After Sloclap’s excellent kung fu brawler, Sufi, I admit I was curious to see where they were heading next. Football wasn’t even close to my guesses, but what a pleasant surprise Rematch is. This title takes the familiar sport and injects it with a vibrant, arena-based twist, reminiscent of the addictive, physics-driven gameplay that made Rocket League a global phenomenon. While Rematch might share some DNA with its vehicular counterpart, it carves out its own unique identity with a focus on skilled football execution.
Skill Based football
At its core, Rematch adheres to the fundamental principles of football, no explanation needed. The gameplay features passing, dribbling with trick moves, shooting, and goalkeeping. What sets Reatmch apart is its remarkably simple control scheme: each action is mapped to a single dedicated button. This makes Rematch incredibly accessible, allowing players to grasp the basics almost instantly. However, this simplicity belies a surprising depth. Unlike many football simulators like PES (eFootball) or FIFA (FC) where targeting for shots and passes is often handled by an auto-lock system, Rematch demands active aiming. This is where the skill ceiling truly lies; mastering the precise trajectory of your passes and shots is crucial for success, turning every play into an opportunity to showcase your growing proficiency.
Made to be fun and look great
The game truly shines in its closed-in arena, a dynamic playground where bouncing the ball off the walls is not just encouraged, but essential. This “wall-play” mechanic, so familiar to Rocket League enthusiasts, adds an entirely new dimension to football. ReMatch boasts a few core rules, but the ones that are present are cleverly designed to heighten the enjoyment. For instance, winning a match is dictated by a four-goal lead, ensuring decisive victories. Furthermore, the thrilling inclusion of overtime, where the next goal wins, injects a surge of adrenaline. This sudden-death scenario creates a palpable tension and a nerve-wracking excitement that I haven’t felt in an online game for quite some time.
Visually, Rematch is a treat. The backgrounds surrounding the arenas are a constantly shifting spectacle, transforming from classic stadium views to the depths of space, and even the underwater world. This dynamic visual design not only prevents monotony but also adds a layer of thematic flair that complements the fast-paced action, making each match a truly enjoyable visual feast.
Live service is always a gamble
As a live service game, Rematch is equipped with season passes and cosmetic microtransactions. Given that the game is competitively priced and that these transactions are purely for cosmetic upgrades, I find them to be a non-issue. The developers have also thoughtfully included a generous amount of free cosmetic items, ensuring that even players who don’t spend extra can still personalize their experience.
However, Rematch, in its current state, feels somewhat barebones. Its longevity and potential to become a truly exceptional game hinge entirely on the developer’s commitment to adding new content and the quality of that content. While I’m thoroughly enjoying my time with the game, the immediate urge to dive back in after this review isn’t overwhelmingly strong. That said, I will undoubtedly return if future updates introduce fresh, exciting, and engaging elements.
Conclusion
Rematch manages to evoke the sheer joy and unadulterated fun I experienced playing football as a ten-year-old in the school yard. It possesses that same inherent hook and captivating presentation as Rocket League, and it has a fantastic starting point to potentially become something significant for both mainstream audiences and the burgeoning esports scene. Yet, everything ultimately rests on how the game evolves and expands in the near future. More content is desperately needed, and soon, to truly cement its place in the gaming landscape.
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