FUT IN REVIEW

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FUT IN REVIEW – The Ultimate FC26 & FC27 Podcast From pack luck to pro tips — we break down the latest content, share winning strategies and bring you the inside scoop to help you enjoy the game and play it better. Check out futinreview.com for more info! Available everywhere — Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more.

  1. 2d ago

    Return of the King, Is FUT a Second Job? & The SBC Gem Controversy | FUT IN REVIEW #746

    🛡️ **SPONSOR: NORDVPN**Protect your online connection, secure the lowest ping for Weekend League, and bypass regional restrictions with NordVPN! Get 75% OFF any package plus 4 extra months FREE on a 2-year plan using promo code **FUTINREVIEW** at checkout. 👉 Click the link in the description or head to: ⁠[www.futinreview.com/vpn] Four hosts jump into a fast-moving panel on the state of FUT, focusing on grind versus fun, AI defending, evolutions, and the new SBC system. The discussion is driven by hot takes and timed reactions, with John, Homer, John K, and Ingve each bringing a different perspective on what feels rewarding, what feels punishing, and what EA may need to change. 00:00 — New four-person panel format and the return of Ingve 01:03 — Ingve’s background, health update, and FUT history 02:03 — How the hot-take format and timed rounds will work 03:12 — Topic 1: FUT feels like a second job 04:20 — Why grinding every objective can ruin the experience 05:23 — Small upgrades and why the game can still feel unrewarding 07:12 — Objectives versus packs: predictable rewards win 08:17 — Why Gauntlet and squad depth make grinding harder 09:14 — Club depth and why Evo teams struggle 11:30 — Final take on grind versus fun 11:56 — Topic 2: AI defending and whether removing it was EA’s best change 12:36 — Fullbacks drifting wide, penalties, and defensive AI issues 14:13 — More goals, but less realism 15:24 — Why less AI help rewards better players 16:29 — The downside for players who keep losing 17:40 — Matchmaking and balance concerns 19:11 — Manual defending and the lack of in-game instruction 19:49 — Stronger manual tackles and the auto-offside problem 21:21 — Final verdict on AI defending 22:48 — Topic 3: Are Evolutions viable for casual players? 24:47 — Why Evo cards are behind the power curve 25:53 — Why themed Evo squads still struggle competitively 27:27 — Can Evolutions catch up? 29:24 — A better model for lower-league and favorite players 31:38 — Why current Evo rules can feel like a coin sink 32:37 — Ideas for faster modes, cosmetics, and shorter matches 34:05 — Topic 4: Old SBCs versus the new gem-based system 35:01— Ingve on losing pack rewards 36:03 — John K on the speed and simplicity of the new system 37:03 — Homer on chemistry stress and transfer-market abuse 38:45 — Why high-rated fodder still limits access 42:17 — Why SBC value is harder to judge 43:42 — Cherry-picking the best SBCs 45:12 — Outro and where to find the show

