FIFA 18 Review Roundup [Updated]

EA's FIFA 18 is still a week away from release, but critics have already begun offering their thoughts on the new soccer game. FIFA 18 doesn't differ radically from last year's installment, but EA has made some notable tweaks to the gameplay that make the game an improvement over its predecessor. In GameSpot's FIFA 18 review, critic Oscar Dayus said the game's "on-pitch improvements represent the beginnings of a recovery for the series," though it is "still lagging far behind PES 2018's more fluid, satisfying football."

Other reviews and impressions have begun appearing online as well, and most seem to agree that FIFA 18 is yet another worthwhile entry in the long-running sports franchise. You can find a sample of reviews and reviews-in-progress below; for a wider look at what critics think of the game, be sure to check out GameSpot sister site Metacritic.

In addition to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, a custom version of FIFA 18 is also launching next week for Nintendo Switch. Our review covers the PS4/Xbox One/PC release, but you can read our impressions of the Switch version here.

• Game: FIFA 18
• Developer: EA Canada
• Platform: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch
• Release: September 29
• Price: $60/£60

GameSpot -- 7/10

"It's off the pitch that EA excels. From the variety of game modes on offer and how everything's presented, to the constant updates in FUT's Team of the Week, Daily Objectives, and discussion of real-world happenings in commentary, FIFA 18 captures the world of football and confidently translates it into a video game. On the pitch, however, EA's soccer series is still lagging far behind PES 2018's more fluid, satisfying football. This year's improvements are welcome, but more needs to be done in the coming years if FIFA is to be a world-beater once again." -- Oscar Dayus [Full review]

IGN -- Review-in-Progress

"Ultimately, FIFA 18 introduces enough new ideas to suggest it's not sitting on the laurels of its success. However, it's a simplified experience, one that fails to embrace the complexity of football at the highest level. Its focus on attack makes for spectacular matches, but they often feel like extravagant offensive training sessions than a proper match with depth and strategy." -- John Robertson [Full review-in-progress]

US Gamer -- 4/5

"This series hasn't changed much over the years, and it's certainly not as dynamic and ambitious as it was back in the days of the Xbox 360. But the foundation EA built back in 2010 has held up remarkably well over the years. And with FIFA 18, it goes back to its strengths a little bit after a year that frankly wasn't that much fun to play." -- Kat Bailey [Full review]

GamesRadar+ -- 4.5/5

"Even if you only focus your attentions on The Journey 2 and twice-daily Squad Challenge matches in Ultimate Team (which, by the way, gets a genuinely intuitive web app this year that makes Squad Building Challenges even more addictive), FIFA 18 offers remarkable value. PES fans will steadfastly refuse to let it darken their doors, but that's been the case since the PS2 years. Ultimately, it's a monster season for both big football games. One where, unlike in Manchester, Glasgow or North London, everybody wins." -- Ben Wilson [Full review]

The Telegraph -- Review-in-Progress

"FIFA 18 is a significantly better football game than its predecessor. I was rather fond of FIFA 17, but despite the engine overhaul it was still beholden to some of FIFA’s more long-standing issues. Animations taking too long to unfold and delaying your move; wrestling to control unresponsive players; a lack of individuality from player to player. FIFA 18 has addressed these issues quietly but confidently, like a successful team signing a full-back under the radar because the previous one kept picking up daft bookings." -- [Full review-in-progress]

Digital Trends -- 4/5

"FIFA 18 relies a little too much on back-patting and the illusion of choice during its story mode, but it's still remarkable how well Electronic Arts managed to tell the tale of Alex Hunter and his family. The soccer on the field more than backs up the writing, with rewarding gameplay that can entertain even those who normally hate the sport. Just make sure that you carve out plenty of time and say farewell to your family members for the foreseeable future, because you're going to need all the extra time you can get." -- Gabe Gurwin [Full review]

Polygon -- 9/10

"FIFA 18 is still seductively deep and delivers excitement. It gave me the feeling that there is still so much to learn about what appears to be a rather straightforward sport, and that the game would gladly help me understand. This is always the time of year when I ask myself why I don't just spend all of my time playing FIFA, and FIFA 18 poses the question more forcefully than ever." -- Owen S. Good [Full review]

The Guardian -- 3/5

"This year’s footy behemoth offers improved tackling, tactics and goalkeeping intelligence as well as a new story ... Whichever side of the footballing gulf you plant your neon footwear, there’s no question that EA’s behemoth delivers bang for its megabucks." -- Ben Wilson [Full review]

VideoGamer -- 8/10

"Things are finally starting to click for FIFA on the pitch after a rough couple of years. Problems such as the defensive game feeling less important and the hinderance of set pieces are apparent, but the flashy graphics and sharp commentary are no longer the only reason to boot up EA's football sim for a kick around. At long last, we have two quality football games on the market again." -- Colm Ahern [Full review]

Game Informer -- 8.75/10

"FIFA 18 shows Alex Hunter moving into a wider world of football, and while that story experience is absorbing, it also reveals how much work areas like the career mode--which hasn't meaningfully changed in years – need. It's still worth it to play all the modes the title has to offer, but this is a title that caters to its superstar." -- Matthew Kato [Full review]

DualShockers -- 7/10

"FIFA 18 is by no means a perfect game, the lack of customization and emotionless animations from players puts the game back a few steps, but this is not a bad game. Whether you have been on a FIFA hiatus or you are a long-time veteran, you should come back to this series--if only for the single-player content." -- Taylor Lyles [Full review]