EA Sports FC 27 introduces a new open-world hub called The Grounds alongside an improved Tactics system that finally adds realistic, intuitive strategic depth. However, the game is undermined by persistent technical issues and the questionable inclusion of the open-world environment, which often feels like a solution to a non-existent problem. The reviewer finds themselves balancing appreciation for the tactical improvements against frustration with unchanged AI pathfinding issues and new problems introduced by The Grounds.

The review criticises The Grounds for its visual quality, framerate drops, and poor voice acting from returning character Alex Hunter and Kylian Mbappé, whose performances feel stiff and unengaging. Multiplayer connectivity remains plagued by disconnections and server lag, with occasional game-breaking bugs including a goalkeeper floating up the pitch. The addition of minigames and real-money progression mechanics further dilutes the experience, suggesting EA attempted to transplant features that work better in other franchises without justifying their place in FC 27.