Sloclap’s pivot from the martial arts mastery of Sifu to a soccer-focused title initially left me skeptical. Though I enjoy competitive sports experiences, Rematch wasn’t what I anticipated. Yet its mechanical precision quickly won me over. The act of shooting, passing, or executing a slide tackle carries a tactile satisfaction reminiscent of Sifu’s polished combat. While dribbling demands adjustment, mastering situational awareness—balancing field vision with the mini-map—elevates matches into strategic battlegrounds. This learning curve mirrors the studio’s knack for rewarding persistence.

Not everything resonates. Navigational flaws plague menus, echoing the clunkiness of annual sports simulators. The persistent “Prologue” option feels redundant, while Practice mode’s lack of a retry button disrupts flow. Live-service elements, including a sluggish battle pass and underwhelming cosmetics, clash with its premium pricing. Worse, the absence of offline modes sparks concerns about longevity—should servers vanish, so too would the game’s heart.

Visually, Rematch underwhelms. Though character models reflect Sloclap’s evolving art style, environments lack personality, settling for generic stadium backdrops. This blandness sharpens the contrast with its stellar gameplay. Matches—whether 3v3 or 5v5—thrive on fluidity, with goalkeeping offering particularly intense moments. Yet network hiccups at launch and missing cross-play hindered early enjoyment.

Despite flaws, the core loop shines. Few sports titles capture the adrenaline of a last-minute goal or the camaraderie of coordinated plays this effectively. Free-roam practice mode exemplifies thoughtful design, though it’s overshadowed by structural missteps. The studio’s trademark mechanical excellence makes every victory hard-earned and every defeat a call to improve.

Monetization choices further mar the experience. Premium currency unlocks lackluster apparel and stadium skins, a bitter pill for a full-priced title. Worse, the Prologue’s lingering presence serves only to frustrate, emblematic of broader interface issues. These diminish an otherwise stellar package, where polished mechanics deserve better accompaniment.

Rematch succeeds as a playground for skill expression, blending accessibility with depth. Yet it stumbles in presentation and longevity. Without meaningful solo content, reliance on servers risks obsolescence. For now, its electric matches justify the grind, but players craving lasting value may find themselves sidelined.

7.5

WCCFTECH RATING

Rematch