more on the player than on the whims of the game engine.

Ultimate Team mode, as always, is the center of gravity of the game, and also of criticism. This time, EA adjusted the "power curve": acquiring good players takes longer , and packs have a lower chance of awarding figures. Many users complained that even when spending real money, the rewards are meager.

However, there is an optimistic interpretation: the system now rewards consistency more than investing real money to build a team full of stars. For example, an 84-point Enzo Fernández can feel like a great achievement after hours of play, giving a sense of real progress.

EA also incorporated Live Events and small tournaments that frequently refresh content, preventing the gameplay experience from becoming repetitive.

But the general feeling is that, although there are improvements, the monetization model remains aggressive and ends up overshadowing a proposal that could shine more without depending so much on chance or economic investment , which as a business model, has always been profitable for Electronic Arts.

Players who grew up with the old FIFA games—and are now in their 40s or 50s—tend to prefer Career Mode, and this time EA seems to have listened. FC 26 incorporates Live Events, a kind of dynamic narrative where unexpected events can arise that affect the team's performance: from a late bus ride to serious injuries or dressing room decisions.

This unpredictability breathes life into a sport that has been stagnant for years. Furthermore, a season can now begin with actual results from the current league, bringing the game even closer to reality.

It doesn't quite have the depth of a Football Manager, but it's a step in the right direction for those who enjoy planning, negotiating, and shaping a club for the long term.

One of the most interesting new features is the addition of two physics modes: Authentic and Competitive.

The first seeks to replicate a real-life match, being more leisurely and tactical, ideal for offline modes. The second, designed for online play, accelerates the pace and prioritizes speed and reaction.

The difference is noticeable: in Authentic, the game feels closer to what you see on TV; in Competitive, it's all about vertigo, pressure, and pinpoint precision. It's a success because it allows you to adapt the experience to your type of player.

Visually, FC 26 is impeccable. The players' models and movements are increasingly detailed. Facial animations are more expressive, and goal celebrations convey a remarkable sense of realism . And when it comes to simulation, the pitches better convey the atmosphere of modern football.

Sound, which plays an important role, also makes a leap forward: the stands react more dynamically , and the soundscape varies depending on the importance of the match or the stadium. It may not be a revolutionary change, but it greatly enhances the overall immersion.

After several matches in the competitive Rivals mode, and some seasonal friendlies, we can determine that EA Sports FC 26 is, without a doubt, a better game than its predecessor .

It feels more polished, more agile, and shows a clear effort to respond to the community's long-standing demands. But it also demonstrates that the expected generational leap is not yet in sight, and casts doubt on whether it's truly on Electronic Arts' radar.

For longtime fans, it remains the annual must-have, even though it's priced at around $70 . For those who grew tired of simply being a "title with updated templates," it may be a good excuse to come back.