FIFA 19, EA Sports' latest instalment in the football franchise, launches on September 28 with a graphics and animation overhaul that pushes the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One further than any previous entry in the series, addressing the annual question of what justifies handing over roughly £50 for a new edition.
The game introduces full Champions League licensing for the first time, alongside a new "active touch system" for player animations and an overhauled tactics and Kick-Off system.
Champions League licensing and atmosphere
EA Sports has built one of the most realistic football atmospheres yet in the series, with banners of players, a variety of chants and an extensive collection of official licenses. The Premier League theme tune now plays before league matches, while the new Champions League experience recreates the walkout to the competition's anthem, with a banner waving at the centre of the pitch and the official match ball waiting on its perch.
Passing, AI and new animations
The passing ranges from one-touch moves to inch-perfect through balls, matching the quality long associated with rival series PES, made by Konami. Players consistently find space even on the opposite flank, including dinking passes just over a defender's foot without being prompted.
The active touch system, described as the biggest gameplay update to the series since the addition of 360-degree dribbling, has players reacting to the ball and to situations as they would in real life, from jumping to meet a deflected pass to back-heeling the ball to keep momentum going. Midfielders now automatically angle their bodies to pass before the ball even reaches them, rather than stopping and turning first.
Flair players and pace
The new animation system is most noticeable with skilful players. Neymar, for example, adds outside-of-the-foot shots, rabona crosses and heel flicks to his game. The pacing remains brisk and action-packed even as the game allows for more thoughtful decision-making than in previous years.
Defending, tactics and skill
New 50/50 battles mean both forwards and defenders compete for every ball rather than automatically conceding possession, removing most random deflections from the game. An overhauled tactics system lets players switch instantly between styles such as possession and fast build-up, and save different play-styles and formations to defensive and attacking instructions.
A new timed finishing mechanic adds to a higher skill ceiling: pressing shoot a second time as the player's foot meets the ball produces a more powerful and accurate strike if timed correctly, or a shot that goes out for a throw-in if mistimed.
Kick-Off mode and multiplayer
The overhauled Kick-Off mode adds a best-of series option, home and away legs, and the ability to turn a one-off match into a Champions League final. Party modes include a no-rules setting, longshots counting as two goals, headers and volleys, and Survivor, which sends one of a player's own players off at random every time they score.
Journey mode's three-pronged story
Journey Mode reaches its final chapter in the three-part story of Alex Hunter, who has now joined Real Madrid with the Champions League as his target. Players can choose one of Madrid's Galacticos as a personal mentor, helping fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo. For the first time, the story also follows Alex's half-sister Kim Hunter and his best friend Danny Williams as separate narratives, letting players follow one character throughout or move between all three.
Career mode unchanged
Career mode has barely changed, despite the new tactics system and licenses making matches feel more realistic. On European match-days, the mode's only new addition is a different menu background featuring the Champions League logo.
The review called FIFA 19 the best game EA Sports has released during the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One era. EA Sports has said it will not release any major, game-changing updates to the title in the near future.