Football video game fans are in luck: UFL is now available for download. This long-awaited title from Strikerz comes onto the scene with a firm intention: to offer a free-to-play proposition that can compete with giants of the genre such as EA Sports FC and eFootball. But does it live up to expectations?
UFL has arrived surrounded by expectation, presenting itself as a fresh and dynamic option that bets on the arcade style, where fun and fast-paced action are guaranteed. If you are one of those who are looking for something different from the most realistic experiences, this could be your chance to take the leap to a new model of digital football.
Fast and entertaining gameplay dynamics
The heart of UFL lies in its dynamic, fast-paced and exciting matches. This arcade approach simplifies gameplay and moves away from the complexity of other offerings on the market, offering matches lasting around 10 minutes that leave no respite. Players' first impressions are leaving a good taste in their mouths, although it is clear that the game is still far from the level that EA Sports FC can offer at the moment.
The controls are quite intuitive and the improvements in aspects such as collisions or movements since the betas are notable. The ball has a very natural touch. although somewhat light, which allows for stringing together eye-catching plays. However, not everything is perfect: Passing and stamina management still need tweaking, and certain mechanical errors can frustrate at key moments.
As for shooting and finishing, The goalkeepers stand out for their good performance, although the headers are below expectations. The referees, for their part, surprise with correct decisions, granting the law of advantage quite accurately.
Lack of content and game modes
Despite his good performance on the field, UFL has a significant lack in terms of content. Currently, it only includes local friendly matches and online modes that allow for casual or competitive matchups within a division system. This leaves a significant gap in terms of gaming options. which could limit its long-term appeal.
Another detail that can be a stumbling block for players is the game's economy. Building a competitive team requires a lot of playing time or the investment of real money. Although it cannot be classified as a "pay to win" game, it could be considered a "pay to fast" game, where the payment makes it easier to advance faster but does not guarantee victories.
For now, the player progression system and skins add an interesting touch. Footballers can improve their skills and stats, But it remains to be seen how these mechanics will influence the balance of the title.
Technical section and online experience
Visually, UFL meets a colorful and attractive style, despite not being graphically revolutionary. The stadiums and kits are well done, although the faces of some well-known players leave much to be desired in terms of detail.
Performance is solid, even in online play, where connectivity has proven stable during Early Access. No significant issues such as slowdowns or disconnections have been detected either, which is a plus for those who value online play, especially on a release of this type.
In the sound section, the music is adequate although somewhat repetitive, and The Spanish voices manage to accompany the action well without being annoying.
Strikerz has made it clear that this is just the beginning for UFL and that their priority will be to add content and improvements with future updates. This could save the title from falling into monotony, although there is still a long way to go to stand up to its competitors.
Those who have already tried UFL agree that the potential is there. With gameplay tweaks, better progression balance, and a healthy dose of new modes and licenses, it could become an attractive alternative in the world of free-to-play football games. For now, it's an entertaining title but one that needs to evolve to stand out. If you want to try it out, just head over to the PlayStation Store and Xbox Store digital stores to start downloading the game right away. completely free.