Our only criticism with this mode is that, because everyone starts at the same level, you can find yourself hopelessly mismatched to begin with. Each division has several tiers, with better prizes on offer for each, so there's always something within reach no matter your skill level.
There is no relegation though, as there are Who Wants to be a Millionaire style checkpoints that, once you reach them, you stay at no matter how many times you lose. In all honesty, we didn't mind the old format, but this time around all players start at the bottom - Div 10 - and must progress up the ranks by, well, winning matches. However, we've played more that 70 Division Rivals matches, so have more of a grasp on its changes. We don't know how fun this all is, or how much less of a grind, as we're yet to qualify (like most at the prerelease stage). Both the play-offs and finals earn rewards, with the latter giving the better swag (of course).
And, while the finals are hosted at weekends only, you get a wider choice of when to enter. These matches can be played at any time throughout the six week season. You then have to play nine matches to rise up the ranks and reach the finals. You are no longer limited to having to grind across weekends after qualification. It's different in that it now comprises play-off matches that can be played any time across a season (around a month-and-a-half). Qualification was technically impossible in the time we've had with the game so far. We'll be honest and admit that, at time of writing, we hadn't competed in any FUT Champions matches. The aforementioned competitive multiplayer modes are quite different though. The different FUT elements are also effectively the same - Squad Building Challenges, online and local friendlies, Squad Battles, etc. In addition, the store retains the preview and purchase scheme that was introduced in the latter seasons of FIFA 21.
Stadium customisation is back and is largely unchanged from its debut in FIFA 21 - save for the fact you can reverse improvements to the size of your stadium. There's far less reliance on the back button just to get to the home page. You still flick down the left stick to get to your squad screen, but everything is now split into Home, Play and Club sub-menus accessible through the left and right bumpers. It is much easier to get into the modes and matches using fewer clicks.įIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) has experienced perhaps the biggest changes in the modes on offer, with Division Rivals and FUT Champions being overhauled, its menu system also feels better generally.
We felt it was vastly improved last year and this is a further extension on that. The menu system has been improved, not just visually - with male and female stars running in and out of shot - but also in terms of navigation. Sadly, it left us lamenting the loss of the Alex Hunter story mode in FIFA's gone by and is all too brief, but there's plenty else to get your teeth into this year. It's all skippable but actually enjoyable, and the gameplay refreshers on offer will depend on your history with the game (through a simple beginner/experienced option). This transitions into a demo match - a Champions League semi-final between PSG and Chelsea - and you are then thrust into the game proper. You also end up rubbing shoulders with the likes of David Beckham along the way. It starts with an odd but enjoyable tutorial story, where you form an avatar and run through drills with cover star Kylian Mbappe and Thierry Henry. The game certainly looks the bees knees when it comes to presentation.
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