  2. Oct 4

    FC27 Powercurve + Are Female Players OP!? | FUT in Review #745

    🛡️ **SPONSOR: NORDVPN** Protect your online connection, secure the lowest ping for Weekend League, and bypass regional restrictions with NordVPN! Get 75% OFF any package plus 4 extra months FREE on a 2-year plan using promo code **FUTINREVIEW** at checkout. 👉 Click the link in the description or head to: ⁠[www.futinreview.com/vpn] This episode covers the early FC 27 meta, including whether the new Destiny to Glory Team 2 promo cards are worth the coins, how the revised SBC system changes value, and what the slower power curve means for squad building. Chris is joined by John, who breaks down Weekend League prep, mindset, and routine, before the show tackles the viral debate about women players in Ultimate Team and whether the issue is realism or stat tuning. Key topics The hosts discuss whether the Destiny to Glory Team 2 promo cards are worth buying this early in the cycle, including cards like Haaland and McKennie. John argues that the power curve is too uncertain to justify spending heavily on promo cards this early. They explain the new SBC gem system using the Rafinha Player of the Month example and discuss the trade-offs: dupes can be used and progress is visible, but packs are no longer returned. Gross is highlighted as a potentially strong lower-cost SBC option. John recommends using Rivals to test tactics, formations, and team setup before Weekend League. His preparation advice includes simulating match-day sessions, taking breaks, and sticking to a planned schedule. The hosts discuss the popular 4-2-1-3 formation and how to counter high-pressure tactics. John’s mindset tips: build a backup plan, focus on the next action after mistakes, and avoid playing past your planned session limit. The women players debate is framed as a gameplay-balancing issue, not a reason to remove women players or create a separate mode. John suggests that tuning strength and body-type effects could help balance smaller, nimble players against bigger defenders. Timestamps 00:00 — Early promo reaction and the power curve debate 01:20 — International break chat and switching to FC 27 Team 2 03:11 — Are early promo cards already too expensive? 04:14 — Why promo cards feel harder to pack 05:46 — McKennie, card value, and whether early coins are worth spending 06:32 — Why the power curve is hard to predict 07:31 — Promo value versus holding coins for better defenders 08:37 — What to prioritize instead of chasing promo cards 09:04 — Explaining the new SBC gem system through Rafinha 10:35 — Why Gross looks like an affordable SBC option 11:33 — Duplicate players, the new SBC system, and missing pack returns 13:23 — Why early-cycle ratings feel inflated 14:25 — John’s rule for deciding whether an SBC is worth it 15:48 — How to prepare for the first Weekend League 16:46 — Using Rivals to stress-test your team 17:14 — Simulating a Weekend League schedule 18:20 — Token rewards and why week one is worth playing 20:45 — Meta formations: copy or counter? 22:07 — Beating a high press with goalkeeper distribution 23:52 — Mindset and building routines under pressure 25:17 — Backup plans for tactical changes when trailing 26:43 — Staying focused on the next action after mistakes 28:07 — Why sticking to a session limit can help prevent tilt 29:59 — John’s Weekend League goals and competitive mindset 33:22 — Sponsor segment 34:46 — The viral women players debate 35:43 — Is the issue stat scaling rather than women in the game? 38:38 — How body size and strength could affect gameplay balance 41:30 — Ultimate Team as an arcade mode, not pure simulation 44:13 — Nimble players, physicality, and the early game cycle 45:25 — A possible fix: tuning strength and body type 47:20 — Closing thoughts and listener reactions

  3. Sep 27

    Launch Day Survival Guide & Destined For Glory | FUT in Review #744

    The worldwide launch of FC 27 is finally here! GPM, Neil, and Graham (Homer) break down everything you need to know as millions of new players flood the pitch. From day-one pack luck and essential camera/passing settings to surviving manual defending and making sense of the brand-new Gallery mode and "Destined for Glory" promo, this episode is packed with launch night strategies to get your squad ahead of the curve. ### ⚽ IN THIS EPISODE: * **The Kick-Off (00:00):** Launch day energy, day-one pack pulls (Dembele, Saliba), and advice for standard edition players. * **Gameplay Lab (04:55):** Crucial controller settings (Late Receive + High Sensitivity), manual jockeying tips, and the high-line offside trap. * **The Good, The Bad & The Ugly (08:47):** Precision vs. normal shooting, near-post power shots, and handling over-the-top lofted through balls. * **Content & Gallery Mode (27:40):** How the Panini-style Gallery mode works, coin-making tips (Malaga/Birmingham sets), and the Season 1 "Destined for Glory" promo breakdown. --- 🛡️ **SPONSOR: NORDVPN** Protect your online connection, secure the lowest ping for Weekend League, and bypass regional restrictions with NordVPN! Get 75% OFF any package plus 4 extra months FREE on a 2-year plan using promo code **FUTINREVIEW** at checkout. 👉 Click the link in the description or head to: [www.futinreview.com/vpn] --- ⏱️ **HYDRATION BREAK & LINKS** * 👑 **Join our Patreon:** Get exclusive Tuesday bonus episodes, live recording access, Predictor League entry, and active Discord channels: **patreon.com/futinreview** * 🎁 **XBOX CODE GIVEAWAY:** Leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts answering: *"Which color do both Feyenoord and Liverpool share on their home shirts?"* to win a standard edition Xbox code! * 🛍️ **Official Merch Store:** Grab hoodies, tees, mugs, and studio gear: **futinreview.com/merch** * 📬 **The Newsletter:** Weekly summaries, market tips, and gameplay breakdowns: **futinreview.com** --- ⏱️ **CHAPTERS** 00:00 - Launch Day Energy & Day 1 Pack Luck 03:13 - Day 1 Starter Advice: Squad Battles, Coin Rates & SP 04:55 - Critical Settings Fixes: Pass Sensitivity & Manual Jockeying 08:47 - Triggered & Curved Runs Reality Check 10:20 - Shooting Meta: Precision Shooting, Low-Driven & Near-Post Power 14:17 - Manual Defending & Interception Mechanics 16:22 - Countering Over-The-Top Lofted Balls & High Lines 18:40 - Mid-Roll Sponsor: NordVPN (Use Code: FUTINREVIEW) 19:40 - Title Update 1.0.1: Why EA Leaving Gameplay Untouched is a WIN 27:40 - Deep Dive: How Gallery Mode Works & Token Rewards 34:40 - Promo Watch: "Destined For Glory" Season-Long Upgrades 40:40 - Week 1 Grind Plans: Rush, Red Bull SP Tricks & SP Pass 44:30 - Xbox Code Giveaway & Outro

