I can recall countless times where my brother has absolutely thrashed me on FIFA Street, but not because the game itself cheated me out of victory. Yet, when you’ve mastered every variation of twirling the analog stick to pull off amazing tricks, FIFA Street still did what any great FIFA title should do: showcase the skill of the player. FIFA Street found this euphoric sweet spot within the genre, allowing for easy-to-learn mechanics to lead the way. At least not for less experienced players. It is a far more involved experience, that doesn’t lend itself to just jumping in for a quick game. The latest iterations of FIFA can be daunting for new players kicking the ball around for the first time, with in-depth ball control systems and rudimentary knowledge of formations/tactics required to succeed.
Collaborative modes like Ultimate Team and Pro Clubs may offer cooperative experiences, but FIFA Street was a glorious stream of plug-and-play fun. Nonetheless, FIFA Street tapped into a unique sense of comradery that hasn’t been replicated as faithfully in the sports game genre as of late. It’s highly unlikely that FIFA 23 will pull a glorious twist out of the bag, with a revamped Volta akin to the 2005 gem. It’s easy to digest and satisfying every time. However, for me, arcade-style blasts of energy like FIFA Street are the perfect middle-ground for gamers and football fans. That’s not to say I don’t recognize the sheer amount of skill, strategy, and business acumen that goes into players forging careers. I don’t follow football outside of the “major” events like the World Cup or the Euros. The direction of FIFA has largely revolved around simulation-based gameplay, pleasing both casual and hardcore football fanatics with grinding progression in career mode. Volta may have its defenders, but street football deserves a free-flowing experience to accompany it. It is devoid of any tangible competitive stakes, regardless of whether you’re playing against A.I or real players. Volta feels far more lethargic and drained of life. Forgoing any of the stylish tricking and pulsating minute-to-minute energy seen in the original 2005 FIFA Street, Volta hardly scratches that itch for fast-paced bouts of adrenaline. The fun of street football was confined into the Futsal-inspired Volta mode back in FIFA 20 and has remained within the game-mode since. Yet, there is something that EA Sports could do to inject vibrant life back into the franchise. Each installment promises reinvention and innovation, but like any tried and tested franchise, there comes a point when diminishing returns begin to appear. After decades of annual releases, the future of the franchise remains uncertain in the wake of troubling licensing agreements. FIFA 23 is due to release in the tail end of 2022, with rumors of a free-to-play model fluttering in the background.