A reader enjoys Rematch on Game Pass and insists that while it’s not trying to compete with EA Sports FC it is the best arcade style game in a long time.
If Rocket League ditched the cars, took International Superstar Soccer and mashed them together, the result would be Rematch! This new Xbox Game Pass title from Sloclap – the minds behind Sifu – is a wild, stylish, and surprisingly strategic take on football, that’s less about realism and more about flair, chaos, and pure arcade joy.
Forget everything you know about traditional football sims. Rematch throws out the rulebook, literally. No offsides, no fouls, no referees. Here, you control a single player in third person view, trying to out-dribble, out-pass, and out-style your opponents in six minute matches that feel like a cross between a street tournament and a martial arts showdown. If you love a good sliding tackle without the consequences of a red card, you will be right at home here.
The controls are tight but demanding. Shooting feels like aiming in a third person shooter and passing requires finesse and timing. It’s not pick-up and play easy, but once you get the hang of it, the satisfaction of threading a perfect through ball or pulling off a last-ditch sliding tackle is immense. Every player has the same stats, so it’s all about skill, positioning, and teamwork. You will need patience, but if you have it, it will pay off in the end.
Teamwork is where Rematch really shines – or stumbles, depending on your squad. Because you only control one player, communication is key. A well-timed ‘Pass!’ shout or a humble ‘Sorry!’ after a botched shot can make or break your team’s chemistry. But when your teammate decides to go full Messi, and dribble through everyone (and fails), expect a flurry of sarcastic emotes and a few rage quits. I have rage quit more than once and probably caused others to do the same. If you think you can win at this game alone, think again.
Still, when it clicks – when your team moves like a unit, covering space, calling for crosses, and pulling off slick one-twos – it’s magic. You’ll find yourself grinning like a kid playing five-a-side in the park, minus the scraped knees and need for TCP and plasters!
Expert, exclusive gaming analysis
Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning.
Visually, Rematch is a treat. The anime-inspired graphics give it a vibrant, kinetic energy. Players move with exaggerated swagger, and the arenas are compact, colourful, and designed for wall-bouncing trick shots and last-second saves. It’s like playing football inside a neon-lit skate park. It’s similarities to Rocket League are evident throughout.
The game’s Season Zero is already live, with ranked play and seasonal content promising fresh modes and cosmetics. While there’s no real-world team licensing the customisation options are still fun, and more are on the way so hopefully we will get more variety with updates as they arrive.
Also, the learning curve might scare off casual players. The controls are intuitive once mastered, but the early hours can feel like trying to juggle a football while blindfolded. And while the lack of commentary adds to the street football vibe, a bit more audio flair wouldn’t hurt – it can feel very quiet and a pumping soundtrack would be most welcome.
Despite its quirks, Rematch is a bold, refreshing spin on the football genre. It’s not trying to be EA Sports FC, but rather it is carving its own lane, and doing so with style, swagger, and a whole lot of slide tackles. Whether you’re a football fanatic or just looking for a new multiplayer obsession, this one’s worth lacing up for.
Grab your mates, stretch those thumbs, and get ready to shout ‘One more game!’ until the sun comes up. Rematch is here and it’s a beautiful mess – in the best way possible.
Score: 8/10
By reader BaldB3lper
The reader’s features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.
You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you won’t need to send an email.
MORE: As an Xbox fan all I can say is that Microsoft betrayed us – Reader’s Feature
MORE: Gaming peaked with the PS4 and I want the PS6 to recognise that – Reader’s Feature
MORE: After 24 years of wasted potential the Xbox dream is finally dead – Reader’s Feature
