Sloclap, the acclaimed Paris-based developer known for its martial arts titles Absolver and Sifu, has taken the gaming community by surprise with the announcement of their next project, Rematch. This new venture, revealed at The Game Awards 2024, is not another action-packed rogue-like or sequel but an innovative 5v5 online multiplayer soccer game, set to redefine how players connect with the beautiful game. Scheduled for release in the summer of 2025 on consoles like the Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, as well as PC, Rematch promises to deliver fast-paced, arcade-style soccer with its unique take on multiplayer gaming.
Stepping away from traditional soccer simulations, Rematch invites players to engage with soccer from the pitch level, emphasizing teamwork and coordination over individual player statistics. According to Sloclap, "Fundamentally, Rematch is about the joy of playing football with friends, of being together in a team". The developers are excited to share what they call "a new perspective on this beautiful game," focusing on skill and tactical acumen instead of inherited player stats to determine victory.
So, what can players expect when they step onto the virtual field? For starters, skill reigns supreme. The gameplay features no fouls or offsides, allowing players to keep the action moving. There’s no out of bounds either, as the ball can bounce off the walls of the dynamically-transforming stadiums, catering to fast-paced, arcade-style matchups. This expansive approach means players can keep passing off walls, creating unique angles for shots and assists, fundamentally altering how team strategies are formulated on-the-fly.
Each player has the freedom to choose their on-field role, whether they opt to be defenders, midfielders, or goalkeepers. Interestingly, goalkeeping plays its own distinct role with specialized mechanics. Pierre Tarno, Sloclap’s co-founder, likens the goalkeeper's position to being "the boss at the end of the level", which implies significant responsibility. The goalkeeper is not merely meant to stand still but can engage actively, acting as both protector of the net and as an aggressive player pursuing the ball upfield when the situation allows. This inclusion creates more dynamic gameplay and keeps every player on the field deeply involved.
The game is viewed through third-person perspective, differing from conventional soccer games, which often adopt fixed cameras. This immersive viewpoint lets players feel the thrill of every dribble, tackle, and goal shot, enhancing the gameplay experience. Sloclap draws inspiration from titles like Rocket League, known for its unique vehicle soccer mechanics, emphasizing fun over conventional sports seriousness. Unlike traditional sports titles dominated by predatory microtransactions and complex mechanics, Rematch is crafted with accessibility at its core. Sloclap aims to attract not just hardcore soccer fans but also players who may be new to the genre.
Sloclap plans to support Rematch with seasonal content updates, adding new modes and customization options, extending the life and replayability of the game. Each season will introduce fresh game environments and events, ensuring players remain engaged beyond the initial launch. The team encourages community input, hinting at beta tests scheduled for spring 2025, which will provide players with the chance to test early builds of the game and offer feedback.
With the soccer genre largely dominated by franchises like FIFA and EA Sports FC, Rematch attempts to carve out its niche through vibrant graphics and playful mechanics rather than attempting to replicate the real world of soccer. By sidestepping licensing hurdles typically associated with sports games, Sloclap can focus on delivering immediate enjoyment without the weight of realism. This freedom allows players to revel solely in the gameplay rather than being discouraged by overly complex rules.
The development story of Rematch spotlights the challenges and creativity involved. Tarno highlights how the studio has spent three years sculpting the game, refining mechanics, and creating engaging experiences suitable for all kinds of players. His assertion suggests confidence not just in the game’s excitement but also aspires for it to become part of the mainstream gaming consciousness.
Players used to the high-level strategies of soccer simulation might find Rematch leaning more toward the fun and spontaneity of pickup games rather than closely adhering to the rules of the sport. This conceptual shift could be refreshing for those tired of the typical player stats-driven approach found elsewhere. Sloclap posits the notion of Rematch as bridging the gap between traditional sports games and action-focused multiplayer titles, aspiring to capture the essence of what makes soccer—collaboration and tactical play—special.
While the focus is on entertaining, it’s worth noting the game's potential challenges. Some industry analysts speculate about how dedicated soccer fans will react to the lack of real-life player licenses or how new players unfamiliar with soccer's intricacies might adapt to the gameplay. There’s excitement around Rematch’s prospective reception, with some preferring it to maintain exclusivity instead of diluting its allure with excessive simulation elements.
Yet, as Tarno succinctly summarises, "It can be more satisfying to serve the perfect assist than to actually score oneself." This philosophy resonates deeply with the core of teamwork and shared experiences, making Rematch not just another soccer game but potentially, a fresh take inviting players to celebrate playfulness and camaraderie on the digital pitch.
When examining Rematch, it’s clear Sloclap aims to spark interest with its deviation from the typical genre tropes. With its mix of arcade style, colorful visuals, and engaging mechanics, this new multiplayer experience opens the door for gamers of various backgrounds to join together, whether they’re fans of soccer or simply enthusiastic about team play. The future looks bright for this title, and the gaming world eagerly awaits its summer 2025 release.