eFootball 2022: A Free Download with a Price to Pay

The latest installment in Konami's eFootball series, eFootball 2022, has finally arrived, and it's hard not to be disappointed. As a free download, one would expect some compromises, but what we got is a glorified demo that feels like a slap in the face.

One of the few redeeming qualities is the use of sensitivity on the R2 button. The harder you press, the further you can kick the ball, and beating a defender with a deft nudge can be satisfying. However, one-on-one battles are occasional at best, and the game's overall feel is lacking.

Konami's decision to release eFootball 2022 before EA's FIFA 22 by a single day seems like a desperate attempt to get ahead of the competition. Unfortunately, it has led to a product that is not fit for release.

The game's development was handled with the consultation of two Spanish World Cup winners, Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique, who were brought in to fine-tune dribbling and defensive mechanics. However, their efforts seem to have fallen flat.

As one of the worst-reviewed games on Steam, eFootball 2022 has been panned by critics and players alike. With an overwhelmingly negative rating and a user review score of just 10%, it's clear that this game is not worth playing.

It's hard to believe that Konami would release a game in such a state, especially given its troubled history. eFootball 2002 was also met with widespread criticism, earning the title as one of the worst Steam releases of all time.

The only solace is that the game is free to download, but even that seems like a cruel joke. With better games available at a higher price point, there's no reason to waste your time on eFootball 2022.

Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC

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