FIFA 20 Alluded To: Quieter, Bigger, Better?

EA Sports slowed down noticeably compared to its predecessor FIFA 19. That already gives me more time in the audition, which I use to change wings or to play in the room. At the same time, FIFA 20 ensures more peace of mind on the field and revises the teammate AI. So the other kickers no longer change direction, but move according to your tactics and direction.

This makes FIFA 20 appear calmer and more controllable overall. However, I also lacked a little initiative from my fellow campaigners. Movement was still lacking, especially in midfield. I compensated for this during the first round with the help of the revised dribbling. This time EA Sports is increasingly relying on one-on-one situations and expanding the possibilities. The sideways dribbling, for example, has proven to be extremely useful for creating new spaces or starting a sudden sprint. In general, going it alone feels more controllable.

Prove yourself.

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FIFA is currently the only serious soccer simulation on PC and consoles alongside Pro Evolution Soccer. EA Sports has been sending virtual kickers to the field since 1993, back then with fantasy names, today with a thick license package and thus with numerous original players with faces, team names, jerseys and more. Many consider themselves the best FIFA players in their area. But championships are won not only in practice, but also on the tactical board.

However, EA Sports slightly defuses the pace of its stars. Similar to eFootball: PES 2020, the kickers need a few steps before they reach the top speed. The individual skills therefore have a greater impact on speed dribbling. The adapted ball physics hits the same notch: the leather now rotates and even hops, which in turn should make passports and shots more unpredictable. I recently stopped the leather by pressing a button and put it down for the next shot on goal. That gives me more control when aiming.

Volta brings movement into play

FIFA 20 seems to be slightly superior to its predecessor in terms of play. In the hands-on, additional movements are noticed, but also the upgraded player behavior. Just in front of the gate they act a bit more understandable and more often stand in our way of our shots. Nevertheless , FIFA 20 relies on dribbling a little too much for my taste and the defense still seems too vulnerable for long passes.

The changed player behavior is partly due to the new Volta Football. This brings a little FIFA Street back into the FIFA series and at the same time offers scenic approaches such as the journey story of the predecessors. In the trial round I create my own kicker - either male or female - and then meet in the warehouse for the J10 tryout. Of course, this is just the beginning of a six-hour story, according to EA Sports. I kick in Japan, Brazil and other exotic locations. The highlight: depending on the location, the rules also change - sometimes it comes down to 4-on-4, sometimes 3-on-3. Sometimes with gang, sometimes with sides.

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That brings a lot of variety into the game. Very cool: Volta Football is ideal for casual gamers. Even FIFA newbies can quickly find their way around here. Volta plays a bit arcadic, but not nearly as exaggerated as FIFA Street. In World mode, you always play against teams created by other players. If you win specially marked matches and events, you bring their avatars into the team. In this way, there will only be images of real FIFA players on the pitch at some point. A nice idea!

Interesting facts about the FIFA Ultimate Team

Speaking of the big game modes, EA Sports' Goldesel FIFA Ultimate Team also deserves some innovations. For example, the developer is revising the setup and transfer menus, which should make it easier for beginners to find their way around and make changes faster.

In addition, EA Sports introduces additional daily, weekly and even milestone tasks. Certain star players have additional side tasks that need to be mastered. To this end, EA Sports is introducing seasons - that is, fixed periods - during which FUT gamers must also complete additional tasks for rewards. The first season runs from September 19 to the end of October. As a basis for these new options, you integrate experience points that represent your own game progress.

EA Sports also installs new customization options. For example, you can unlock your own choreography for the home fan curve or themes for the march in. For the first time, you no longer only use your Ultimate Team in solo mode, but you can also play with your team locally or online in friendly games. The house rules are also making a comeback, but with options such as survival, maximum chemistry or King of the Hill including goal multiplier are also growing.

When does it start?

FIFA 20 captivates with cautious gameplay adjustments, almost unchanged license package and huge scope. After the end of the Journey mode, Volta Football seems to be the perfect addition, which the community has long requested. There are also expanded options for the FIFA Ultimate Team and probably also the career, about which there is no further information yet.

We would like that from FIFA 20

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In short: FIFA 20 is likely to be a confident successor to EA Sports' popular soccer simulation. From September 27, 2019, fans will step onto the virtual lawn on PC, Xbox One and Playstation 4. If you don't want to buy a pig in a poke, there are rumors to try the demo that will be released on September 12th.