Football gamers tend to either be FC 26 players or eFootball users. Both games are enjoyable, but EA Sports' franchise has dominated the genre for years. So it is a bold move for a new title to challenge the FC behemoth and the rebranded free-to-play eFootball, formerly the beloved PES series. The result is Goals, also free-to-play and visually similar to both hits.
A Promising Start from Stockholm
Developed by a studio in Stockholm also named Goals, the game aims to deliver an easy-to-play, highly addictive experience that breaks away from established formulas. The developers promise responsive gameplay without delays or excuses, designed for football lovers willing to invest time in building a dominant team over the long term. They are certainly on the right track.
Fast, Fluid, and Fun Gameplay
Goals offers fast, fluid football that is great fun and immediately reminiscent of the arcade-style soccer gameplay from the best Pro Evolution Soccer era before eFootball. Balls ping between players, power metres above each character help fine-tune passes and shots, and scoring superb goals feels rewarding when executed correctly. Matches are speedy, and the controls are familiar to FC 26 players, allowing newcomers to jump right in without a steep learning curve. This is a significant advantage for a free-to-play game targeting casual audiences with short attention spans.
Players can curl the ball by pressing the R1 trigger, producing excellent goals from the edge of the box. Defensively, winning back the ball is intuitive, with jostling and tackling feeling natural, while referees are lenient toward aggressive play. Although character animations are basic at launch and pitch graphics are not as refined as the FC series, the core gameplay remains engaging.
Unique Squad Generation
The developers deliberately chose not to include real player likenesses, meaning gamers cannot star as Saka or Kane. Instead, each player receives a uniquely generated team upon signing up, with every member having different stats. Over time, players build their squad into a world-beater. This neat idea aligns with the developers' vision of making Goals a home for eSports players. However, compared to EA FC titles with endless game modes, tweaks, and licences, Goals feels somewhat barebones.
Overall Verdict
Overall, Goals is a fun, easy-to-play football game that does not yet match FC 26 in graphics or depth. Football fans should definitely try it, as it is free-to-play and well thought out. The game has a clear vision and roadmap for the future, so hopefully more content will arrive over time, and eSports players will embrace it, spurring their fandoms to make it a success.
Verdict: 3/5
