Especially in recent years, new FIFA games have often felt like developer EA’s attempt to flog an old car disguised with a fresh lick of paint. It was a pleasant surprise, then, to discover that FIFA 22 – the 29th installment in this weathered series – finally bucks that trend.

So-called 'Hypermotion’ is perhaps the most notable sign of progress, adding detailed motion-capture animation to give the game more realism.

Other changes have been made to on-field play, including the AI, to help (or hinder) real-world players. This has the effect of reducing the ease with which goals can be scored, forcing a bit more care and skill in order to succeed.

FIFA 22's version of Ultimate Team feels almost as shameless as the countless F2P cash-grabs out there or the digital casino that is NBA 2K. There are so many objectives, but small and large. The small ones are just easy enough that your brain keeps getting that rush, and you want to come back for more. Opening packs, again, it's the same rush as I get from a slot machine. It's gambling, and it always has been, it always will be. It's insidious, how it gets its clutches in those who know better. But when it comes to those who don't or those susceptible, it's atrocious.

As for the game’s other major gameplay additions, it’s a mixed bag. FIFA 22 doesn’t waste time letting you know about them, either. Right from the get-go, you’re dropped into a bizarre opening sequence that sees you build a character – an avatar you’ll be able to use in various modes throughout the game – who then spends the day in Paris meeting the likes of David Beckham, Eric Cantona, Anthony Joshua, Lewis Hamilton, Thierry Henry and cover star Kylian Mbappé.

Lastly, and most surprisingly, I really enjoy VOLTA Arcade. The over-the-top options of Foot Tennis, Dodgeball and others offer a welcomed departure from regular sports gaming experiences. VOLTA vaulted upward to become my second favorite way to play FIFA.

At its heart the in-game controls - like dribbling, passing and shooting - are all easy to get your head around at first. But pressing the right button at the right time, for just the right duration, with just the right curve applied, is another thing altogether.

Playing on the PlayStation 5, I can't help but think that FIFA 22 is honestly next-level. I don't know if the past-gen or PC versions feel different, I've heard they do, but I can't judge that. I have a few other issues, such as the menus feeling like a bit of a slog to go through and how Ultimate Team is pushed front and centre, but these are either small niggles or a personal hatred of predatory tactics; I can't honestly knock the game. It's a shame because create-a-club is excellent; put that front and centre.

EA Sports has delivered a strong next-gen experience with FIFA 22. The primary focus was on gameplay and the attention led to a tangible improvement overall. However, the feature set is still in need of more layers.

•     Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Google Stadia (PS5 Version Reviewed, code provided by EA)
•     Developer: EA Sports
•     Publisher: EA
•     Released: October 1, 2021
•     Price: $59.99 for the standard edition, $99.99 for Ultimate Edition
•     Review Score: 7.5 out of 10