Rocket League Meets Superheroes in Football Heroes League | PAX East 2025

Rocket League was one of my go-to games during the pandemic—a perfect way to hang out with friends and have some fun. Football Heroes League (FHL) brought back those memories, but with a twist: instead of cars, you’re playing as superhero-esque characters. There’s a lot to love about this free-to-play game.

First off, the game looks fantastic—each character has a unique design and distinct special abilities, allowing players to pick a hero that matches their playstyle. I usually go with Jett Kenzo, a high-flying striker who can pull off bicycle kicks to launch the ball into the air. Paired with his power finishing move, he’s great at scoring quickly—especially if I can gain control right at kickoff.

Other playable heroes include Bun-E, who commands a small army of bunnies for defense (and offense, if used strategically); Frostine, who can freeze opponents in place; Leo, a powerhouse who slams into the ground with a cataclysmic force; and Beckers, who excels at stealing the ball and unleashing a heat-seeking shot as her ultimate ability. Beckers is usually my backup when Jett’s not cutting it.

Football Heroes League takes a few cues from shooters—I just point in the direction I want to shoot, and that’s where the ball goes. There are two different types of kicks: a charged kick (which I find harder to control) and a one-tap kick, triggered by clicking the top right shoulder button. I definitely prefer the one-tap kick—it feels way more accurate and responsive.

Unlike other soccer games, the ball isn’t glued to me. Instead, I have to use the trap function by holding down the right trigger while I have possession. It might sound a little complicated, but it actually feels pretty natural once I got used to it.

I think that’s what I love most about Football Heroes League—it’s easy to pick up and play. Sure, there’s strategy involved, like timing my specials (still working on that, by the way), but honestly, just jumping in and chasing the ball around is a blast.

The game really shines when I’m playing with friends. Right now, there are three game modes: 2v2, 3v3, and 5v5. While 2v2 definitely leans more into strategy and coordination, 5v5 is pure, chaotic fun.

One of the best parts of playing Football Heroes League at PAX East was hearing and seeing the reactions from other players—there was a lot of yelling, cheering, and laughing. The game is still in early access, so there’s definitely room to grow. I’d love to see features like instant replays and more stadiums down the line. I’m sure those additions will come in time, but honestly, I’m just glad players can jump in and experience it now. It’s a great way to spend time with friends, and the quick matches make it easy to shake off a loss and jump right back in.