Dear Konami, Smart Assist can stay, but only under one condition
First of all, I’m writing this in full rage mode.
I literally force-closed my PlayStation after conceding one of the most ridiculous goals I’ve ever seen.
An Eto’o first-time cross-shot from near the sideline somehow flew centrally from around 35-40 meters out — way beyond the D, much deeper — and I don’t even know who hit it, but the shot gauge went from green to purple, and in less than half a second the ball was in the net.
I’ve just played two straight matches against players with stacked super squads using Smart Assist, and honestly… what’s even the point of spending all that money if the game is practically playing for them?
Now let’s get to the real issue.
As we all know, a huge number of players have Smart Assist enabled without even realizing it — and some even think they’re genuinely skilled.
Officially, Smart Assist says it only does this:
- Assists shot and pass direction
- Assists shot and pass power
But in reality, Smart Assist clearly does far more than what’s officially stated:
- Surgically intercepts almost every pass, especially from set pieces (players auto-move the moment you charge the bar)
- Constant 3-4 man pressure at all times
- Slows down opponents’ runs
- Alters opponents’ movement toward the ball
- Changes defenders’ running paths during chase-down tackles
- Significantly boosts goalkeeper stats
- Slightly boosts player stats overall
- Gives refereeing decisions heavily in your favor, especially inside the box
- If you win a penalty and your opponent guesses correctly, it can freeze the goalkeeper or force him the wrong way on central shots
- If you concede a penalty, the game may literally save it for you
And that’s still not everything.
Here’s my stance: I’m completely fine with Smart Assist staying ONLY IF all of this hidden nonsense is removed, and it becomes exactly what it claims to be — just shot/pass power and direction assistance.
I hate Smart Assist, People constantly tell me, “Just use it when others use it against you.” I can’t, for me, it only makes things worse.
If anything, Smart Assist should exist purely as an accessibility option, and beyond that, removing it entirely would honestly be better.
PA1 is already getting dangerously close to what I’m describing anyway. I personally use PA2, and even there the game often does things I never asked for. But I can’t switch to PA3 because Milan servers are overloaded, and certain matchups feel absolutely unbearable connection-wise.
I genuinely hope more regional servers get added because right now it often feels like connection quality decides more than skill.
So what do you all think?
Bring Smart Assist back to its original form (only shot/pass power and direction)?
Keep it as it is now?
Or remove it completely?
My vote: Limit it to its original purpose.
But honestly… removing it altogether would work too.