​​FIFA 22: Latest Metacritic Review Scores and Ultimate Team Mode Tips

By all accounts, FIFA 22 is the franchise's best title in years. The first game released in full on "next-gen" systems might not be the greatest soccer video game of all time, but it's a strong step in the right direction.

Most expected FIFA's graphics to improve with the addition of Hypermotion Technology and few expected the insistence on microtransactions to go away. Those sentiments appear to have proved accurate, but some other changes have given the new title a lift.

From an improved meta's gameplay to increased customization in Ultimate Team and the Career modes, EA have seemingly done enough good to convince fans and critics alike that this is the best title since FIFA 19.

Metacritic Reviews

First things first, let's look at the numbers. From FIFA 19 to FIFA 21, Metacritic's critic and user scores dropped from 83 and 2.1 to 72 and 0.8, respectively. Those both bump all the way back up with 22, with critics granting the title a 79 and users a (somewhat pre-emptive) 3.1.

As for the rationale, GFINITY's Tom Young and IGN's Jordan Oloman paint contrasting experiences. The former gave the title an 8/10, while the latter opted for a more modest 7/10.

Young noted that the gameplay's new meta "feels a lot more rewarding than it has done in years gone by" and that it rewards "proper football" (possession over arcade through-ball spam). Additionally, he commended the graphics and "slicker" Career Modes.

While Oloman agreed that the graphics and animations are "beautiful" and the playstyle is more "rewarding," he couldn't look past the emphasis on money: "This is the same game in a new pair of pants—which means its microtransactions are just as eager as ever to get you to turn your pockets inside out."

Ultimate Team Tips

When it comes to Ultimate Team, there weren't many substantial changes—which is understandable given the mode's success.

Still, there are some changes and new tips to maximize your performance once you make like EA Sports and get "in the game."

Regarding team construction, two chief points of emphasis stand out: potential and chemistry. You want to target players with high potential, as they can pay off massively long-term. For example, GamesRadar's Ben Wilson noted that Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix can go from an 83 to a 91, while Barcelona's Pedri can go from an 81 to a 91.

And, for chemistry, you want to prioritize players from the same division. 

Oh, and finally, the biggest tip is to take advantage of the new "Create a Club" feature. You can pick a rival, design your kits and, ultimately, ensure that you're always putting your best foot forward. As the timeless saying goes: "Look good, feel good. Feel good, play good."