The rematch exceeded my expectations—trailers don't do Sloclap's 5v5 football game justice

Rematch, a 5v5 football game, offers thrilling play not seen in trailers.

: Sloclap's new game Rematch offers a unique blend of action and teamplay, similar to Rocket League and Overwatch rather than FIFA. The game focuses on controlling a single player within a 3-5 player team and includes modes like 3v3, 4v4, and 5v5, with a six-minute match duration. Creative Director Pierre Tarno highlights that the game simulates football players rather than a full football match, aiming to capture the excitement of the sport. The optimistic future setting encourages teamwork and healthy gameplay, with mechanisms to monitor negative behavior.

Sloclap, the studio behind popular martial arts games Absolver and Sifu, has unveiled Rematch, a new 5v5 football game that defies traditional expectations of the genre. While trailers might suggest a typical sports game in the vein of FIFA, Rematch echoes the action-packed engagements seen in Rocket League and character-driven teamwork akin to Overwatch. Players assume control of a single athlete on a small team, participating in dynamically shifting matches that require quick reflexes, skilled ball control, and strategic teamwork.

Daniella Lucas notes the immersive experience of playing Rematch, stating that it's the closest she's come to feeling like she's genuinely participating in a real-life football match while playing a videogame. With the ability to control one member in a team of three to five players, players must master passing, tackling, and aiming under high-pressure conditions to outmaneuver opponents and score goals.

Creative Director Pierre Tarno addresses the core philosophy driving Rematch, emphasizing that while FIFA provides a broader simulation of a football match, Rematch delivers a more intimate depiction of the player experience. Tarno aims for players to feel like elite athletes, encapsulating the tension and exhilaration of important plays and pivotal moments. According to Tarno, the 5v5 mode encapsulates the most balanced action and strategy, establishing itself as the centerpiece of competitive gameplay.

Upon release, Rematch will feature multiple game modes, including 3v3, 4v4, 5v5, and ranked 5v5. These matches last approximately six minutes, with possible overtime extensions. To curb negative behavior and promote positive interactions, Sloclap crafts a vibrant, optimistic game world to naturally foster collaboration. While possession of the ball presents liabilities, this element organically instigates teamwork, endorsing cooperative play over individual heroics.

As the game approaches its launch date of June 19 with a $30 price tag, available on platforms like Steam, developer Sloclap continues refining the multiplayer experience. Plans include offline bot play expected by Season 3 in 2026. Sloclap monitors potential disruptive behavior while implementing game mechanics and options for player conduct, reflecting a commitment to creating an inclusive environment. This innovative take on a beloved sport highlights Sloclap's creative prowess and bodes well for the ongoing evolution of esports titles.

Sources: PC Gamer, GamesRadar, YouTube, Steam