Sloclap , the developer of thecritically acclaimed action gameSifu , just announced its next title at The Game Awards 2024 : Rematch . We had a fortune to seeRematchin action before of its declaration , and it ’s safe to say that this is n’t the follow - up toSifuthat I was expecting . alternatively , Rematchis a 5v5 multiplayer - only association football game .

That might come as a shock at first , but upon seeingRematchin action , I understood that some of Sloclap ’s activity game roots still show through here . Finding the center ground betweenRocket Leagueand EA Sports FC , this is a showy sports game where players control their soccer player from a third - person perspective and do n’t have to worry about penalty as they bash into other instrumentalist , bounce the soccer ball off walls , and more .

I ’m all for variation games that don’tfall into the distinctive model biz conventions . As such , I could see myself heading onto the pitch with some champion whenRematchenters beta next twelvemonth .

Key art for The Game Awards 2023.

A third-person soccer game

Soccer game likeEA Sports FC 25typically trifle from a top - down view , follow league rules , and allow thespian verify different phallus of their team as they pass the Lucille Ball between them . Rematchworks otherwise , put player in control of a single athlete from a third - person perspective the whole time they are on the pitch . match see two team of five players face off in a frenetic soccer compeer where the game ’s flow is never part .

My other look atRematchmade it clear that the secret plan is n’t break down for realness . While its handcraft animations are impressive and mimic the smell and feel of real - life association football actor , Rematchsports a vivacious cel - shaded art panache . While it observe the basic rules and tenets of soccer , players can perform limited Volley Actions like bike kicks to shell the testicle forward without occupy about penalties , box thrill , or kicking the ballock out of boundary .

This is whereRocket League’sinfluence onRematchrears its headway . This is a association football game about getting the ball in the adversary ’s finish by any means necessary , even if that requires constantly bouncing the ball off the wall or sharply stealing it from another player . Creative director Pierre Tarno differentiate Digital Trends that friendly team play is need to do well . “ Though there are dribble mechanics , almost always when you have the ball , the best option you have is to lead it to one of your other teammates because if an opponent receive close , you ’re go to get tackled . ”

Embracing multiplayer

Sloclap plan on makingRematcha paid form of address rather than free - to - play . That said , Sloclap is confidently pitchingRematchas a multiplayer experience . While this may seem like whiplash coming offSifu , it hearken back toAbsolver . That was Sloclap ’s first multiplayer game , an action title where players could get in fistfights with others online . As Tarno discussedRematch , it became evident that Sloclop has a clear vision for how it want to runRematchas an online plot and is actively apportion with the challenge of designing such a title .

“ It ’s very technically complex to have a 60 [ physical body -per - second ] on-line game with t10 players on the field , ” Tarno explained . “ The ball , you see it very distinctly , so every time there ’s something that locomote wrong in the web that ’s not synchronized , you perceive it all the more . A circle of endeavor give way into server check pace , synchronizing , and ensure that , until a certain level of ping , things always palpate fair and everybody sees an military action that is coherent and the same for everyone . ”

Tarno says players can expectRematchto have 60 frames - per - second gameplay , feature like custom lobby , and season of post - launch funding . Those post - launch season come at a cadence similarto real - world soccer seasons and add new modes , arenas , cosmetic , and more to the game . It ’s definitely not what I would ’ve ever expected Sloclap to make afterSifu , but I thinkRematchhas a very near luck of resonating with association football devotee worldwide once they can finally get their men on it .

Rematchwill participate beta on PC , PlayStation 5 , and Xbox Series X / S next summer .