FIFA 19
a game by | Electronic Arts Canada |
Platforms: | XBox 360, XBox One, Nintendo Switch, PC (2018), Playstation 4, Playstation 3 (2018) |
Editor Rating: | 8.5/10, based on 2 reviews |
User Rating: | 6.5/10 - 20 votes |
Rate this game: | |
See also: | Sport Games, Sports Management Games, Soccer Video Games, FIFA Games, Origin Games |
The FIFA soccer game franchise is one of the most popular sports game series around the world, with a staggeringly high number of players and sales. It's no wonder why, with the game's incredibly realistic visuals and computer opponent AI. Few games manage to produce the thrill of the soccer pitch quite like FIFA 19, so soccer fans should get excited. Thanks to a great selection of gameplay modes, as well as the excellent final chapter in the multi-game narrative known as “The Journey”, FIFA 19 is a content-rich package that will surely please fans of the franchise. With a bevy of customization options and the inclusion of the FIFA Women's World Cup, FIFA 19 lets you enjoy the sport of soccer in your preferred style.
Main Game Features
- Narrative-driven story mode
- Official UEFA clubs and competitions
- Updated gameplay mechanics and features
Story
One of the best recurring modes in the previous two FIFA installments was “The Journey”, a narrative-driven mode that follows the fictional soccer athlete Alex Hunter. FIFA 19 contains the final chapter in this three-part story, dubbed “The Journey: Champions”. In this epic conclusion to the surprisingly effective story, Alex, his half-sister Kim, and his childhood friend Danny attempt to reach soccer fame by competing in some of the most prestigious tournaments in the league. Players can control any of the three characters, experiencing the yearly play-schedule out of chronological order. Each character has their own personal story arc as well as gameplay differences, for example, Kim's story offers time with the FIFA Women's League. Due to the full UEFA license in FIFA 19, the story also heavily features the Champion's Cup as the ultimate test of skill.
Gameplay
The FIFA franchise has led the gaming industry in authentic soccer gameplay for decades and FIFA 19 continues that trend flawlessly. Players can don their jerseys for a full career, exhibition matches, and online multiplayer, choosing from a wide range of national and regional clubs. Gameplay feels smooth and natural, with fluid animations and highly realistic graphics. A few tweaks have been made to the overall gameplay, but don't expect any major changes. Passing accuracy and shot precision have been adjusted to provide a more accurate experience, while the new Dynamic Tactics system allows for extra strategy during matches. Over a dozen new stadiums have also been added to the game, expanding upon previous games' offerings and representing more international teams. This includes stadiums from the Spanish La Liga, as well as some United States and European stadiums as well.
Conclusion
If you've played previous FIFA titles and enjoyed them, you'll most likely find plenty of fun within FIFA 19. Even for seasoned veterans of the soccer franchise, the great story found in The Journey mode is well worth the time.
Most of the gameplay tweaks help strengthen the realistic nature of the gameplay for better or worse, resulting in a slower-paced game than usual. While this might take some getting used to, the end product is a refined sports experience that feels immersive and true-to-life. The plethora of teams, stadiums, and leagues provide endless options for fantasy soccer matches, ensuring you'll never become bored. FIFA 19 provides the fully-fledged soccer experience that modern fans want, and it does it with style and passion.
Pros
- Great variety of modes
- Stunning number of clubs
- Crisp visuals and clean animations
Cons
- Many features are recycled from previous years
- Lots of microtransactions
- Passing can be tough at first
Download FIFA 19
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
Game Reviews
I am a seasoned vet when it comes to this series and FIFA 19 was so good I was a little late jumping into FIFA 20! Look, to some people, FIFA is the same game every year and I get that. To those of us that eat this game up each year, we know that there are small changes each year that we like and that no matter what, this is a game we pick up each year.
The End Of The Journey
One of the most notable things about FIFA 19 is that it was the end of a three-year journey of the story mode. This started a few FIFA’s back and I really do not think that EA Sports got the credit they deserved for this mode. By this point, Alex Hunter was a superstar, but you also got to play as his sister Kim and his friend Danny. Each one had their own story and their own kind of challenges to overcome. I would say that EA Sports ended the story perfectly with this.
The Champions!
One of the biggest additions to this year’s game was EA finally managing to get the rights to the Champions League and the Europa League. Getting the Champions League was awesome and something I had wanted for years. My main mode in each FIFA is Career Mode and FIFA 19 was no different. To a non-football fan, it sounds silly. However, actually being able to compete in The Champions League with the music and the presentation was a massive deal for me.
It Is The Little Things That Matter
By the time this game came around, FIFA had pretty much perfected the art of virtual football. I would say that for the next few years at least, we are not going to get a whole new engine because we do not need one. Still, with that being said, EA Sports did add a few new gameplay tweaks. One that is worth mentioning is the active touch system that was introduced.
This along with the timed finishing gave you more control than ever before. Many things were tightened up under the hood and if you played FIFA 18, you will certainly notice the small changes that had been made to FIFA 19.
The Ultimate Team
You may find this surprising as I have had every FIFA since the original on the Sega Mega Drive, but Ultimate Team or FUT, if you are one of the cool kids, has never really done anything for me. Hey, I get it, for those that love it is awesome and once again this years FIFA goes all-in with it. So, if this is your cup of tea you will love it. If you are not into it like me, career mode and online is more than enough to keep you happy and busy.
I had an excellent full-year with FIFA 19. I think that the ending to the Journey story mode was done very well and that Career Mode thanks to the inclusion of the Champions League was better than ever. If you like FIFA you will like this it is as simple as that. Those who do not like FIFA, on the other hand, will probably not find enough new here to win them over.
Pros:
- Career Mode is once again excellent
- Including the Champions League is awesome
- The new on the pitch touches give you more control
- The presentation is fantastic as always
- I liked how you dealt with transfers in Career Mode
Cons:
- Not many people will appreciate the small changes
- I thought the licensed soundtrack was awful!
Snapshots and Media
XBox 360 Screenshots
XBox One Screenshots
Nintendo Switch Screenshots
PC Screenshots
Playstation 4 Screenshots
Playstation 3 Screenshots
See Also
- Pro Evolution Soccer 2017
- FIFA 17
- NHL 96
- NBA 2k17
- FIFA 14
- FIFA 16
- Pro Evolution Soccer 2019
- Pro Evolution Soccer 2011
- FIFA 13
- Formation Soccer 2002
- New Star Soccer 3
- Goal! Two
- Kick And Rush
- LNF Stars 2001
- Manchester United: The Double
- Michael Owen's WLS 2000
- On the Ball
- World Advance Soccer: Road to Win
- Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars