Developer Sloclap is venturing into new territory with their latest project, Rematch, designed to offer soccer enthusiasts an exciting and dynamic 5v5 gameplay experience. When the trailer dropped, it caught many off guard, as fans were anticipating another action-oriented game from the creators of Absolver and Sifu. However, this fresh approach seems to blend elements from Sifu, aiming to attract a diverse audience of gamers.
In a recent chat with Game Rant, Pierre Tarno, the Creative Director at Sloclap, shared insights into the fundamental mechanics of Rematch. He emphasized that the indie title avoids fantasy themes, focusing instead on its exciting and dynamic action. While the game is designed to attract soccer enthusiasts, Tarno noted that it also has the potential to entertain those who typically don’t engage with soccer or soccer video games.
Rematch is Not Aiming to Be a Realistic Football Simulation
The trailer for Rematch showcased a captivating mix of eye-catching visuals, featuring an art style akin to that of Sifu, paired with dynamic and flashy soccer gameplay. The game highlights powerful shots on goal, complemented by large scoreboards at both ends of the field, evoking memories of the competitive, arcade-like experience found in Rocket League.
”It’s important to note that there are no fantasy elements in Rematch—we’re aiming for an experience that feels both credible and epic. There’s a key difference between credibility and realism: we’re not trying to create a realistic football simulation. Instead, our choices are driven by the game’s feel and the depth of mechanics. One of the core pillars of development was to make players feel like an amazing athlete.”
Rematch isn’t Just For Soccer Fans
For many years, the FIFA series and EA FC have been the leading names in the soccer gaming world. However, a fresh soccer game could attract players who are becoming weary of the yearly updates from EA FC, which often feature only slight enhancements in graphics and gameplay rather than innovative mechanics or new modes.
‘‘It’s worth noting that while football fans will enjoy Rematch, you don’t need to be one to have fun. In fact, even within our team, several developers aren’t hardcore football fans, but they still love playing Rematch! At its heart, Rematch is about the joy of playing football with friends. We’re excited to see players team up and have fun together.”
Rematch marks an exciting new venture for a studio that has yet to explore the realm of sports games. It’s commendable that they opted for a bold approach rather than sticking to familiar territory, showcasing their enthusiasm for this project.
Rematch is scheduled to launch on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S in the summer of 2025.