From the same brilliant minds behind the absolutely amazing Sifu, comes Rematch, a brand new (and absolutely welcome) take on virtual football. Unlike your more traditional squad-based games like EA FC, eFootball or even the more recent UFL, Rematch has you playing as a single character in a team, in an over-the-shoulder perspective, in a more arcadey, but still skill-based environment. Think of it as if Rocket League, the game all about cars that play football, was actually about people playing football.

It looks impressive, with a striking art style.

You just play as one footballer in either a 3-a-side, 4-a-side, and 5-a-side squad, in an enclosed field with no goal kicks, throw-ins, or fouls. You can tackle whoever you want with ease, and everyone can be a goalkeeper if you’re the sole defending player in the box. Unlike more traditional footballing titles, and even the more arcadey ones, the over-the-shoulder perspective and lack of auto-aim towards the opponent’s goalpost means you actually have to aim properly before shooting. The same can be said about performing passes, and you have to add in the constantly struggle wih the camera, which doesn’t move freely – you’re the one responsible for it to move around at all times, with no option to lock onto the ball, like Rocket League does.

This also means that Rematch is a lot more skill-based than its source of inspiration. One of the most beautiful things about Rocket League, at least at first, was that you just didn’t need to know how to properly play it in order to have a good time. You just needed to drive, jump, and partake in some shenanigans. Rematch basically forces you to learn how to properly dribble, do jump shots, and other specific tricks, as the skill ceiling is a lot higher, and that means that, even right from the getgo, things are a lot more skill-oriented.

Everyone can be a keeper if you are the only one in your box during a defensive play.

If you manage to learn how to play this game properly, then Rematch is a true feast. It’s a magnificent reminder of simpler, more arcade-oriented takes on football, with a fast-paced gameplay loop, as well as truly appealing visuals. The game intelligently doesn’t aim for sheer realism and polygonal count, instead focusing on a neat art style and performance. But that doesn’t mean it’s an easy game to master, and if you don’t click with it… there’s not a lot you can do otherwise. Being a multiplayer-only game, there’s no campaign, no bot matches, no single player content to speak of. Granted, no microtransactions either, which is nice, but you either learn how to play Rematch, or you’ll give up on it faster than Europeans giving up on the Club World Cup.

I wish there was a camera lock-on feature.

Rematch can either be one of the most entertaining experiences of the year, or one of its biggest disappointments, depending on your skill level. If you master its mechanics, get used to its camera, and be lucky enough to end up in a synergetic team, then boy oh boy, this thing works like a beauty. If not, this will easily become an exercise in frustration. I really like its concept, visuals, samba-infused soundtrack, and easygoing progression system. It’s just not the most accessible or polished experience out there, being brutal on those below a certain skill level, with not a lot else to offer besides fast-paced multiplayer matches. All in all, an almost amazing sports game.

Rematch is available now on PS5, Xbox Series S/X and PC.

Reviewed on Intel i7-12700H, 16GB RAM, RTX 3060 6GB.

A copy of Rematch was provided by the publisher.