I've played every FIFA game since 2000 — here's my verdict on EA Sports FC 27

Introduction to EA Sports FC 27

Another year brings another installment in EA Sports' long-running soccer simulation series, previously known as FIFA. For dedicated football fans, diving into the latest version of the world's best-selling sports simulator is an annual tradition. Tested on the PS5 Pro, EA Sports FC 27 promises a major shake-up with its new open-world mode, 'The Grounds,' alongside updates to Career Mode and Ultimate Team.

The Good: What Works in FC 27

The Grounds: The Closest to FIFA Street We'll Get

While a full-fledged return of FIFA Street remains a distant dream, 'The Grounds' serves as a worthy substitute. This open-world hub features small-sided matches (1v1, 2v2, 3v3) and fun mini-games like a soccer-basketball hybrid. Although the open-world environments feel a bit bland and superfluous, it offers a refreshing way to unwind after a tough Ultimate Team loss.

More Authentic Career Mode Transfers

Career Mode receives a meaningful upgrade to the transfer market. Players can now structure deals using installment payments, buy-back clauses, and performance bonuses, bringing a new layer of realism to managing your favorite club—even if AI-controlled teams still prefer lump-sum upfront offers.

Reworked Corners and Crossing

Building on the gameplay presets introduced in FC 26 (Competitive for online, Authentic for offline), FC 27 introduces tighter controls for corners and reduces auto-targeting for crosses. You truly have to earn your headers now, offering a rewarding challenge for tactical players.

The Bad: What Falls Short

Ultimate Team Still Demands Your Cash

Ultimate Team remains the most popular yet cash-hungry mode in the franchise. Despite the addition of 'The Gallery' to display virtual cards and unlock rewards, the underlying pay-to-win microtransaction structure remains deeply entrenched.

Goalkeepers and Their Frequent Howlers

Goalkeepers in FC 27 are frustratingly prone to defensive errors. Too often, keepers parry shots directly into danger instead of catching or tipping them wide, leading to easy tap-ins for opponents and plenty of frustration for players.

The Ugly: The User Interface

Menus Remain an Eyesore

Year after year, fans hope for a complete UI overhaul, yet the menus remain sluggish, glitchy, and plagued by poor layout design. Navigating through multiple submenus for simple actions is an exhausting chore that desperately needs fixing in future releases.

Final Verdict

EA Sports FC 27 remains the most authentic and comprehensive football simulator on the market, but it continues to be weighed down by persistent menu issues and aggressive microtransactions.