In its press release, Konami exhaustively details all the new features present in the patch, knowing that the teams have been listening to the players.
EFOOTBALL 1.0.0 UPDATE 2022
New approach to gameplay
Player and ball behavior
The behavior of the player and the ball, on which football is based, has been completely rebuilt. Thanks to the help of research institutes in Japan, the ball trajectories have been improved. The behavior of the ball on the field has been analyzed and the factors affecting it have been identified. More realistic ball trajectories have been reproduced based on the results of this research. From lobbed shots to wrapped crosses, curled passes through defense to counterattacks – users can now enjoy realistic ball behavior in a variety of scenarios. The behaviors of the player are natural and those of the ball take into account rotation, rebound and friction. All of these elements create the “moment of suspense” that often spices up modern football. Dribbling past opponents and breaking the last line of defense with passes are moments of football that deliver the exhilaration fans crave.
Tactical team battles
Complementing individual player behavior, engaging in tactical battles by including elements of team play that characterize modern football is now possible. The basics of these elements have been restructured so that the familiar scenarios of real football play out through matches. These changes made it possible to create a football video game in which a tactical decision made at any moment could be the deciding factor between victory and defeat.
"Get in power"
“Power Passes” are one of the most innovative mechanics built into the game. Drop passes, lob passes and crosses; now, users can unleash all sorts of incisive passes through 'Power Passes'. The feeling of getting the assist and the feeling of accomplishment when the players break down the opposition has never been so gripping.
Types of Power Passes:
- Power pass: a quick pass, played at the feet of a teammate. The ball tends to float on long passes
- Power lob pass: a lower and faster pass than a normal lob pass
- Power through ball: a faster version of the normal through ball, usually played more into the feet of the recipient
- Power Through Air Pass: Faster than the normal through air pass, it follows a slightly lower trajectory. Also, the ball is usually played closer to the recipient's feet
- Powerful cross: a slightly faster and lower cross with a lot of spin
- Power Low Cross: Faster and whipped than the normal low cross. The ball also tends to bounce right in front of the recipient
Power shots
- Faster and more accurate than normal shots, with many possible shot trajectories
- With the update, users can now use Power Shots to attempt different types of shots depending on the player's skills, such as lob shots, dry strikes, and high shots
- As with all Power Passes, it takes longer for the player to complete the shot, which gives rise to a risk/reward element. A strategy is therefore necessary to create space and free the allies
Pass-and-run (Cross Over)
The new “Pass-and-run (Cross Over)” feature allows combinations to be made through “diagonal moves” often seen in real football. New offensive patterns are thus created in the center of the field and on the flanks.
Defensive tactics and changes in settings
With this update, the defense control settings have been changed so that the ball can be removed intuitively. Player behavior has also been improved to make defensive play more satisfying. In addition, team defense elements have been added to ensure that the best results can be achieved by making the right decisions according to football ideologies.
Dry cleaning
- This command allows users to proactively recover the ball
- Players move towards the ball and when within reach perform a standing tackle
- Difficult dribblers can be managed by using 'Contain', a defense option that allows the user to follow and contain the opposition rather than proactively trying to win the ball
- By driving the opponent to the side while keeping the player's body in front, the user can save time and wait for the opportune moment to regain possession of the ball
- Newly added as part of this update, the "Request pressing" command encourages the whole team to work together to win the ball
- Using this feature sends a teammate to pressure the opponent holding the ball, allowing the user to choose to cover space or double up
New team building with “Dream Team”
"Dream Team"
"Dream Team" is a brand new game mode where users can build their own original team related to "Seasons", signing players and managers through items (like GP, which can be acquired by playing matches) and compete against other users around the world.
- In "Dream Team", users can select and sign players and managers who match their ideology
- Then users develop and strengthen their players through training and a leveling system, so they align with the desired style of play.
- Users organize their team by signing and developing players, and finding the most suitable style of team play to build their own "Dream Team" and bring their ideology to life
- Users can compete against other "Dream Teams" built by users around the world, and have the option to also play against the AI in special events* for rewards
Themed events related to the "Seasons"
Each "Season", for a limited time, will give rise to themed events in which users can participate with their Dream Team.
- The theme of each Season will be based on current topics in the world of football, and will offer various events
- Challenges events will allow users to compete against each other, while Circuits events will allow them to play against the AI
- Signing players and assembling a squad that matches the theme of the Season can give users an edge at these events*
*Events will begin on April 21.
eFootball™ League*
The division-based eFootball™ League invites users to play PvP matches to rise to the top. Users develop their own Dream Team by signing their favorite players and managers and compete in the league to compete against users around the world.
- Each "Phase" will last 28 days, during which users will continuously play matches with the goal of reaching the highest Division
- If users reach the "Promotion" threshold in 10 matches, they will be promoted; conversely, if they do not reach the "Stay" threshold, they will be relegated
- When users end up in the highest Division (Division 1), they play to rank up. Promotion battles thus become position battles
- At the end of a Phase, rewards will be distributed based on the highest Division reached. The ranking will be reset and a new Phase will begin
*The eFootball™ League will start on April 21.
Players and card types
One of the main features of Dream Team mode is acquiring the services of specific players and managers. Users can sign Standard players and managers of their choice by spending GP earned through playing. The different Player Types are as follows:
- Legendary: Legendary players are based on a specific season in which they achieved spectacular results (this also includes retired players who had a brilliant career)
- Trending: Trending players are based on a game or week in the current season in which they shined
- Featured: Hand-picked players based on their performance in the current season
- Standard: Standard players are based on their performance in the current season
- Standard (shiny): among the Standard players, it is possible to sign a player with a higher than normal Team Playstyle mastery
New licenses
New licenses will be added for Japan and North America:
- Meiji Yasuda J1 League
- Meiji Yasuda J2 League
- MLS Players Association *"MLSPA" players will appear in the "American League"
- USL Championship
In-game events around the new licenses will also take place during the Season.
Finally, note that information about the mobile version of eFootball 2022 will be communicated soon.
