August 24, 2018, 1:50 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
The gaming community is eagerly anticipating September 28, 2018, when the latest installment of the soccer simulation “FIFA 19” will be released. TECHBOOK had the opportunity to play the full version at the Gamescom trade fair and shows what has changed compared to its predecessor–also in the video.
New Tactical Settings Offer More Options
What immediately stands out in the pre-game settings are the diverse options to tactically adjust your team to your playing style and the opponent. In defense, players can adjust in ten levels how deep or high their team should stand. Compared to the quick settings from previous versions, ranging from “Very Defensive” to “All-Out Attack,” this is not only more precise but also clearly shows the impact on the positions of individual players. In the highest setting, the defensive line stands in front of the opposing players. Additionally, it’s possible to position defenders wider or narrower. So if the opposing attack comes with strong wingers like Neymar, your center and full-backs can be pulled further towards the wings. Here, too, there are ten adjustment levels available.
But that’s not all, as both offensive and defensive play styles can be selected. Whether long balls, quick build-up, or short passing game–in “FIFA 19,” these settings are more present and clearly displayed than in the predecessor.
Photo: Electronic Arts / TECHBOOK
Graphically, Not Much Changes
At first glance, “FIFA 19” looks graphically similar to its predecessor. Only upon closer inspection do minor animation adjustments become noticeable. However, there is no real improvement in the depiction of player models. Well-known stars are, of course, still immediately recognizable but do not appear truly photorealistic. Here, “FIFA 19” cannot yet compete with basketball games from the 2K or EA’s Live series.
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Gameplay Becomes More Realistic
The game speed of “FIFA 19” is reduced compared to “FIFA 18,” bringing it closer to a real soccer match. This is particularly noticeable with the wingers. Speedsters like Neymar and Kylian Mbappé take longer to get up to speed. Those who enjoyed storming down the wings towards the opponent’s goal in the previous version might initially be a bit disoriented in the new installment. Defenders, of course, find it easier to get the ball and are not as easily outrun by the ball-carrying striker. Overall, ball recovery in “Tactical Defending”–a defensive system developed by EA that is significantly more complex than classic defense–is made easier. Defenders approach the man and ball more aggressively, winning significantly more duels than in “FIFA 18.” The result could be fewer goals scored in “FIFA 19.”
Photo: Electronic Arts / TECHBOOK
Journey Mode Not Playable
The continuation of the single-player mode of “FIFA 19” called “The Journey: Champions” was not playable at Gamescom. However, on the occasion of the fair, developer EA Sports released a new trailer indicating that there will be three protagonists this time.
