Rematch Game Review: Fast-Paced Football Reimagined by Sloclap

Introduction: A New Kind of Football Game

If you’ve ever wanted a football game that blends arcade-style energy with precise player control, Rematch might be your next obsession. Developed by Sloclap, the creators of Absolver and Sifu, this title takes a fresh swing at the sports genre, combining fast 5v5 matches, tight mechanics, and immersive third-person action.

Instead of managing an entire team like in FIFA or EA FC, Rematch focuses on you: you control just one player, mastering your positioning, timing, and teamwork to win. The result? A surprisingly tactical, skill-based game that feels both competitive and creative.

Gameplay Overview: One Player, One Purpose

At its core, Rematch revolves around fast 3v3, 4v4, or 5v5 matches where each player controls a single athlete. Every moment on the field matters: when to sprint, tackle, pass, or take the shot. The game strips away traditional soccer rules like offsides or throw-ins, keeping the ball constantly in play and the momentum non-stop.

You play from a third-person perspective, which makes the action feel personal and cinematic. It’s less about memorizing combos and more about reading the field and syncing with your teammates. Communication and positioning are everything.

Mechanics: Skill-Based, But Imperfect

Sloclap brings its trademark animation-driven combat style from Sifu into a sports setting, and it’s both brilliant and occasionally frustrating. The player movement feels weighty and deliberate, rewarding precision but sometimes bordering on clunky, especially when trying to turn quickly or react to fast rebounds.

Controls blend fluid dribbling, charged passes, and context-sensitive tackles, giving the game a grounded, physical feel. Every action has risk and reward, making each match a mini mind game. However, the responsiveness could use fine-tuning, especially during close-quarters plays.

Progression and Store System

Rematch includes an in-game store with cosmetic customization, not pay-to-win advantages. You can earn or purchase Blocks (earned by playing) and Quants (premium currency) to unlock new outfits, gear, and visual flair for your player or field.

There’s also a Captain Pass (premium season pass) offering exclusive cosmetics and Quants, while free players can still progress through a free tier. Importantly, all purchases are cosmetic; your performance on the field is what defines your skill.

Presentation and Atmosphere

Visually, Rematch delivers a clean, stylized world: urban pitches, neon accents, and expressive animations. The soundtrack matches the intensity, with electronic beats pulsing through each match. While the environments could use more variety, the game nails its “street football meets esports” vibe.

Verdict: A Strong Start with Room to Grow

Rematch is an ambitious experiment that fuses sports, combat design, and competitive teamwork into something genuinely new. It’s not perfect: the controls can feel clunky, and the camera takes some getting used to, but the concept is so engaging that it’s hard to put down once it clicks.

For €25, Rematch offers a lot of value for players who enjoy competitive multiplayer with a twist. Sloclap has once again proven they’re not afraid to innovate, even in genres where few dare to experiment.

Pros

• Fresh, skill-based football concept
• Rewarding teamwork and communication
• Great visual style and atmosphere
• Fair cosmetic-only monetization

Cons

• Controls can feel stiff at times
• Limited modes and arenas (for now)
• Learning curve may deter casual players

Final Thoughts

If you’re tired of traditional football games and crave something that blends action mechanics with sports intensity, Rematch is a bold and refreshing entry worth your attention. It’s not just about scoring goals; it’s about mastering your player. However, even though it is a fun game, for myself it has not caught my attention enough to keep playing it.