The Game Awards kept us on our toes this year with an unexpected reveal: Rematch. After making waves with Sifu, the team at Sloclap is taking a bold step in a new direction. Rematch dives into the realm of 5v5 arcade soccer, offering a refreshing twist with its unique style.
Although both Sifu and Rematch share a similar visual charm, that’s about where their common ground ends. Early glimpses of Rematch suggest a vibrant and dynamic gaming experience, set against a captivating backdrop. Designed as a third-person, multiplayer soccer game, it pits players against each other in fast-paced matches. There’s no denying the intrigue surrounding it, yet it’s poised against a formidable rival. While featuring human characters, Rematch bears a striking resemblance to Rocket League, setting the stage for a potential showdown in the gaming arena.
Rematch ventures into a space occupied by Rocket League, but with a catch: it’s not going to be free-to-play. Rocket League, initially a paid game, turned free in 2020 and saw an explosion in its player base. This presents a significant obstacle for Rematch. Many multiplayer games today adopt a free-to-play model, but Sloclap is taking a different tack—a move that could backfire given Rocket League’s established presence on the Epic Games store. A recent example was the quick downfall of Concord, a costly Sony-exclusive shooter that failed in just two weeks due to competition from free-to-play giants like Overwatch 2 and Marvel Rivals. Yet, Rematch might have some tricks up its sleeve that Rocket League doesn’t.
What sets Rematch apart is its human-centered gameplay, dropping cars in favor of a more athlete-focused experience. This change might resonate well with players looking for a traditional soccer vibe, akin to EA Sports FC, but with a creative, rule-breaking twist. Unlike Rocket League’s car-centric approach, Rematch offers a more conventional experience with its unique spin, possibly attracting soccer fans seeking a fresh yet familiar flavor.
Moreover, the introduction of 5v5 gameplay taps into a longstanding desire among Rocket League fans. Implementing such a change in Rocket League would require massive updates to accommodate more players, but with Rematch’s use of human avatars, this feature becomes feasible. This could give Rematch the advantage it needs to justify its price, especially for those intrigued by this new soccer rendition. The upcoming match-up between these two games promises to be fascinating in the competitive sphere of sports gaming.
As we edge closer to a new year, we can expect Sloclap to shed more light on Rematch. After Sifu, stepping into arcade soccer is indeed a surprise, but with echoes of Rocket League, Rematch seems set to be both entertaining and a rival worth watching.
