FUT IN REVIEW

Is your account cursed? Thousands of you think so. EA say pack luck doesn't exist. In episode 749 of FUT In Review, GPM is joined by Mr FIFA Database himself, Ingve, and pack luck legend Homer to run the actual maths, and you might not like how many packs it really takes to pull that one meta card.

IN THIS EPISODE

- The October gameplay dev notes: what Title Update 1.2.0 (mid-November) changes to fullback positioning, offside awareness, attacking runs, kick-off goals and loose-ball switching

- Why EA can't "just fix" 95 depth yet, straight from the devs' Discord Q&A

- Is the 4-3-1-2 really the only formation, or is EA's data right?

- Ultimate Scream 2: the prices, the boosts, and whether EA's slower power curve is actually good for the community

- What's a fair price for McTominay? Plus the Reinders SBC and the Carlos Augusto showdown

- Pack Luck: Myth or Maths? EA's official stance, the real odds, and our pack superstitions (yes, including Ingve's lucky iPad)

THE MATHS

- 10% odds: 7 packs for a 50% chance, 22 packs for 90%

- 2.9% odds: 24 packs for 50%, almost 80 for 90%

- 1% odds: 69 packs for 50%, 230 packs for 90%

Packs are a lottery. Set a budget and don't chase losses.

Welcome back to Hippo, and huge congratulations to Gareth on the arrival of two new squad battlers!

OUR SPONSORS

NordVPN: 75% off plus 4 extra months free on a 2-year plan at futinreview.com/vpn with code FUTINREVIEW. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Saily: 15% off eSIMs at saily.com with code FUTINREVIEW.

Both have extra Black Friday deals live now.

JOIN THE CLUB

Patreon (Discord access + the Tuesday Bonus Club show): patreon.com/futinreview

Tell us your best and worst pack story in the comments. Do you have a ritual? And if you enjoyed the show, a five-star review helps us a lot.

#EAFC27 #FC27 #UltimateTeam #FUT #FUTInReview

🛡️ **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]

Check out www.saily.com and use the code ''FUTINREVIEW'' for 15% discount!

John, Ingve, John K, and Graeme break down the return of Ultimate Scream, but the conversation quickly expands into a bigger debate about the game’s power curve, pack weight, and whether EA’s current design is actually healthier for Ultimate Team. They also dig into player motivation, comparing win-chasing, meta-chasing, and simply playing for fun.In this episode, the panel also weighs in on token objectives, SBC value, maintenance timing, and how much the current community meta is shaping the way people enjoy the game.

00:01 - Ultimate Scream returns with 99-rated face stat boosts

00:54 - Introducing the full panel and setting up the episode

03:10 - What Ultimate Scream brings this year, including tokens and Rush events

05:07 - John K explains burnout, objectives, and why the game can feel like a chore

07:00 - Ingve on stepping back when the game stops being fun

09:49 - Graham on pack luck, low blocks, and decompression

11:27 - John’s broader take on gameplay balance and the need for a pity timer

13:22 - What a pity timer is and how it could work in packs and rewards

16:03 - Why the current tactical meta may actually be healthy

18:04 - The mental spiral of losing and then reading the stats through a negative lens

18:55 - Formation variety and why the game still feels tactically open

20:05 - Why many players copy the meta instead of trying something different

21:23 - Winning versus playing attractive football, in game and in real life

22:22 - Why some players prefer playing their own way even if it means fewer wins

23:38 - Dribbling advice and how to beat narrow, high-depth setups

24:59 - NordVPN and Saily mentions, then back to Ultimate Scream tokens

27:05 - Token store rewards, including evolutions, packs, and the Veron hero

28:29 - Retro cosmetics and whether the token rewards feel strong enough

29:28 - Graham’s view on the heroes, evolutions, and grind level

30:36 - How many tokens may be available and how objectives appear to be structured

33:41 - Clarifying token rewards from SBCs and objectives

35:33 - Why the token puzzle completionist objective is actually useful

37:11 - Ingve on the 50,000-gem SBC and why it is not worth it for him

38:27 - Graham on the stronger cards in the promo and why most still won’t make his team

39:29 - Standout cards like Stam and the top-heavy nature of the promo

40:50 - Day-one prices, expected drops, and why Ronaldo is still out of reach

41:41 - Would you sell Ronaldo for 10 million coins? Everyone says yes

42:03 - How the 99 face stat boosts could keep elite cards expensive

43:22 - Why the objectives and token grind give the promo extra value

44:28 - Complaints about maintenance timing and the lack of advance notice

46:17 - EA, other game publishers, and how scheduled maintenance is handled elsewhere

47:15 - Why every maintenance leads to shadow patch theories in the community

47:44 - Wrap-up, show schedule, and next episode timing

🛡️ **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

🛡️ **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

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

FC 27 is officially in our hands!
John, John Kirkham, and Graeme (Mr. Blue) return for the second episode of Season 9 to deliver their unfiltered first impressions after their first 24 hours with the new game. From the return of manual defending and slower passing dynamics to low-driven shots, early SBCs, and the "New Zealand flight" launch day experience, the panel breaks down what's working, what's frustrating, and how to adapt your game early on.

### ⚽ IN THIS EPISODE:* **

The Kick-Off (00:00):** Launch day impressions, early menu performance, and surviving the first 24-hour FC 27 marathon.* **Gameplay Lab (06:00):** Manual defending reality check, why AI defending won't hold your hand anymore, and adjusting to slower passing.* **Content Breakdown (21:00):** First impressions of wingers, skill moves, and why low-driven shots are dominating the early shooting meta.* **Baller & Bottler (43:00):** Early objective cards (Diomande, Savinho), Squad Battles vs. Live Events, and early-game tips to avoid burnout.

🛡️ **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]

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

WE’RE BACK! Season 9 of FUT IN REVIEW is officially LIVE, and this year, we are taking things to a whole new level.

First up: we’re doubling down on content. Every single Tuesday, our Patreon supporters get a brand-new, exclusive midweek bonus episode. That means public shows drop every Sunday, but Patrons get early access every Friday AND that bonus show every Tuesday.

We’ve also completely revamped our Discord server! We now have a full team of expert coaches inside, ready to help you build starter squads, master the market, and level up your gameplay all season long.

Plus, fresh Season 9 merch has officially dropped at futinreview.com.

Head over to patreon.com/futinreview right now, join the community, and let’s make Season 9 our biggest one yet. Let's go!"

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!