After moderate reactions to the second beta, UFL players are to decide whether the planned release will go ahead. Strikerz Inc. has made some serious upgrades for the decisive test round
These are important days for Strikerz Inc. Since this Friday, the all-important final test has been underway, after which the community’s feedback will determine whether the release of UFL planned for September 12 will be met.
Competitors are waiting in the wings
It’s quite a piquant situation – the timing is particularly important in September. After all, EA SPORTS FC 25, the latest offshoot of the top dog among soccer simulations, is just around the corner. The title will be released on September 27, and players in possession of the Ultimate Edition can even start playing the game from September 20.
If Strikerz Inc. does not want to run the risk of being swallowed up by the competitor’s release wave with UFL, a prior release including a successful first impression would therefore be essential. Accordingly, the Cyprus-based studio has gone the extra mile since the second open beta at the beginning of August and implemented a series of updates
Three new game modes on board
The patch notes for UFL version 0.56 start with three new game modes. Firstly, a training arena will allow players to get to know the game and hone their skills. For the first time, skills can be put to the test in friendly matches – either offline against the AI or a friend.
If you want to play against friends who can’t sit on your own couch, it’s worth taking a look at the Quick Matches. These are online friendly games against friends or random opponents. Important: Quick Matches do not count as Ranked Matches and therefore have no influence on the statistics or ratings of the virtual pros.
Game mechanics and AI receive upgrades
In terms of gameplay, Strikerz Inc. has concentrated on fine-tuning and integrated the cancel mechanic announced just a few days ago in a Q&A session on X into the game. In addition, further work has been carried out on all types of playthroughs and the selection of the player next to you, and the duels have also been given a fresh coat of paint. Among other things, the developer has worked on rebounds in man-to-man duels
Upgrades will also be made to the AI. In possession, the positioning of computer-controlled teammates has improved, as has the decision-making process for short passes and deep runs. Pressing against the ball has been overhauled. The three tactical instructions to this effect should no longer only be effective in the opponent’s half.
In general, the backlines in the current UFL version act more compactly and as a unit. For example, when playing man-to-man defense. In the future, offensive and defensive AI will also be quicker to grasp standards and the transitions back to the running game will therefore be more fluid.
Strikerz Inc. distributes facelifts
Last but not least, Strikerz Inc. has also taken care of the presentation of the free-to-play title. While this involves a few modified menus, small tutorials when opening the various areas of the game for the first time and acoustic changes, the main focus is likely to be on visually enhanced avatars.
The studio has taken on eleven players and given them more realistic faces. These include European Championship shooting stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, Juve striker Dusan Vlahovic and the Chelsea quartet of Enzo Fernandez, Levi Colwill, Moises Caicedo and Pedro Neto.
In terms of numbers, UFL have a lot of baggage ahead of the crucial dress rehearsal. However, this was already the case before the second open beta. Whether the adjustments will be enough this time and provide the necessary boost against the hoof-scraping competition is once again in the hands of the community
