Unveiling the Legends: A Deep Dive into FIFA 23’s Icons
FIFA 23 brought back the magic of football legends through its Icon cards, allowing players to build dream teams featuring some of the greatest names in the sport’s history. The full roster was extensive, featuring returning favorites and exciting new additions. The core Icon selection included players like Pelé, Johan Cruyff, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazário, Ferenc Puskás, George Best, Roberto Baggio, Dennis Bergkamp, Emilio Butragueño, Eric Cantona, Hernán Crespo, and Kenny Dalglish. Additionally, FIFA 23 introduced three new Icons: Gerd Müller, Xabi Alonso, and Jairzinho. These icons were available in various versions, reflecting different stages of their careers, adding depth and variety to the team-building experience. However, certain Icons were removed from FIFA 23, impacting the overall availability of legendary players in the game.
Returning Icons: The Pillars of Footballing History
FIFA 23’s strength lay in its impressive roster of returning Icons. These players, cemented in football lore, offered unparalleled in-game abilities and contributed significantly to team chemistry.
Key Attributes and Gameplay Impact
Each Icon was meticulously crafted to reflect their real-world playing styles. Pelé‘s pace and agility, Cruyff‘s tactical genius, and Zidane‘s elegance on the ball were faithfully translated into the game, making them highly sought-after additions to any squad. The presence of these legends added an element of nostalgia and inspiration, reminding players of the rich history of football. Icons significantly boosted team chemistry, automatically linking well with any player regardless of league or nation.
New Icons: Fresh Faces Among the Legends
The introduction of Gerd Müller, Xabi Alonso, and Jairzinho brought fresh excitement to FIFA 23. These three Icons offered unique playstyles and attributes, enriching the team-building possibilities within Ultimate Team.
Gerd Müller: The Clinical Finisher
Gerd Müller, renowned for his predatory instincts and lethal finishing, added a new dimension to attacking options. His ability to find space in the box and consistently convert chances made him a valuable asset for any team lacking a reliable goalscorer. Müller’s Icon card provided players with a classic center-forward profile, reminiscent of his prolific career with Bayern Munich and Germany.
Xabi Alonso: The Midfield Maestro
Xabi Alonso, celebrated for his exceptional passing range and tactical awareness, offered unparalleled control in midfield. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and accurately distribute the ball made him an ideal playmaker. Alonso’s Icon card provided players with a deep-lying playmaker role, similar to his days with Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.
Jairzinho: The Brazilian Winger
Jairzinho, known for his blistering pace and dribbling skills, brought a flair to the flanks. His ability to beat defenders and deliver precise crosses made him a potent attacking threat. Jairzinho’s Icon card offered players a fast and skillful winger, reminiscent of his dazzling performances in the 1970 World Cup.
Icons Removed: Departures from the Legendary Roster
While the addition of new Icons was a welcome sight, several familiar faces were removed from FIFA 23. This significantly impacted the team-building possibilities and the overall availability of legendary players.
Significant Losses: Key Players Omitted
Notable removals included Diego Maradona, Cafu, Iker Casillas, Ryan Giggs, Pep Guardiola, Deco, Marc Overmars, and Filippo Inzaghi. The reasons for these removals varied, ranging from licensing issues (as in the case of Maradona) to legal disputes and personal controversies.
Impact on Gameplay: The Missing Pieces
The absence of these Icons left a void in specific positions and playstyles. For example, the removal of Maradona deprived players of a unique attacking midfielder, while the exclusion of Cafu limited options at right-back. These omissions forced players to adapt their strategies and explore alternative options within the Icon roster.
FAQs: Your Questions About FIFA 23 Icons Answered
Here’s a breakdown of the most frequently asked questions about Icons in FIFA 23, providing clarity and insights into their role and impact on the game.
1. What are Icons in FIFA 23?
Icons in FIFA 23 were special cards representing legendary footballers. These cards possessed unique attributes and boosted team chemistry, allowing players to incorporate historical figures into their Ultimate Team squads. Each Icon had multiple versions, reflecting different periods of their careers.
2. How do I obtain Icons in FIFA 23?
Icons could be obtained through various methods, including packs, Squad Building Challenges (SBCs), and the Transfer Market. Packs offered a random chance of acquiring an Icon, while SBCs required players to exchange specific cards in return for an Icon reward. The Transfer Market allowed players to buy and sell Icons directly from other users.
