The Switch version of ‘FIFA 18’ doesn’t have a story mode
If you were wondering how Switch versions of conventional sports games would compare to their PS4 and Xbox One counterparts, you just got your answer. EA has detailed the Switch edition of FIFA 18, and it’s evident that you’re getting a full-fledged console title… with a notable exception. You’ll get modes like FIFA Ultimate Team, a career mode and women’s soccer, but there’s no mention of a story mode — sorry, you can’t follow Alex Hunter’s story while you’re on the bus. EA hasn’t explained the absence at this point, but it’s likely for technical reasons. The Switch version uses the older Ignite game engine (first introduced with the current gen of home consoles), while the games with story modes use the Frostbite engine. As much as the Switch can do, it’s still a mobile tablet with limitations.
As it stands, this still promises to be miles above other portable footie games in terms of quality. We have yet to get hands-on time (we’ll hopefully try it soon), but it’s already apparent that EA isn’t cutting the core gameplay mechanics: you’re still getting detailed graphics and physics, and the title will play at 1080p when docked at home. Also, the Switch-specific local multiplayer is a definite advantage: even if your friends don’t have a Switch, you can still square off in tabletop mode (you’ll need two Switches for local seasons mode, mind you).
The Switch version won’t be delayed, either, as it’s arriving on September 29th like the other FIFA 18 releases. And that’s promising all by itself. While it remains to be seen how other games and developers treat the Switch, this suggests that you’ll get a truly deep (if not always feature-matched) sports experience without having to wait longer than your TV-bound friends.
Update: This article has been edited to clarify when the Ignite engine debuted.
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