FEEDBACK | Offline Gameplay vs CPU
Feedback after several hours of gameplay, exclusively in offline modes (Kick-Off, Tournament, Manager Career).
First of all, I want to thank EA for being the only studio that still releases a football game for users who enjoy offline and career mode experiences.
I see FC26 as another step forward in replicating real football, but there are still flaws that leave a bitter taste.
Let’s start with what I consider a major gameplay shortcoming: fouls.
I understand that condensing 90 minutes of football into 10, 15, or 20 minutes of gameplay requires compromises. But fouls — whether intentional or accidental — are just as fundamental to football as corners, throw-ins, or even goals.
Many matches are decided by a well-executed free kick or a foul near the box — not to mention penalties.
Here are the current average foul stats per competition:
- Serie A: around 28–30 fouls per match
- Premier League: around 20–22
- Bundesliga: around 22–24
- LaLiga: around 25–27
- Champions League: around 21.7
- Europa League: around 23–25
- Conference League: around 24–26
Reaching a decent number of fouls per match would go a long way in making EA FC26 a true football simulation.
Tactics and AI Behavior
The new FC IQ system is promising, but many players feel “chained” to their roles, ignoring the actual match context. For example, an attacking midfielder might chase an opponent only to stop abruptly once outside their assigned zone.
In real football — both modern and classic — every coach has a defensive and offensive philosophy. Players should be able to receive defensive instructions, not just offensive ones.
Ideally, there should be distinct behaviors for “kick-off,” “in possession,” and “out of possession” phases — all freely customizable to match your tactical philosophy.
Also, during Career Mode matches, it would be great to see the CPU adapt its formation and tactics based on the scoreline and time remaining.
Here are a couple of examples:
Example 1 – Champions League Quarterfinal, second leg (first leg ended 1–0 for the user). It’s the 88th minute, score is 0–0. The CPU switches from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-2-4 or 3-4-3, bringing on attackers for defenders/midfielders.
Example 2 – Same scenario, but the first leg ended 1–0 for the CPU. It’s the 88th minute, still 0–0. I (the user) switch to a 3-3-4 with aggressive instructions. The CPU should respond by switching from a 3-4-3 to a 5-3-2 or 5-4-1, dropping the defensive line (parking the bus).
CPU Play Style
The CPU needs more varied playing styles and tactical philosophies — for example, long balls to a target man (which is supposedly in the game, but rarely happens in practice).
Also, the CPU sliders should be removed, and tactics should have a stronger impact, especially when combined with player styles and manager profiles.
