Were you expecting it? U.S. too ! Since its announcement in August 2021, publisher-developer Strikerz Inc has been dribbling with news about its sports simulation, making players impatient. From now on, we could attend a presentation of its gameplay live. And if the outsider, as we call it since its presentation, becomes a serious competitor?
Partnerships, licenses, gameplay
We can say that the developers of Strikerz Inc believe in their project and have mastered the art of teasing. Presented from its inception as a serious contender by its creators, the game finally showed itself during a live event hosted by the studio’s creative director and CEO, Eugene Nashilov.
The latter first wanted to recall that despite the fact that the project is not carried by a renowned development studio, the Strikerz Inc team is diverse and made up of people who are competent at their position. Above all, Eugene Nashilov insists that this is a game developed by football enthusiasts. And that matters.
Although he “respects everything that has been accomplished” for the video game dedicated to football, Eugene Nashilov also reports a desire for change that would have led him to carry out this project with his teams. An undisguised way of showing the ambition to be among the big names in football video games that are FIFA and PES, while the latter are about to mutate, or have already done so with more or less success.
It was therefore during a short and controlled presentation that we were able to see a game of football that was all in all correct graphically, with no frills. The gameplay seems, at least at first glance, quite similar to what we know from FIFA 22. We will have to wait to test it with the controller in hand to realize the feeling it can provide. However, we are promised an experience that is both competitive and fun.
And the content?
After announcing a series of partnerships with different football clubs (West Ham United, AS Monaco, Besiktas, Sporting Portugal, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Shaktar Donetsk, Glasgow Rangers and more recently, Celtic Glasgow), Eugene Nashilov went on to present what he calls the “Magnificent Five”, the ambassadors of the game. If we knew that Alexander Zinchenko and Roberto Firmino would be among the stars present in the game, we also learn that Romelu Lukaku, Kevin de Bruyne and especially, Cristiano Ronaldo, will also be part adventure ! The Portuguese star even spoke during the event.
Regarding the in-game content and available modes, the CEO of Strikerz Inc insisted on a mode strongly inspired by FUT in which it will be possible to develop his club as well as a personal player over the victories. If nothing seems to transcend gender at first glance, the online ranking will be much more interesting: UFL promises a unique system to determine the best player (in the world!) Online over the seasons. Like in real football after all! Unlike FIFA or PES which allow players to compete in several “first division”, UFL stands out and promises that the winner will be rewarded with a trophy that he can keep and display in his virtual showcase. A cool idea which, if well mastered, would open a new path for online football competition. Eugene Nashilov recalls that beyond the modes playable online at 2 vs 2 or 3 vs 3, it will also be possible to compete in cooperation or local confrontations.
Finally, the game announces a partnership and sponsorship with the English club Hashtag United, an entity that is both sporting and eSports on which Strikerz Inc can certainly rely for the development of the competitive online game. If no release date has been given, Eugene Nashilov assures that the game is entering the final phase of development and will be available for free during the year 2022 on PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. More news will be given soon. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to (re)watch the event online to get a visual preview of the game.
