Rematch: Sloclap's New Soccer Game Promises a Fresh Perspective

Sloclap, the studio behind action-packed games like Sifu and Absolver, is taking a bold new direction with Rematch, a 5v5 online multiplayer soccer game that marries teamwork and precision gameplay. Scheduled for release in summer 2025 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, Rematch offers a fresh take on the soccer genre, emphasizing immersion, visceral action, and 60fps performance.

Rematch's unique twist lies in its single-player control, where one person controls each player on the virtual pitch. This attention to individual and team positioning allows for a deeper level of strategy and cooperation, setting it apart from other soccer games. The game's fast-paced, futuristic style, without the complexities of fouls and offsides, eliminates distractions and focuses the player on the action at hand. Sloclap's RPG-like art style adds visual depth, rivaling that of FIFA Street.

Rematch's design promotes a positive, resilient world, encouraging players to work together to achieve victories. In contrast to traditional soccer games like FIFA, Rematch lacks statistics-based gameplay, removing artificial intelligence confines. Instead, it offers an intuitive ball call system and visual effects for passing, ensuring seamless communication and cooperation among teammates. The absence of fouls allows for less conflict, making the game more accessible, especially to new players, who can enjoy the thrill of teamwork over competitions.

Sloclap has outlined its commitment to the game's immersion, with a focus on real-world locations that incorporate renewable energies and utopian cities. The game will also have a seasonal content plan, with themed content released on a regular schedule. A premium release model raises questions about longevity in a market dominated by free-to-play soccer games. However, Sloclap remains confident in the game's depth and competitive value proposition.

Sloclap is known for innovative, sometimes unconventional, game design. Rematch speaks to the studio's pledge to create engaging experiences that break genre conventions and foster creativity and teamwork. The game's release in summer 2025 promises to shake up the soccer genre, but it remains to be seen how the premium model and lack of certain features impact player adoption and satisfaction.