  4. Sep 13

    🏆 FC27 Starts With These Tips and Strategies | FUT IN REVIEW #742

    Season 9 is officially underway! John, John Kirkham, and Neil reunite to break down everything you need to know for the FC 27 launch. From early access tricks and Web App day-one strategies to building competitive starter squads without spending a single FIFA point, we've got you covered for kickoff week. ### ⚽ IN THIS EPISODE: * **The Kick-Off (00:00):** Season 9 welcome, Web App launch dates, and the "New Zealand flight" early access trick. * **Content Breakdown (08:58):** Day-one FIFA Points strategy, FC 27 Season Pass details, and navigating the new non-common card market. * **Gameplay Lab (12:58):** Squad Battles vs. Moments for early rewards, manual defending changes, and avoiding the early "internet meta" trap. * **Baller & Bottler (34:30):** Early meta starter players (van de Ven, Le Croix, Pina) and icon upgrades for FC 27. --- 🛡️ **SPONSOR: NORDVPN** Protect your online connection, secure the lowest ping for Weekend League, and bypass regional restrictions with NordVPN! Get 75% OFF any package plus 4 extra months FREE on a 2-year plan using promo code **FUTINREVIEW** at checkout. 👉 Click the link in the description or head to: [www.FUTINREVIEW.com/vpn] --- ⏱️ **HYDRATION BREAK & LINKS** * 👑 **Join our Patreon:** Get exclusive Tuesday bonus episodes, live recording access, Predictor League entry, and active Discord channels: **patreon.com/futinreview** * 🛍️ **Official Merch Store:** Grab hoodies, tees, mugs, and studio gear: **futinreview.com/merch** * 📬 **The Newsletter:** Weekly summaries, market tips, and gameplay breakdowns: **futinreview.com** * ⭐ **Rate the Show:** Leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! --- ⏱️ **CHAPTERS** 00:00 - Season 9 Kick-Off & Early Access Tricks 06:10 - Web App Day-One Expectations 08:58 - FIFA Points & Store Pack Strategy 12:58 - Early Game Modes: Squad Battles, Moments & Rewards 20:22 - Icon & Hero Upgrades in FC 27 25:42 - Gameplay Lab: Finding Your Own Tactics vs. Internet Meta 29:23 - Mid-Roll Sponsor: NordVPN (Use Code: FUTINREVIEW) 31:30 - No-FIFA-Points RTG Strategy & Starter Leagues 36:41 - The Community Challenge: Picking Neil's Past & Present Team 40:43 - Patreon Season 9 Perks, Predictor League & Outro

