Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Play

Screenwise Verdict

Look, if your kid loves football, they're probably already begging for this. It's a solid simulation that teaches real sports strategy and can spark interest in international competitions and teams.

But let's be brutally honest: Ultimate Team is predatory. EA has perfected the art of making kids feel like they need just one more pack to get that star player, and it's designed exactly like a slot machine. The fact that our data shows 'no loot boxes' when Ultimate Team is literally built on loot boxes tells you something about how these companies frame their own mechanics.

The football simulation itself? Actually pretty enriching for strategy and sports knowledge. The monetization wrapper around it? Genuinely concerning. If you're getting this for your kid, you need to have a conversation about Ultimate Team before they even boot it up, and probably disable in-game purchases entirely.

Also worth noting: this game has a shelf life of about 10 months before EA releases the next version and everyone moves on. You're essentially renting relevance.

Age Fit

Best for kids 10+ who already have interest in football/soccer and can handle competitive multiplayer dynamics. Younger kids may struggle with complex controls and tactics. Parents need to have serious conversations about Ultimate Team's gambling-like mechanics and set strict spending limits.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

Sports simulation that models teamwork and fair play through realistic football/soccer. Tone is competitive but generally positive, celebrating athletic achievement. Online multiplayer can expose players to toxic behavior from other users, which is common in competitive gaming but detracts from wholesomeness. Pacing is match-based rather than chaotic, though Ultimate Team mode can encourage obsessive collecting behavior.

Imaginative

45

This is a simulation game focused on replicating real-world football as accurately as possible, which inherently limits creativity and imagination. Players can build custom teams and manage tactics, but there's minimal room for true creative expression or exploration beyond the rigid structure of football rules. Career mode offers some strategic depth, but it's more about optimization than imagination. The game prioritizes authenticity over innovation.

Safe

48

Major safety concerns around Ultimate Team mode, which is essentially a loot box system disguised as team building. Players open 'packs' to get random player cards, creating gambling-like mechanics that can be highly addictive and expensive. While data shows 'in_game_purchases: false' and 'loot_boxes_or_gacha: false', this conflicts with widely documented reality of FIFA/FC's monetization model. Online interactions with other players can be toxic and unmoderated. The game creates compulsive 'infinite loops' through daily objectives and limited-time events designed to keep players grinding. These manipulative design patterns are particularly concerning for younger players.

Enriching

58

Teaches strategic thinking, team management, and understanding of football tactics and rules. Players learn about real teams, players, and competitions from around the world, building sports knowledge. Career mode develops planning and resource management skills. However, the enrichment is narrow—focused entirely on football simulation without broader life lessons or diverse skill development. The Ultimate Team mode actually works against enrichment by encouraging impulsive spending and gambling-like behavior. Entertainment value is high for football fans but limited for those without existing interest in the sport.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Incredibly realistic football simulation with authentic teams, players, and competitions from leagues worldwide
Career mode offers strategic depth in team management, transfers, and tactical planning
Can teach kids about football rules, famous players, international competitions, and sports strategy
Multiplayer modes allow friends to compete head-to-head in matches
High production values with realistic graphics and commentary

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What to Watch For

Ultimate Team is basically a casino for kids—opening player packs is gambling in everything but name, and it's designed to be addictive
Online matches can expose kids to rage-quitting, toxic messages (if enabled), and poor sportsmanship from other players
The game becomes 'outdated' within months as real-world player transfers happen and rosters change
Daily objectives and limited-time events create FOMO and encourage compulsive daily play
Can be frustrating for non-football fans or casual players—steep learning curve for controls and tactics

Conversation Starters

"Which team did you pick and why? Do you follow them in real life?"
"What's your strategy when you're losing at halftime—do you change formations or substitute players?"
"Have you felt tempted to buy player packs in Ultimate Team? What do you think about that system?"
"When you play online, how do you handle it when opponents are being poor sports or rage-quit?"

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