In a genre completely dominated by the EA Sports FC series, developer Sloclap hopes that Rematch can make a splash as an immersive soccer game for those seeking a different take on the beloved sport. The indie game focuses on fast-paced, 5v5 soccer matches emphasizing teamwork and tactical play. Rematch‘s camera angle will be centered behind the controlling player, rather than the more traditional top-down approach, which should help build immersion.
Game Rant recently sat down with Sloclap’s Creative Director, Pierre Tarno. He talked through some of the things that the team is hoping will make Rematch stand out in the genre, and how important teamwork will be in the game. Tarno also discussed some similarities between Rematch and Sloclap’s earlier games like Sifu and Absolver.
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Immersion is Crucial For Rematch’s Success
Anyone who has played Absolver or Sifu will know that Sloclap values immersion highly. Both games present free-flowing combat, simple on the surface but nuanced with a high skill ceiling for players seeking extra depth. It feels like Sloclap has nailed how to do combat in video games, and many expected the developer’s next project to refine this formula even further. Instead, the soccer game Rematch flips the script on its head. However, Tarno explained that the games are perhaps not as far apart as some think, revealing:
”There are similarities. These are all games about bodies in movement, with a focus on precise and reactive control of the character. It’s not so much that we wanted to move away from combat, but rather that we were driven by a creative desire to explore the beauty of football. We wanted to create an innovative experience that lets players feel the excitement of making the perfect pass or executing a beautiful volley kick, all from an immersive perspective. It just felt like a natural evolution for us.”
Rematch Focuses on Team-Based Mechanics
The similarities that Tarno points out will be pleasing to fans of Sloclap who aren’t necessarily soccer fans. Aside from any gameplay mechanics, Rematch retains the striking, distinctive art style Sifu used to great effect, weaving a common thread between the two games. The likes of EA FC, and previously, the FIFA series, focus on the player having a view of the entire pitch, able to switch between players at will, but Tarno explained that Rematch is taking a decidedly different approach. He continued:
”Most football games focus on solo or 1v1 experiences, while we wanted to focus on team-based mechanics, tactical cooperation within a team. Also, other football games are viewed top-down, they lack a real sense of immersion on the pitch. Finally, by keeping the gameplay accessible and giving it an arcade feel, we want to deliver an experience that’s, above all, fun and satisfying to play!”
Tarno also detailed how the team hopes to attract a combination of casual and competitive players to appeal to a wider demographic. If Rematch can deliver on some of the things Tarno has outlined, fans may have a fun, creative alternative to EA FC to look forward to when the game launches later this year.
Rematch is set to release for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/ S in the Summer of 2025. Players can register for the beta here.