A Smash Hit Already?
A new competitor enters the sports gaming scene!
Rematch is the new football multiplayer title from Sifu developer, Sloclap. As skeptical as many were when they announced their follow up to the critically acclaimed martial arts game would be a multiplayer football game, I’m pleased to announce that Rematch absolutely exceeds expectations.
In fact, it’s quickly turned into my go-to multiplayer title and contains some of the most fun I’ve experienced in online games for years!
It’s no secret that Rematch is already performing extremely well with over 1 million sales and upwards of 2 million players in its first week alone.
In our current time of live service multiplayer games struggling to make their mark and leave lasting impressions, Sloclap is showing the industry how it’s done. There doesn’t need to be huge AAA studios behind every live service success story.
I couldn’t be happier for the reception towards Rematch so far as it genuinely deserves all the praise it’s been receiving. Its fast-paced, visceral gameplay pairs beautifully with its skill-focused approach, making it one of the most tactic-focused multiplayer games out there right now, not to mention one of the most entertaining.
The General Run-Down
Rematch has launched with 3 key game modes: 3v3, 4v4 and 5v5, with ranked matches always being 5v5. The difference in all three is instantly noticeable when swapping between them and there are pros and cons to each setup. 3v3 is great for practicing skills, dribbling as it’s a more spacious and forgiving approach. 4v4 steps the pace up and 5v5 is where absolute chaos can be found.
Each player controls their own character and you have to work out which position you’re taking up on the field either through communication or a bit of trial and error. One player starts as goalkeeper and this rotates after every goal is scored, or you can switch as and when you like.
Similar to Sifu’s approach to combos and fluidity, Rematch is all about pressing the right buttons at the right time. It’s all about timing and precision. One small error can cost you the match, and that’s a large chunk of what makes every instance so gripping. The pressure is always on!
Football Finally Gets A Good Representation
Sloclap’s marketing campaign for Rematch branded it as a tribute to the “beautiful game” of football, and it’s clear during every second of gameplay that the devs truly ooze passion for the world’s most popular sports.
It’s easy to compare Rematch to Rocket League as there certainly are similarities, but there’s a far more nuanced approach to that conversation to be had. Similarly, I’ve heard lots of comparisons to the FIFA games (now EA FC), but again that’s not quite the case.
I’d argue that Rematch carves its own space in the world of sports games, succeeding in creating the best representation of football we’ve ever seen in gaming. It’s got the core gameplay mechanics of Rocket League and the semi-realistic approach of EA FC but it’s the moment-to-moment gameplay where it becomes clear this is a different beast entirely.
Rematch is all about tactics. Players need to be positioned correctly during the whole match. Opponents need to be constantly marked. Teammates have to communicate and cooperate. You need to know which buttons to press, which directions to aim and you need to master your timing. There are so many cogs that have to fall into place, but once it’s all there, a 5 man team can turn into a well-oiled machine. And once that machine gets going, it’s so incredibly hard to stop!
Just like with actual football matches, players should go into games with tactics, stick to a plan and always communicate.
Worldbuilding and Audio
There’s a brief prologue section in Rematch which gives a quick introduction to the general world and setup. Sloclap has gone for a similar art style to Sifu and it looks fantastic.
There’s a slight sci-fi, futuristic twist here as players can give their characters cyber prosthetics and the domed pitch clearly features some impressive sci-fi tech, but that’s about as far as that goes. Rematch mostly sticks to letting you play football, rather than focusing on the world around the matches and that’s a perfectly viable choice.
The audio also leans into that futuristic take, with fast paced electronic synths and beats. The music specifically is worth pointing out as it genuinely enhances the gameplay. When you’re in possession of the ball, the music ramps up and gets faster, accelerating in time with your momentum.
When you shoot, it goes quiet until you either score or the goalkeeper makes a save. The same can be said for the keeper position also. It’s a unique approach to enhance the atmosphere and it works really well.
Content, Network and Bugs
A slight concern that holds Rematch back is its lack of content on launch. As I mentioned earlier, there are three game modes, as well as a ranked option. You can practice a few drills in the practice section but only a very select amount. There’s also freeplay when you can run around an empty pitch to practise dribbling or shooting.
Whilst the main game modes are enough to keep players entertained for hours (I’m far from being bored after playing hours and hours of ranked 5v5), it’s slightly surprising that Rematch doesn’t offer some other modes on launch. That being said, Sloclap has already committed to bringing more into the game which will certainly enhance it even more!
There are also unlockable items you can open as you progress and gain points, including an optional paid tier that works similarly to a battle pass.
Interestingly, Rematch hasn’t launched with the option to play a training mode against bots, meaning the only real practice you can enjoy is in actual matches. I didn’t find the actual practice drills very useful, and it’s incredibly frustrating that after every completion you have to go back to the main menu rather than being able to select an option like “play again”. It’s a small complaint but it’s bizarre that it’s not there.
I experienced a couple network errors and bugs upon release but since Sloclap has released a couple of patches, I’ve had an extremely smooth and reliable experience.
Another point I should mention is that Rematch doesn’t currently support cross-play or cross-platform progression, though this is something Sloclap is actively working on and hope to release a patch for imminently.
For Gamers and Football Fanatics Alike
I do really think that Rematch is a game almost everyone will enjoy. It’s got great mechanics that are easy to learn, hard to master and addictive as anything.
Not only is Rematch a wonderful game built for football fans, it’s a one of a kind multiplayer experience that everyone should try, regardless of their football enthusiasm.
With more content to come in the future and with continued support from Sloclap, Rematch will have many bright years ahead of it thanks to its captivating and compelling gameplay. If it’s this fantastic at launch, I can’t wait for what comes next!
Once you pick the controller up you won’t be able to put it down, and that’s only part of the magic behind Rematch.
Important Links
REMATCH is Here – Take to the Field on Xbox, Game Pass, PlayStation and PC – https://www.thexboxhub.com/rematch-is-here-take-to-the-field-on-xbox-game-pass-playstation-and-pc/
Standard Rematch is on Game Pass – https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/rematch/9N5K7HWXL4Q6/0010
Buy the Pro Edition – https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/rematch-pro-edition/9MV9XPBM8BKZ/0010
Or go big with Rematch Elite Edition – https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/rematch-elite-edition/9P7L2BQLK5CB/0010