  5. Aug 6

    🏆 FC 26 Season 8 Finale: The Definitive Game Review! 🎮🔚 | FUT in Review #741

    Welcome to FUT in Review #741—our final FC 26 podcast of Season 8! Today, John is joined by the two most handsome men in Scotland, Neil and Nathan (Hercules), for an in-depth, honest retrospective of the entire game cycle. Moving past the hype, the trio breaks down what actually worked, what broke down, and whether FC 26 lived up to its initial promise. We break down the highlights, nightmares, and system shifts unfiltered: The Final FC 26 Scorecard: The panel gives their final ratings out of 10 for FC 26. Starting at a brilliant 8/10 during its first few weeks, how far did the score drop after endless patch cycles, AI defending buffs, and store-driven content? Gameplay & The "We've Listened" Patch Cycle: We analyze the shift between Competitive and Authentic gameplay presets. Why did EA abandon their promising early-game manual defending mechanics to cater to casual complaints? Plus, we dissect the meta formations, the overpowered Bruiser and Finesse playstyles, and the death of goalkeeper movement. Pay-to-Progress vs. Free-to-Play: Is FC 26 the most blatant "Pay-to-Progress" game in franchise history? We debate how EA nerfed Rivals, Champs, and Squad Battles rewards to push players toward massive 100k+ store packs. Did Evolutions and Icon SBCs do enough to bridge the gap for casual players? Live Content, Gauntlet & Rush Mode: From the success of live friendlies and Gauntlet tournaments to the complete burnout caused by weekly Rush point caps, we evaluate how EA structured player engagement and whether FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) ruined the fun for regular gamers. The Death of the Transfer Market & EVO Overloads: Why 83 and 84-rated cards were more expensive than 88s, how convoluted Evolution chains broke silver stars like Vulture, and why the traditional transfer market is practically irrelevant heading into FC 27. ⏱️ MID-SHOW HYDRATION BREAK 👑 Join our Patreon: Unlock exclusive trading tips, active Discord channels, starter squad guides, and two episodes per week for the upcoming FC 27 season (Season 9): patreon.com/futinreview ☕ Support the Crew: 837 episodes and a 50-day World Cup daily marathon later, our caffeine supply is completely dry! Support the team with a coffee lifeline here: buymeacoffee.com/futinreview 📬 The Newsletter is LIVE: Don't get left behind by social media algorithms. Your ultimate shortcut to FC 27 leaks, market updates, and in-depth gameplay summaries: futinreview.com 📱 Follow the socials: Instagram: @futinreview | TikTok: @futinreviewpodcast | YouTube: youtube.com/futinreview ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 - Show Intro: Wrapping Up Season 8 & 837 Total Episodes 01:25 - Summer Cardio & Scottish Banter: Welcoming Back Neil & Nathan 04:00 - Season 9 Announcements: Going to Weekly Schedule & Patreon Double-Shows 05:15 - The Final Scorecards: Rating FC 26 Out of 10 (6.25 vs 6.5 vs 7.25) 07:20 - Gameplay Presets: Competitive vs. Authentic Mechanics 09:25 - The Patch Collapse: Why EA Ruined Early-Game Manual Defending 11:05 - PlayStyle Madness: Bruiser Overpowers, Finesse Shots & Roll Systems 14:05 - Community Screams: Did EA Listen Too Much to Streamers? 20:50 - Pay-to-Win or Pay-to-Progress? The Worst Year for Store Pack Pushes 23:20 - Nerfed Rewards: How Rivals & Champs Packs Pushed Microtransactions 26:00 - The Token System Failure: Weekly Caps & Accidental Claim Losses 32:45 - Rush & Moments Mode Review: Fun Mechanics Burdened by Bad Rewards 36:00 - The Gauntlet Triumph: Why Live Events Saved Late-Game Content 43:10 - Evolutions vs. The Transfer Market: Why the Market Is Officially Dead 47:25 - The Vulture EVO Mistake: How Chaining EVOs Broke Power Curves 50:20 - Season Pass Evolution: Looking Ahead to Monetized Token Allowances in FC 27 53:15 - PC Anti-Cheat & Crossplay Frustrations: Why Cheaters Still Ruin Competitive Modes 58:30 - Outro: Taking a Short August Break, Thanking the Community & Drop Us a 5-Star Review!