3. Do Icons provide any Chemistry benefits in FIFA 23?
Yes, Icons provided significant Chemistry benefits. They always had full Chemistry when played in their preferred position, regardless of the rest of the squad. They also linked well with any player, regardless of league or nation, making them valuable additions to any team.
4. Why were some Icons removed from FIFA 23?
The removal of certain Icons from FIFA 23 was due to various reasons, including licensing issues, legal disputes, and personal controversies. For example, Diego Maradona was removed due to disputes with his family and agents over licensing rights.
5. Can I use Icons in FIFA 23 Career Mode?
While you can use Icons in Kick-Off mode, they are typically not natively available in FIFA 23 Career Mode. The mode is designed to focus on current players and developing future stars. You cannot search for or sign them within the career mode transfer system.
6. What is the rarest Icon in FIFA 23?
Determining the absolute “rarest” Icon is difficult due to the fluctuating nature of pack weight and player demand. However, high-rated Icons like Zidane, Pelé, and Ronaldo Nazário were generally considered among the rarest and most valuable due to their exceptional attributes and high price on the Transfer Market.
7. How many versions of each Icon were there in FIFA 23?
Each Icon typically had multiple versions, including a Base Icon, a Mid Icon, a Prime Icon, and a Moments Icon. Each version represented a different period in the player’s career, with varying attributes and ratings. The Prime Icon usually represented the player at their peak.
8. What is the 88+ Prime, Mid, or WC Icon SBC?
The 88+ Prime, Mid, or WC Icon SBC was a Squad Building Challenge that allowed players to exchange a set of cards for a guaranteed Icon rated 88 or higher. The reward was a random Prime, Mid, or World Cup Icon, providing a chance to obtain a high-rated legendary player.
9. What is the Icon Swaps program in FIFA 23?
The Icon Swaps program allowed players to earn tokens by completing specific in-game objectives. These tokens could then be exchanged for guaranteed Icon rewards, providing a more predictable way to obtain legendary players compared to relying solely on packs or the Transfer Market.
10. Which Icon should I buy in FIFA 23?
The best Icon to buy depended on your playstyle and team needs. Kaka was a popular choice for skilled midfielders, while Pelé and Ronaldo Nazário were ideal for attackers seeking pace and finishing ability. Xabi Alonso was great for controlling the midfield. Consider your team’s weaknesses and your preferred formation when making your decision.
11. What is the oldest Icon of FIFA?
While many icons represented players from various eras, the concept of the “oldest Icon” doesn’t directly apply to FIFA. However, considering the era they played in, Ferenc Puskás would be one of the icons with the oldest playing career. The concept of an icon relates more to the symbolic importance of a historical figure, as is well exemplified in the icon of Christ Pantokrator, a key reference point for understanding how symbols are understood within a cultural context.
12. Are there any Icons that are ‘lengthy’ in FIFA 23?
The “lengthy” attribute was related to the AcceleRATE system introduced in FIFA 23. While Icons themselves didn’t inherently possess this style, their individual attributes could influence how they accelerated in-game. Certain Icons with high strength and acceleration may have felt more akin to the “lengthy” style.
13. How does FIFA 23 balance the power of Icons in the game?
FIFA 23 balanced the power of Icons by adjusting their attributes, price on the Transfer Market, and availability through packs and SBCs. Highly desirable Icons were generally rarer and more expensive, while less popular Icons were more accessible. This created a dynamic market and ensured that not every player could easily acquire the best Icons in the game.
14. Why was Juventus removed from FIFA 23?
Juventus was not specifically “removed” from FIFA 23 entirely, but they appeared under a different name (Piemonte Calcio) due to an exclusive licensing agreement with Konami’s eFootball Pro Evolution Soccer series. This meant that EA Sports could not use the official Juventus branding, including their name, badge, and kits.
15. What is the future of Icons in EA FC 24?
EA FC 24 continues the legacy of Icons, featuring a mix of returning favorites and new additions. The overall concept remains the same: legendary players with unique attributes and chemistry benefits. EA FC 24 will likely introduce new Icons, remove existing ones, and adjust the way they are obtained, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.
Understanding the dynamics surrounding Icons in FIFA 23, including their availability, attributes, and impact on gameplay, adds a layer of depth and enjoyment to the game. This knowledge empowers players to make informed decisions when building their dream teams and competing in Ultimate Team. For further insight on gaming, education, and the cultural impact of video games, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website.