Reviews of EA Sports FC 26 have praised the gameplay, and thank Pele, because the microtransactions continue to spiral out of control. Every year, sports games become a little bit more like paying $70 for a basket and then paying more money every month for things to put into the basket.
I was excited to hear that legendary players such as Luis Figo and Jamal Musiala will now appear in Manager Mode, but equally disappointed to find out they're locked behind the game's Season Pass. Of course, said pass has a paid version. We've seen this nonsense permeate EA's other games, so I'm disappointed but in no way surprised.
These Heroes and Icons are technically free to earn, but the XP requirements to do are prohibitive. It's blatantly obvious EA is trying to guide us into its cash cow Ultimate Team mode. It feels scummy because it is.
EA, 2K, and the numerous other companies that sell us battle/season passes have done all the research, using some of the same tactics casinos use to trap gamblers. We're supposed to suffer frustration and FOMO when our team has everything but the goalkeeper we need. Look, there they are behind the paywall.
EA also promised they'd slow down the power creep in Ultimate Team. Rewards don't come as fast, provided you're free-to-play. Pulling out the credit card will still get you a much better squad, much faster than someone who is just grinding the game.
I get that Ultimate Team is the primary revenue driver. They're some of my favorite modes because putting together your own "god squad" is addictive. But forcing people who prefer the single-player modes to engage is just too much. How many billions are enough, seriously?
The sad part is the gameplay is better in several ways. Goalkeepers have gotten a much needed boost, passing feels better. The lessened power creep in FUT would be a good thing if it were going to apply to everyone, because playing without the Ronaldos of the world actually forces you to play smarter.
EA's aware this franchise is review-proof. Heck, after I hit publish on this story, I will likely go play FC 26 some more. Its competitors are getting relegated to lower divisions. When you are the only game in town, you can get away with these kinds of shenanigans.