Rematch Devs on Creating an Immersive Soccer Experience
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In a genre largely dominated by the EA Sports FC series, developer Sloclap is hoping to make waves with Rematch, an indie soccer game aimed at players seeking a new, immersive experience. Focusing on fast-paced 5v5 soccer matches, Rematch emphasizes teamwork and tactical play, standing out with its behind-the-player camera angle—a shift from the traditional top-down perspective, designed to enhance immersion.
Game Rant recently caught up with Sloclap's Creative Director, Pierre Tarno, to discuss what sets Rematch apart from other soccer games and how its focus on teamwork will be crucial for its success. Tarno also shared some surprising connections between Rematch and the developer’s previous titles, Sifu and Absolver.
Immersion is Key to Rematch's Vision
Sloclap’s reputation for creating immersive combat systems in Absolver and Sifu is no accident—both games excelled in offering fluid, skill-based mechanics that rewarded precision. So, when the developer switched gears to create a soccer game, it was natural for them to seek the same level of immersion and engagement.
"There are similarities," Tarno explained. "These are all games about bodies in movement, with a focus on precise and reactive control of the character. We weren’t looking to move away from combat but rather to explore the beauty of football. We wanted to create a unique experience where players can feel the excitement of executing the perfect pass or a flawless volley kick, all from an immersive perspective. It just felt like a natural evolution for us."
The game's camera system, which centers behind the player rather than using a top-down view, is designed to help players feel more connected to the action on the field and to create a more visceral soccer experience.
Teamwork Takes Center Stage
Unlike traditional soccer games like EA Sports FC, which often emphasize solo play and individual achievements, Rematch is designed around team dynamics. Tarno explains that Rematch is focused on tactical cooperation and team-based mechanics, rather than relying on a single player's abilities to control the match.
"Most football games focus on solo or 1v1 experiences, while we wanted to focus on team-based mechanics and tactical cooperation," Tarno said. "Other football games are viewed top-down, and they don’t really offer a true sense of immersion on the pitch. By keeping the gameplay accessible and giving it an arcade feel, we aim to deliver an experience that’s fun and satisfying to play."
Sloclap's distinct art style from Sifu is also making its way into Rematch, adding a visually striking element to the gameplay. The team aims to strike a balance between fun and competitiveness, hoping to attract both casual players and hardcore soccer enthusiasts.
Looking Ahead
If Rematch can deliver on its vision of immersive, tactical soccer with an accessible, fun approach, it may provide a fresh and exciting alternative to the traditional EA Sports FC experience. With the beta registration now open, fans can get a taste of what Sloclap has been working on ahead of the game's Summer 2025 launch for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
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