When Football Becomes Art: A Different Take on Soccer Games

Some football games aim for realism like FC, and others try to keep it simple like eFootball. But it’s rare to find a game that wipes the board clean and starts fresh. I’m one of those people who love to try unique experiences, especially when a game breaks the rules of its own genre.

The moment I saw Rematch, I knew we’re not looking at a copycat football game. It’s a crazy vision of the future of football, built with bold artistic style. What made it more exciting? It’s coming from Sloclap — the studio behind the successful action game Sifu. A studio known for fast-paced combat suddenly making a sports game? That’s wild!

So, is Rematch actually fun? Is it worth your time in this crowded market? Could it be the start of a whole new kind of football game? Let’s find out!

The Story

Don’t expect a classic story here. Rematch doesn’t have a hero on a journey or an evil rival. The idea is: it’s the year 2065, the world is peaceful, united, and in harmony with nature and tech. Sports have become a form of art.

Each match happens in crazy stadiums — on a power dam, inside a jungle, on the moon, or underwater. Every time you play, the setting, lighting, and mood change. It’s not a match; it’s a show.

You’re not a coach or a manager — you’re the star. You take the ball, you score, you carry or lose the match. It’s all about YOU.

Gameplay

At first, it feels more like a fighting game. Third-person view, low camera behind you, a cage-style field — and the ball never goes out! No offsides, no fouls, no free kicks, no breaks… it’s full-speed chaos.

Each match lasts 6 minutes, but feels like 60! It’s fast-paced, and everything you do is manual — passes, shots, dribbles, tackles… nothing is automatic.

To pass correctly, you need to aim manually. Shooting requires precise timing for power or curve. Dribbling feels like an action game.

There’s a cool mechanic called “Extra Effort” — it lets you give a final push to catch the ball or make a wild tackle. But you can’t spam it; it uses a limited energy meter.

The whole game is skill-based. No player has better stats, no boosts — just pure skill and reaction. You can play 3v3, 4v4, or 5v5, and there’s Ranked mode for competitive players.

Sadly, it’s online-only for now. No AI, no offline mode — which is a bummer if you like playing solo. But the devs said offline mode is coming in 2026.

You can fully customize your player’s look — gender, skin tone, outfits, celebrations, voice — but it’s all cosmetic. Everyone starts equal. No one is stronger than another. Your skills matter, nothing else.

The game promotes teamwork, fairness, and competitive integrity. No pay-to-win. No lucky packs. No pay-to-dominate. If you play smart — you win.

Graphics

The game doesn’t look realistic — but it’s stunning. Rematch isn’t trying to copy FC or eFootball. It goes full artistic. Each arena has a different style — neon, green glow, icy blue… The lighting is wild with AR effects and walls the ball bounces off.

Characters aren’t cartoonish, but have stylish animation. UI is simple. Movements feel fluid. Even the ball sounds when it hits a wall make you feel like you’re in a futuristic arcade.

Each season, stadiums and effects change — so it never gets boring.

Final Score

8/10

At a time when most football games feel the same every year, Rematch smashes expectations. It doesn’t chase realism or real teams — it mixes art, action, and sport into a futuristic, energetic experience. Sure, it’s still growing and lacks offline and solo modes, but what it offers now is already proof that we might be seeing the birth of a new kind of football game.