aybe you don’t know what UEFA is, but don’t worry – it’s not what’s really interesting about this game. While I usually roll my eyes at EA when it tries to stuff an offseason FIFA title down my throat, this time the publisher does indeed come bearing gifts.

The new Ultimate Team mode is addictive as it combines regular gameplay and managerial acumen with a trading card component that entices with a constant sense of accomplishment and attraction. You buy packs of cards that contain player, coach, staff, and action cards with points you earn throughout every mode in the game. Since you are constantly using cards for training, contracts, and even while you’re playing on the pitch itself, this mode is about always buying new packs of cards and availing yourself of the best players and card bonuses. Although I don’t get into its structure of fixtures (I want a more concrete league format), it’s very addictive and balanced well. You can always get points to buy cards, even if you lose, but you also have to continually buy card packs because your players’ contracts will constantly expire. Being able to trade cards online is a great idea, and you can set how many credits you want to trade your cards for.

What this UEFA achieves in this new mode it loses in the actual gameplay. The reduction in the speed of the game and its continuing problem with close quarters player-on-player interaction make the pace of play too deliberate. Soccer is a fluid game filled with bursts of inspiration and beauty. I don’t feel that when I play UEFA. Hopefully the next FIFA can shore up its gameplay problems and retain this exciting new mode.