UFL takes aim at FIFA and eFootball as gameplay footage of new free game drops

UFL takes aim at FIFA and eFootball as the much anticipated first gameplay footage of the new free to play game drops this week.

What is UFL you ask? It’s an upcoming free-to-play association football simulation video game developed and published by Strikerz Inc.

It is set to be released on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S in 2022 a trailer has since been released.

UFL is said to have a free-to-play experience where the online matchmaking will ensure that players will only go up against those of a similar skill level.

IGN report that ‘fair to play’ online divisions will be linked by promotions and seasons will take place over a full year.

At the end of that year, a single player will be crowned UFL champion.

Strikerz, who are developing and publishing the game, will focus on the online aspect of the title but they have also confirmed offline play, 2v2 and 3v3 matches, as well as some unspecified special events.

The company have got some big names onside, making Cristiano Ronaldo its cover star for the upcoming release, while Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is also an ambassador for the game alongside Romelu Lukaku.

The curtain rises and there are no empty seats: everyone is ready to enjoy another masterpiece📽️

The premiere is here and now — meet our next Ambassador @DeBruyneKev 🔥 pic.twitter.com/WWUQkA7w0v

— UFL (@UFLgame) January 21, 2022

Strikerz CEO Eugene Nashilov spoke about UFL’s vision in a recent presentation.

“We at Strikerz Inc have great respect for everything that has been done over the years in football video gaming,” Nashilov said.

“But at the same time, we feel that the community has been longing for a change.

“Our goal at UFL is to create a game that is immune to the issues that are blocking the genre’s progress.”

He added: “We’ve paid a lot of attention and respect to these partnerships, because in our case they’re not just for presentation.

“You may call it the UFL way, but we believe there are better alternatives to club partnerships than just buying a licence.

“Our goal is to give UFL players another level of connection between clubs and their fans. We’ll keep revealing and signing partner clubs from all over the world, so stay tuned for updates and hot topics throughout 2022.”

Nashilov goes on claim that the game is in its final stages of development before adding Strikerz will announce the release date when they feel ready.

It is believed the title will be released later this year.

Guys, thanks for all the attention, positive feedback and critics. We will come back soon with updates.

We have been on a journey alone, now we’re here together with you.

We will do our best to not let you down and build up on the foundation you have seen today. @UFLgame pic.twitter.com/MAyEBt6Nu0

— Eugene Nashilov (@styxflows) January 27, 2022

UFL is in development at a studio called Strikerz Inc., and has supposedly been in the works since 2016, with developers saying there would be “no mandatory payments or yearly fees.”

“The game is designed to be a fair to play experience emphasising a skill-first approach with zero pay-to-win options.”

This you could say is an attempt to make a dig at EA’s pay-to-win FIFA Ultimate Team mode, and Konami’s beleaguered eFootball.

But can this newcomer compete with the giants in competitive licensing? EA has a vice-like grip on football licences – there are doubts over its ongoing relationship with FIFA. And if Konami can’t come anywhere close to competing with EA, how can this relatively unknown newcomer? It’s been described to be ‘Fun, Competitive, Realistic Looking, and Responsive’.

Twitter users reacted as UFL trolls FIFA and eFootball as first gameplay footage of the new free game drops…

@TheChosenOne799: This actually looks promising

@Perth_Arab: I said this about eFootball until it came out to play 🙈🙈 Fingers crossed as it does look impressive. I’ll judge when out to play 🤞🏻

@Jaffsxtc: This looks amazing. The count down to official reveal starts. Excited.

@italoR101: If u have any positive expectation about this game and also want to get rid of EAs manipulation/monopoly you should at least like and share. Just sayin

@JapsconP: For not having a previous base to work on it looks decent! Much to improve of course, but i don’t think it is a bad start for a brand new franchise

@wolf_nixx: Shooting animation looks a bit awkward…

@Pepe5Kartal:
pozitives : skill implemantation – player models – GK animation – ball animation and curl
Negatives: shooting animation

@crazzyhappy92: pes 2006 with 2022 mod

@Afonso11698964:
Bad Points:
-The faces could be a lot better
-I’m concearned about some clips that i saw (especially min: 1:04)
– Little amount of gameplay
– Ronaldo acting

Not everything’s bad:
-The croud looks great
-The menus seem awsome
– Nice communication
-SIUUUU

its time to finish this stup1d game pic.twitter.com/9wEdlcn7Fa

— Javad_Music (@Javad_Music) January 27, 2022

Copy this monster’s gameplay here, which is a sure hit pic.twitter.com/1KRdOVl3Zw

— FabiO CastrO (@FabiOBrSCCP) January 27, 2022

I like it for now …at least menus are great and not bad like in efootball where they look like somebody made them with Gimp in 10 min .. graphics: they are not great but this will not matter if gameplay is good so 🤞🤞 pic.twitter.com/lfqXEXHem7

— 𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 (@domandol) January 28, 2022