The excitement for Strikerz Inc.’s UFL is reaching a fever pitch as we inch closer to its rumored worldwide release set for September 12, 2024. Having experienced the first open beta, I was filled with anticipation for the full release of a game that promises to redefine the football gaming landscape.
When the second open beta was announced, my eagerness to see if Strikerz Inc. was getting closer to fulfilling its potential grew. With just about a month left before the anticipated launch, the pressure is mounting for the developers to address the gameplay issues identified in the second open beta.
UFL has generated significant buzz as a community-driven, skill-based alternative to mainstream giants like EA Sports FC and eFootball. As a football gaming enthusiast who is excited about the future of the genre, I approached this second beta with hope and cautious optimism. While there are promising developments, the clock is ticking, and there are serious concerns about whether the developers can resolve these issues in time.
Community-Driven Development
The football gaming community is notoriously critical, and UFL is under intense scrutiny to meet high expectations. Strikerz Inc. deserves praise for its commitment to community engagement, having shown a willingness to listen to player feedback and make necessary adjustments. In a world where the big companies tend to ignore fans, it is refreshing to have a game developer that genuinely listens. This approach is a breath of fresh air in an industry where player concerns are often sidelined.
Hey, 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝗮 Crew, we need your feedback!
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On gameplay, our progress, the metagame, and anything else you think is worth mentioning!
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Hit us with your thoughts and ideas in the comments
⠀#uflgame pic.twitter.com/Ydu3QMspyg— UFL (@UFLgame) August 4, 2024
The feedback from the first open beta was not only heard but acted upon, leading to gameplay changes that nudged the game closer to its potential. Players saw tweaks and improvements that directly reflected their suggestions, a testament to Strikerz Inc.’s dedication to creating a game that truly resonates with its audience. The second beta showcased these changes, and it was evident that the developers were on the right track.
However, with the release date fast approaching, there’s an air of urgency. The question is whether Strikerz Inc. can address the remaining gameplay issues in time to deliver a polished product satisfying its demanding audience. This leads us to a deeper dive into the gameplay mechanics, where both the strengths and the areas needing further refinement are highlighted.
Gameplay Mechanics
Between the first and second open beta, Strikerz Inc. made several noteworthy changes based on community feedback. Players noticed an improvement in passing mechanics, with a noticeable increase in passing speed contributing to a more fluid gameplay experience.
The developers also fine-tuned the manual defending system, making it more responsive and rewarding for players who master its intricacies. Additionally, shooting mechanics were adjusted to balance finesse shots and standard shots, providing a more varied and realistic scoring experience.
These positive changes demonstrated Strikerz Inc.’s commitment to refining UFL based on player input, taking significant strides towards fulfilling the game’s potential. However, while these improvements are commendable, they highlight ongoing challenges and areas that still need attention.
Let’s dive into the specifics of these gameplay mechanics, exploring their strengths and the critical issues that remain.
Manual Defending
UFL’s manual defending system stands out as a highlight, offering a layer of tactical depth that is both challenging and rewarding. The need for precise timing and strategic positioning adds authenticity to the defensive experience, making it a perfect fit for a game that prides itself on being skill-based.
Unlike automated defending systems seen in other football games, UFL’s manual approach demands a higher level of player engagement and mastery, which can be incredibly satisfying when executed correctly.
However, while the concept is solid, the implementation has its shortcomings. Feedback from the beta indicates that the manual defending system can sometimes feel inconsistent, with occasional delays in response times that can frustrate players. Additionally, some players have noted that the system is not significantly different from what is found in existing games, such as EA Sports FC and eFootball, where manual defending is an option but not as prominently emphasised.
To truly set UFL apart, Strikerz Inc. needs to refine these mechanics further, ensuring that the controls are tight and responsive and that the defending experience is both unique and polished.
Dribbling Mechanics
Since the first open beta, UFL has made noticeable improvements to its dribbling mechanics. The adjustments have given dribbling a unique feel, distinct from the more automated systems seen in other football games. This attempt to carve out its own identity is commendable, and the dribbling in UFL certainly stands apart from the competition. However, it still lacks the smoothness and fluidity that players expect.
While there is a clear effort to make dribbling feel more realistic and skill-based, akin to the natural movement in the classic PES games, it falls short. Players often take heavy touches that disrupt the flow of play, and the sprint dribble function remains problematic, leading to frequent loss of control, particularly with lower-rated players.
This inconsistency can be frustrating and detracts from the overall experience. As the release date looms, there is significant concern that these dribbling issues may not be fully ironed out in time, leaving a crucial aspect of gameplay feeling unfinished and potentially dampening the enthusiasm of fans.
Passing mechanics
The second open beta has seen some positive changes in UFL’s passing mechanics. The increased passing speed has contributed to a more dynamic and engaging gameplay experience. This adjustment has been well-received by the community, as it allows for quicker ball movement and a more fluid style of play. However, these improvements come with their own set of challenges.
