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 football simulation franchise, formerly known as FIFA. For football fans worldwide, diving into the latest version of the world's best-selling sports simulator is a cherished annual tradition. EA Sports FC 27 promised a significant shake-up ahead of its launch, introducing an open-world mode called The Grounds alongside the usual roster updates and feature enhancements for staple offerings like Career Mode and Ultimate Team.

Having played every iteration of the franchise annually since 2000 — often serving as the only solace for a long-suffering Newcastle United fan to see a victory on the pitch — I spent some extensive hands-on time with EA Sports FC 27 on the PS5 Pro to deliver a comprehensive verdict.

The Good: What Works in FC 27

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

While full-fledged revivals of the beloved FIFA Street subseries remain elusive, EA Sports FC 27 introduces 'The Grounds' as a consolation. This open-world hub enables players to participate in small-sided matches (1v1, 2v2, 3v3) and mini-games, including a football-infused spin on basketball. Although the open-world environments feel somewhat bland and superfluous compared to a dedicated menu system, it remains a fun, worthwhile addition for blowing off steam after a tough Ultimate Team defeat.

More Authentic Career Mode Transfers

Career Mode receives a welcome upgrade focused on the transfer market. While still not a flawless mirror of real-life football windows, new structuring options like installment-based fees, buy-back clauses, and performance bonuses add much-needed authenticity. Other clubs can still be stubborn unless presented with a large upfront lump sum, but the added depth is a major step forward.

Reworked Crosses and Corners

Building on the split gameplay presets introduced in FC 26 (Competitive for online, Authentic for offline), FC 27 makes thoughtful mechanical tweaks. Corners now allow you to set the taker's aim and power before controlling an on-rushing player in the box. Meanwhile, crossing features reduced auto-targeting generosity, making every successful header feel genuinely earned.

The Bad: Room for Improvement

Ultimate Team Still Pushes Microtransactions

Ultimate Team remains the series' most-played yet cash-hungry mode. Despite the addition of 'The Gallery' to display virtual cards and earn unlockables, the core mechanics remain heavily tied to pay-to-win systems that favor microtransactions—a frustrating reality that seems unlikely to change.

Goalkeepers Prone to Howlers

While defensive errors often trigger goalkeeper blame, FC 27's keepers seem overly prone to catastrophic blunders. Instead of catching or cleanly pushing shots away, keepers frequently parry the ball into dangerous areas, leading to easy tap-ins for on-rushing opponents with frustrating frequency.

The Ugly: Persistent Flaws

Menus Remain an Eyesore and a Chore

Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of EA Sports FC 27 is its user interface. Years of player feedback have seemingly gone ignored; the menu system remains sluggish, prone to glitches, plagued by excessive negative space, and overly reliant on redundant clicks. A streamlined overhaul is desperately needed for future releases.

Conclusion

EA Sports FC 27 delivers a familiar yet refined package on current-gen hardware. While annoying interface issues and persistent microtransaction models hold it back, gameplay adjustments like reworked set pieces and the nostalgic distraction of The Grounds ensure it remains the definitive virtual soccer experience.