In 2022, French studio Sloclap moved up a gear with the release of Sifu, a formidably effective and artistically masterful martial arts simulator. The developers are now back with a new game in a very different genre: here is Rematch, an arcade football simulation that seems headed straight for global success.
For those who have never had the opportunity to try the video game gem that is Sifu, its success lies in a handful of key points. We can mention its polished artistic direction, its very well-executed narrative, or its particularly clever progression system. But it is undoubtedly the combat system implemented by the studio that makes Sifu so impactful.
Sloclap has achieved a true feat of game design by allowing the player to improvise incredibly fluid, spectacular, even cinematic kung-fu sequences, worthy of the greatest Hong Kong martial arts films, with phenomenal fluidity. The result is both exhilarating and exceptionally dynamic thanks to its gameplay that is relatively simple in theory, but implemented with a mastery that commands respect. In Sifu, even those who have never set foot on a tatami mat can feel like a true martial arts legend in just a few minutes, and few games manage to build such a rewarding sense of mastery.
The spiritual son of Rocket League and FIFA Street
The studio has now chosen to put its expertise to good use in a radically different title, set in the world of football with Rematch. A bold move, but one that already seems to have paid off: in recent days, the first semi-closed beta has attracted tens of thousands of players in just a few days. An impressive success for this game, which is not scheduled for release until this summer - and you don't have to look far to understand the origins of this success.
The first point is that Sloclap has chosen to distance itself from the realistic formula inaugurated by FIFA, PES and their successors, and to move closer to those good old FIFA Street.
Indeed, Rematch is played 5 against 5 with one person per player, unlike the simulations mentioned above where each human controls an entire team. All rules that could disrupt the rhythm of the game (offside, fouls, throw-ins, etc.) have been completely eliminated. The goal: to eliminate the superfluous to distill everything that makes football so charming in a minimalist, extremely intense and dynamic setting, without bothering with the rest. In this respect, the experience strongly recalls the essential Rocket League — and the least we can say is that the recipe works wonderfully.
Ultimately, we end up with a title that is intuitive and accessible, but devilishly deep. The only things that matter are the technical prowess of each player, who can string together spectacular dribbles with an ease that is as disconcerting as it is enjoyable, and the tactical cohesion of the team which is absolutely essential. Rematch is unrivaled in making every action spectacular, both individually and collectively, thanks to a control system that is both simple and nuanced.
Released on June 19
Even though the game is only available in closed beta for the moment, the foundations are already so well in place that more than 100,000 players have already become addicted to this unique game, and are now eagerly awaiting the official release. It will be very interesting to keep an eye on the game's news between now and this summer, because all the ingredients already seem to be in place to make it a real hit — among casual players, football aficionados, and Rocket League veterans alike. See you on July 19th for the first answers!
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