In 2022, French game studio Sloclap, best known for Absolver, released the critically acclaimed action title Sifu. Initially appearing as a standard third-person beat-’em-up, Sifu quickly captivated players with its depth and challenging gameplay. The game’s unique premise centered on a quest for revenge, with an innovative mechanic where death aged the protagonist. While growing older made the character more skilled, it also reduced their health, creating a tense balance. Sifu became one of the top-rated indie games of its year, solidifying Sloclap as a major player in the indie gaming scene.

Fast forward to this year’s Game Awards, and Sloclap had fans buzzing with speculation. Many hoped for a sequel to Sifuor another game in the action genre. Instead, Sloclap unveiled Rematch, a soccer game that marks a dramatic shift for the studio. Unlike hyper-realistic sports titles like EA Sports FC or eFootball, Rematch leans on a stylized aesthetic reminiscent of Sifu and Absolver. The painterly visuals, combined with a third-person perspective, set it apart from its competitors, which often use isometric viewpoints.

While Rematch is a stark departure from Sloclap’s previous works, it retains a shared philosophy. Like Sifu, the game focuses on skill-based gameplay that's easy to pick up but hard to master. Sloclap promises a fast-paced experience where players are constantly engaged during matches.

Set for release in the summer of 2025, Rematch offers a fresh take on soccer games, blending arcade-style action with a unique art direction. For fans of Sifu, this isn’t the sequel they might have wished for, but it could provide a thrilling distraction while they wait for what’s next from Sloclap.