For nearly three decades, the FIFA video game series released annually by gaming giant Electronic Arts or EA has developed a cult-like massive fan and customer base. The Guardian called the series “the slickest, most polished and by far the most popular football game around. Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the “best-selling sports video game franchise in the world”, by 2018 the FIFA series had sold over 260 million copies worldwide. The latest installment, FIFA 20 released worldwide on 27th September 2019, playable on the Xbox One, PS4, PC and Nintendo Switch has been considerably revamped, a huge change is the reintroduction of a FIFA Street type game mode, branded under the name Volta. In this post, let’s look at what the recent installment brings to the series, and where it falls short.
The Pros
Pace and Strafe Dribbling
A player’s pace is crucial again. One of the largest complaints with FIFA 19, is that players like Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, or Tottenham’s Son Heung-min who had statistics that illustrated their quickness and ability on the ball. However in-game, these players did not demonstrate said pace and would be chopped down by significantly slower and clunkier defenders. This thankfully is addressed by EA in the latest release. Pacey players now feel like the live wire they should, and if they get past their man, no defender will able to nail them down. The new introduction of Strafe dribbling also assists players who don’t have time to master skill moves which fix players positioning and orientation to avoid challenges and tackles for the ball
Improved Form and Morale system.
Although being a part of the Career Mode or Manager mode part of the game for a few years now, players’ form and morale at the club did not really pose a significant visible impact. Players could have poor form and morale and still be banging in goals, a massive pet peeve for most FIFA enthusiasts. With an improved morale system in place, gamers now can directly control the morale of their players by attending press conferences and responding to player text messages. High morale, can put a team on-song and very visible improvements are made to their performances on the pitch. ‘75’ rated players being to feel like an 80 rated player due to boosts to stats in-game due to high morale or good form.
Volta- A breeze of Fresh Air.
Volta is the biggest addition to the base game, replacing the first of its kind, the story mode in The Journey playable in FIFA 18 and 19. It is by far is one of the most rewarding and entertaining gameplay options that are reminiscent of the old classic FIFA Street. With three gameplay modes within volta (tour, story and league), it also allows you to choose to play in 17 differently yet beautifully crafted locations across the world each offering its own unique gameplay experience. Experienced FIFA gamers may enjoy Volta considering the mode rewards showmanship and skill moves.
Other Small Improvements
FIFA 20 introduces new Kick off modes like “mystery ball” and “king of the hill”. Additionally players can find improved long passes, ball physics and smoother animations. The set piece system which was due for an upgrade, finally got one, and gamers have finally been more successful in converting free kicks and corners.
The Cons
No Juventus.
By far one of the largest downfalls that FIFA 20 has shown is the absence of Juventus, the Serie A (Italian League) giant is NOT licensed in the game. Pro evolution soccer or PES owned and created by Konami hold exclusive rights to the team. Gamers playing FIFA 20, no longer have access to using the Juventus badge, managing the club, kits, and stadium. Juventus players however are still in the game with a new designed kit, badge and stadium, but unfortunately will operate under the name “Piemonte Calcio”. As such, FIFA have also lost the opportunity to promote their games with Juventus stars like Cristiano Ronaldo until the foreseeable future.
Career Mode is in the coffin
FIFA gamers screams and shouts have still fallen on EA’s developers deaf ears. The complaint being that there has been no change or significant improvement to the game mode for years now. In comparison to FIFA competitors like Football Manager or PES which offer incredibly realistic and advanced career or manager modes. FIFA has a history of not improving career mode for years, and users end up playing a very similar game for years now. FIFA 20’s only change to career mode has been the introduction of new cut-scenes for press conferences and transfer negotiations, and a change in player communication. However, many avid professional FIFA gamers have found said scenes to be “annoying” and “unimpressive” leaving these changes to be essentially unnoticed.
Final Verdict
FIFA 20, is a beautiful football game and is still worth it’s price tag. The introduction of Volta and lighthearted or silly kick-off modes have made the game more enjoyable for a wider audience. However outstanding issues still must be addressed. Career mode, the flagship game mode is in dire need of an upgrade. The death of career mode can spell certain doom for the franchise as most serious FIFA gamers will switch to its competitors in PES or Football Manager.