Negatives:
PASSING was ridiculous, too much assistance and missplaced too.
PLAYER MOVEMENT is pretty bad especially on defence.
DRIBBLING is too slow and feels heavy.
SERVER CONNECTION LOSTPositives:
I like the menu, overall UFL ideas are pretty good.— Rick22 (@target_man11) August 3, 2024
While the faster passing speed is a step in the right direction, it has also introduced issues of balance. Passing can sometimes feel too effective, leading to a frenetic pace that may undermine the game’s tactical depth. Additionally, the accuracy and effectiveness of through balls and passing angles still require refinement. There are moments when passes that should be simple and precise end up going astray, disrupting the flow of play and causing frustration among players.
Through balls, in particular, present a unique challenge. Defenders often fail to lock onto the ball as consistently as they would with a ground pass, even if they are favoured to win the ball. This inconsistency can be game-breaking, leaving defensive lines vulnerable and disrupting the natural flow of defending.
Attackers, too, suffer from this inconsistency, as they may miss opportunities to capitalise on well-placed through balls due to the erratic responses of defenders and the ball itself. This issue affects not only the realism of the game but also the strategic depth, as players find it challenging to rely on through balls as a viable tactic.
Shooting mechanics
Shooting mechanics in UFL have been a mixed bag. While there are moments of brilliance, such as the impressive animation quality of certain shots, several issues need addressing. One of the most significant problems identified in the second open beta is the imbalance between different types of shots.
Finesse shots from outside the box have been particularly problematic. Currently, these shots are too powerful and accurate, often becoming the go-to method for scoring. This imbalance forces players into predictable attacking strategies, reducing the variety of playstyles and tactics that are essential for a rich football gaming experience.
The overreliance on finesse shots diminishes the satisfaction of scoring through other means, but you have no choice because standard shots are frequently saved too easily. Despite improving since the first open beta, they are still not good enough, which can be frustrating for players who prefer more traditional scoring methods. Addressing these shooting imbalances will be key to delivering a game that can compete with established titles in the football gaming world.
Another area that requires improvement is goalkeeping. While the animations for goalkeepers are generally impressive, there is a noticeable inconsistency in their performance, particularly in terms of distribution. Goalkeepers sometimes make unrealistic saves while failing to handle more straightforward situations, breaking immersion during critical moments. This inconsistency can be a significant drawback, especially in tightly contested matches where every save counts.
Physics Engine and Ball Interaction
While ambitious, the physics engine in UFL still requires substantial refinement to meet the community’s high expectations. One of the primary issues identified in the second open beta is the ball physics. For a game aspiring to provide a realistic football experience, how the ball interacts with players and the environment must feel natural and consistent. Currently, the ball’s behaviour often feels unpredictable, disrupting the flow of play and breaking immersion.
Enhanced collision detection is another critical area for improvement. In its present state, player collisions can still appear clunky and unrealistic. This not only impacts the visual authenticity of the game but also affects gameplay mechanics.
For instance, instances where players jostle for the ball or engage in physical duels often result in awkward animations and outcomes that don’t align with what one would expect in real football. This inconsistency can be particularly jarring during key moments of a match, reducing the overall enjoyment. In a way, the game feels like a mobile game that has been ported to consoles.
Lifelike player movements are essential for creating a polished and immersive gameplay experience. While UFL has made strides in capturing the fluidity of player motions, there are still noticeable gaps that need addressing.
Players can sometimes move in ways that seem mechanical or disconnected from the action around them. This breaks the immersion and highlights the need for further development in this area.
Overall Impressions and the Road Ahead
In summary, UFL’s second open beta showcases a game brimming with potential but also beset by significant challenges. The manual defending system adds a rewarding layer of tactical depth and improvements in dribbling and passing reflect Strikerz Inc.’s commitment to community feedback.
However, shooting imbalances and a physics engine that disrupts gameplay flow highlight areas that need urgent attention. The looming release date brings with it a sense of urgency, raising questions about whether these issues can be resolved in time to meet the high expectations of a critical audience.
The road ahead for UFL is particularly daunting given the small developer’s ambitious goals. Competing against industry giants like EA Sports FC and eFootball is no small feat, especially for a game that aims to break new ground with its community-driven, skill-based approach.
Strikerz Inc.’s dedication to listening to players and making necessary adjustments is commendable and refreshing in an industry often criticized for ignoring its fanbase. However, balancing the need for innovation with the practical constraints of development is a formidable challenge.
As fans, we must offer constructive criticism and support Strikerz Inc.’s journey. Understanding the constraints of a smaller developer is crucial as they strive to create a game that stands out in a crowded market. The next few weeks are critical, and while the game might not be perfect at launch, the foundation is promising.
With continued community engagement and focused development, UFL has the potential to evolve into a standout title in football gaming. For now, our anticipation is tempered with the hope that Strikerz Inc. can overcome these final hurdles and deliver a game that lives up to its aspirations.
