INTRODUCTION
Another year, another FIFA!
First Impressions
With some modifications, Electronic Arts has once again churned out another FIFA. If you have played FIFA 19, you will know it pretty well which can be good and bad depending on the way you look at it – a half cup empty or a half cup full!
Specifications
• Review Price: £54.99
• Release Date: Septembr 27, 2019
• Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch
• Developer: Electronic Arts
• Genre: Football
EA Play 2019 is on a roll and we had the opportunity to have a go at some of the upcoming games including yet another edition of the massively popular sporting simulator, FIFA 20.In addition to all the visual amplifications and license updates, FIFA 20 is turning on the heat with some modifications that endeavor to shake up the conventional approach. However, it is too soon to give any verdict whether this will turn out to be successful or not. The Volta Football mode – designed on the lines of FIFA Street sub-series – gets all the hype but I was only able to enjoy my time in the stadia.
Release Date
FIFA 20 will hit shelves throughout the world on Septemeber 27, 2019. You can, of course, pre order a copy right now.
Cover Star
There has been no official announcement about the cover star of this year’s edition. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah featured in the demo menu and considering the team’s recent victory in the Champion’s League, he is a hot favorite to be bestowed this honor!
Teaser
A teaser for the FIFA 20 was released by Electronic Arts during its EA Play 2019 event. The teaser showcases the new Volta Football mode. Here is the teaser!
Gameplay preview
I was able to play a couple of games set up in the Champions League Final. To my utter disappointment, Tottenham Hotspur were not there, so with a heavy heart, I had to opt for Liverpool. I was sprinting on the pitch within a few moments, vying to gain control of the ball by seizing it from my opponent in a rather belligerent fashion. The movement was quite fluid and the ball control and physics involved therein were immensely enhanced in contrast to the last edition.The set piece system has been redesigned and lets the player aim a cursor in the same manner while taking the penalty. Spin can also be applied to the ball which tends to give the player more control over the ball.
Player switching also appeared to have been enhanced and seemed smarter. This again gives you control over your teammates so that they are there for you when you need them most and let you convert as many opportunities into goals as possible. Manual switching is there as well!The developers have announced that AI defending will be reinvigorated and once I came across it, I was quite elated. Defenders pose quite a threat thanks to the improved artificial intelligence but they are nowhere near to being superhumans who cannot be defeated. They can also commit mistakes thanks to the enhancement.
When it comes to nimble dribblers, defenders are not as reactive and are not able to compete with fast paced players such as Sadio Mane. This realistic touch is consistent throughout the team and this, according to the developers, is an attempt to make it look as natural as possible, letting the player move in a match in the same manner as one would play in a real game instead of barging into unbeatable defenders.
FIFA 20 takes pride in its genuine game flow and has seen massive improvements with an aim to ensure that no one has to feel like being involved in small scale combats as one dribbles to the penalty box. The developers have also made it easier to score a goal in such scenarios as a reward for making it so dangerously close to the goalkeeper.
FIFA 20 should stay tuned for dynamic weather conditions, larger and vibrant stadia and the conventional license updates one would expect from a gigantic franchise.
Verdict
We could talk all day and night about the mechanical modifications that have been carried out in FIFA 20 but having played only a couple of matches, we unfortunately do not have a lot to base our arguments on. We can certainly assert that Electronic Arts has upped the ante with yet another great game and put in plenty of hard work.
Champions League is back which is a welcome move and we are keeping fingers crossed to see how Volta Street mode fares. On the whole, this seems to be a small upgrade rather than a massive reinvigoration. The players of FIFA 19 will know it all which can be bad and good at the same time!