The virtual football game landscape is changing. While the FIFA series, now renamed EA FC, remains firmly at the forefront, new projects are trying to make a name for themselves. Among them, UFL, a game developed by the Xten studio, which has just arrived on PC via a free Steam demo. A highly anticipated first appearance, which could well appeal to players looking for a more realistic alternative to EA's simulation.
A long-term project coming out of the shadows for this EA FC competitor
Announced four years ago, UFL has been in development since 2016. Its ambition: to offer an accessible, free, and more balanced football simulation than its competitors like EA FC. While the official teams aren't featured (names and logos are fictitious), the game still features a large cast of real players.
In terms of the interface, the approach is more streamlined than FC 25's, with simplified navigation designed to get to the point. The progression system is based on a mode similar to Ultimate Team, where all team members gain experience after each match. A good way to counterbalance EA FC?
An economic model designed to avoid abuse
UFL positions itself as a free-to-play unlike EA FC, but with an interesting mechanic. To obtain new players, two types of resources are required:
- Credit Points, earned by playing or purchased for real money,
- and Reputation Points, obtained only by winning matches, selling players, or climbing the leagues.
It is therefore impossible to buy success directly: you will have to prove your consistency on the pitch. This system aims to avoid the imbalances typical of online games where the wallet often takes precedence over performance. On the pitch, UFL adopts a slower, more thoughtful style than EA FC. Here, there's no question of stringing together spectacular technical moves like in arcade football games. The changes of direction are heavier, the actions more tactical. An approach that evokes the spirit of old PES more than that of the latest EA Sports games.
Everything isn't perfect yet: long passes are sometimes too precise, the goalkeepers lack a bit of responsiveness, and the artificial intelligence still struggles to build varied attacks. But overall, the game already offers a solid foundation, and above all, a different gaming feel than what the competition offers.
Source: Steam
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