  6. Aug 4

    🎟️ FC 27 Pre-Orders, FUTTIES Luck & FIFA Equity Shelved! 💗🎮 | FUT in Review #740

    Welcome back to FUT in Review #740! Today, Grandpapa Mac (Chris) and John Kirkham (John K) take over the studio to break down the summer FUTTIES grind, honor the passing of legendary Italian defender AC Milan icon Franco Baresi, and run an extensive, lawyer-reviewed cost-benefit analysis on the newly announced EA Sports FC 27 Pre-Order editions. We break down the financial value and gameplay content unfiltered: FIFA’s Shelved Equity Deal: Football fans won! FIFA’s controversial plan to sell off a commercial stake in the World Cup to private equity investors has officially been shelved following universal backlash. The panel breaks down the widening rift between UEFA and FIFA, asking if European football might eventually break off into its own standalone body. The Pink Card Grind: With summer in full swing and Season 8 XP flowing freely, the hosts debate whether anyone on Earth has actually packed the exact 99-rated FUTTIES card they wanted. From grinding the Frenkie de Jong SBC to evolutions of silver icons like Roberto Baggio and Ruud Gullit, we discuss why late-cycle Ultimate Team should be about fun, nostalgia, and past-and-present squad builds. Tribute to Franco Baresi: The crew pauses to pay tribute to the late, great Franco Baresi. We reminisce about Channel 4’s iconic Golaccio 1990s Italian football broadcasts and discuss how EA’s Icon cards help younger generations appreciate the legendary defenders who defined an era of lower-scoring, tactical Serie A perfection. EA Sports FC 27 Pre-Order Breakdown: We crunch the numbers across the three announced editions: Standard, Ultimate, and the limited-time Ultimate Plus (available until October 31st). Evaluating cash-equivalent values for 7-day early access (launching September 18), FC Points, Season Passes (Seasons 1–5), and exclusive Evolution slots, we help casuals, core players, and hard-core grinders decide which edition delivers the highest return on investment. ⏱️ MID-SHOW HYDRATION BREAK 👑 Join our Patreon: Unlock exclusive trading tips, active Discord channels, starter squad guides, and early access to bonus podcast content for the upcoming FC 27 season: patreon.com/futinreview ☕ Support the Crew: 50 consecutive days of World Cup coverage plus summer FUTTIES analysis has our caffeine supply completely dry! Support the team with a coffee lifeline here: buymeacoffee.com/futinreview 📬 The Newsletter is LIVE: Don't get left behind by social media algorithms. Your ultimate shortcut to market updates, leaks, and in-depth gameplay summaries: futinreview.com ⭐ Rate the Show: Take 10 seconds to leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to keep the studio alarm bells ringing! 📱 Follow the socials: Instagram: @futinreview | TikTok: @futinreviewpodcast | YouTube: youtube.com/futinreview ⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 - Show Intro: Pink Cards, FC 27 Editions & FIFA Private Equity Rejections 01:34 - The FIFA Equity Backtrack: Why the World Cup Is No Longer for Sale 02:26 - UEFA vs. FIFA: Could European Football Break Away into a Standalone Body? 02:57 - Summer FUTTIES Grind: Pink Flares, XP Bonuses & The Hunt for 99s 05:38 - Remembering Franco Baresi: Channel 4 Nostalgia & The Era of Great Italian Defending 07:18 - Favourite Cards: Silver Icon Baggio Evolutions & Rivelino’s 1970 World Cup Magic 10:39 - Scottish Icons Deficit: Demanding Jinky Johnstone, Graeme Souness & Dennis Law Cards 12:59 - FC 27 Edition Analysis: Evaluating Standard (£70/$70), Ultimate (£100/$110) & Ultimate Plus (£140/$150) 15:53 - Financial Breakdown: Are early access, 10,000 FC Points, and 5 Season Passes worth the price? 19:46 - Evolution Slots & Starter Packs: Why St. Johnstone Silver Cards Are Getting Day-One Upgrades 25:31 - Casuals vs. Hardcore Grinders: Deciding Which FC 27 Package Fits Your Playstyle 27:16 - Header Metas & Set-Piece Coaches: Looking Ahead to FC 27 Gameplay Mechanics 29:22 - Outro: Drop Us a 5-Star Review & Join the Patreon!

4.9
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

FUT IN REVIEW – The Ultimate FC26 & FC27 Podcast From pack luck to pro tips — we break down the latest content, share winning strategies and bring you the inside scoop to help you enjoy the game and play it better. Check out futinreview.com for more info! Available everywhere — Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more.

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