Rematch Proves Sloclap Should Try Its Hand at Underserved…

Rematch probably isn't what a lot of gamers were expecting to come from Sloclap next. After the action-packed martial arts hit Sifu, many may have assumed Sloclap would stick with the fighting genre for a while. The developer subverted expectations, though, with the announcement of Rematch last year.

This fast-paced soccer title puts the action of the sport front and center, as players compete in 5v5 matches. Rematch may not be like Sifu, but if Sloclap has proven anything, it's that the developer is talented at making engaging and competitive gameplay the star of the show. This has the potential to translate incredibly well into the sports genre, and if Sloclap continues down this path, taking a swing at tennis could be the best sport to choose next.

Interview: Sloclap Discusses How Previous Titles Like Sifu Shaped Rematch's Development

The Best War Games sat down with developer Sloclap to discuss Rematch, an upcoming soccer game that emphasizes immersion and teamwork.

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By Dan Amoroso

Rematch Could Set the Stage for a Unique Tennis Game

The Sports Genre is Large, But the Tennis Offerings Are Small

From Madden to WWE 2K, sports have continued to be part of the gaming industry. However, tennis hasn't exactly been the star of the show in this category. Franchises like EA Sports FC, NBA 2K, and Forza have continued to reign supreme. Granted, tennis still has offerings like the TopSpin franchise and the Mario Tennis series under its belt, but the sport may benefit best from finding its own unique niche within the genre.

When it comes to soccer, Rematch has the likes of EA Sports FC to compete with. This sports gaming juggernaut will be hard to go up against, but the fast-paced nature of Sloclap's approach may prove to be a standout title. If Rematch proves successful, then it wouldn't be surprising for Sloclap to want to experiment with other sports, too. What makes tennis the best option is that not only does the sport have fewer games to choose from, but it is also in need of something that sets it apart from the other sports-branded games. Often in the sports genre, there is a heavy focus on realism. Games like Mario Tennis and Rocket League are clearly exceptions, but TopSpin leans heavily into realism. A Rematch-inspired tennis game would be far more stylized, while still retaining the most important aspects of the sport. This could attract both TopSpin fans and Mario Tennis lovers.

If Sloclap has proven anything, it's that the developer is talented at making engaging and competitive gameplay the star of the show.

Tennis games would likely benefit from an action-packed middle ground. Hardcore tennis fans could get the snappy, satisfying gameplay that they crave, and casual fans who are more partial to Mario Tennis could still get the stylized, fast-paced matches they prefer. Rematch is shaking up the soccer genre in a much-needed way, and tennis would be a fun avenue to explore next.

Sifu was nominated for three Game Awards in 2022: Best Independent Game, Best Action Game, and Best Fighting Game. If Rematch is well-received, it has the potential to get a Best Sports/Racing nomination this year.

Everything Known About Rematch, So Far

The game is set to launch on June 19, 2025.
It will be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Third-person perspective
No player stats
Teamwork is key.
No game pauses, like fouls or offsides
There will be seasonal content

It's clear that Sloclap is focused on making action the star of Rematch. No downtime during matches is an exciting promise, and bringing this approach to a tennis game, or any sports video game, could be a breath of fresh air.

Only time will tell if Rematch has what it takes to kickstart a great sports franchise, but right now, the potential is exciting. The wait for Rematch isn't much longer, and when the game arrives, it will be intriguing to see how Sloclap's approach to sports gameplay resonates with fans.

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