FIFA 19: What to Expect from the Upcoming Release

The FIFA eWorld Cup 2018 came to a close on Saturday 4th August 2018 with Mosaad ‘Msdossary’ Aldossary of Saudi Arabia crowned 2018 World Champion.

He beat Stefano ‘StefanoPinna’ Pinna to claim the $250,000 (approx. £193,150) prize and the trophy.

While the tournament went on, new features on FIFA 19 were also announced.

New gameplay features have developed, both in kick off and in Ultimate Team. The first gameplay footage was also shown during the eWorld Cup.

Gameplay has developed that is sure to revolutionise football simulation games. Fluid, flowing football finally arrives for players to immerse themselves.

Let’s take a look at all the new features that have been revealed.

New Icons

Icons replaced legends last year in FIFA Ultimate Team and became available for players on PlayStation and Xbox.

Players were able to play with different versions (Icon Stories) of past players. Legends of the game such as Thierry Henry and Ronaldinho were able to become part of gamer’s teams.

FIFA 19 sees the announcement of 10 new Icons coming into the game come September 2018.

The class of FIFA 19 include the return of Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro, who was an available legend in past games. His removal was due to licensing.

Roberto Baggio, famous for his ponytail will enter the game as well as Raúl, who led Real Madrid’s strikeforce for many years.

Premier League midfielders Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are two of the most anticipated Icons.

Johan Cruyff, one of football’s greatest ever players, is an Icon in FIFA 19. He is a player that gamers have wanted in the game for so long, however licensing has prevented that until now.

Icon stories first arrived in FIFA 18 which gave Icons three versions based on a certain point during their career. Usually their early stages and nearing retirement, with a third set during a player’s prime.

It is not confirmed whether EA will continue with three versions of each player, or to just stick with one. More detail on this will be during Gamescom, which begins on 25th August.

*Disclaimer: Icon ratings are not final

New Kick-Off Mode

One of the game’s most popular features: Kick-Off mode has been completely overhauled, there are brand new ways to play.

The refreshed Kick-Off opens up the mode with new match types, stat tracking and much more. This makes it easier and more exciting for you and your friends.

More Match Types

The classic Kick-Off, a staple of the FIFA series remains in FIFA 19. Five new match types are included, choose from:

• UEFA Champions League – The greatest club competition is now in FIFA, you can set up custom Champions League matches. Authentic visuals and broadcast overlays provide a realistic, immersive tournament experience.
• House Rules – It is just the match type for those that want to play with different rules or no rules at all. Custom match rules include Survival, Long Range, First to…, and Headers & Volleys.
• Best of Series – Determine who the best is by playing three or five-match series.
• Home & Away – A two-legged match type in which one home and one away match is played to determine the overall winner. Aggregate score decides the winner.
• Cup Finals – For an immersive experience, play as one of some real-life cup finals. These include Champions League Final, Europa League Final, FA Cup and others. Official kits, badges and genuine broadcast overlays provide for an authentic cup experience.

Each new addition is slightly different to the normal match experience. This keeps things refreshing every time you play.

Along with new match types, stat tracking across your Kick-Off history is possible. All stats in this mode are recorded.

Gameplay Features

FIFA 19 has included subtle changes that have a big impact on gameplay. The Frostbite engine which brought player personality returns with increased pitch coverage.

Enhancement of tactical shielding, impact balancing and physical jostles bring realistic player movement to unprecedented heights.

Active Touch System

Receiving and striking the ball is fundamentally different thanks to a new Active Touch System. Close control, increased fluidity, more creativity and player personality is better than ever.

Take advantage of a suite of new first touch controls, like the disguised trap and flick-up volleys to get past the opposition.

Skill-specific animations are new in FIFA 19, such as the Neymar Trap, to beat your opponent and create scoring opportunities.

Dynamic Tactics

The new system gives players the ability to set up multiple tactical approaches, which offer in-depth customisation pre-match as well as dynamic in-match adjustments.

Each tactical approach combines formations, mentalities, and both attacking and defensive play styles. This enables you to customise your play in any situation at the touch of the d-pad.

Timed Finishing

Timed finishing adds a new layer of control to your chances in front of goal. Deft touches, precision headers and outside of the box strikes makes any shot world class with just one extra, well-timed button tap.

Timing is key, presenting a layer of risk and reward when shooting in FIFA 19.

50/50 Battles

User reactions and player attributes determine the outcome for winning loose balls across the pitch.

Increased teammate intelligence and spatial awareness makes every challenge matter in the fight for possession.

FUT Division Rivals

A new way to compete online, take on players of a similar skill level from around the world in Division Rivals.

This brand new mode lets players compete against others in your Division to earn a choice of weekly rewards. You choose what reward you think can help improve your squad.

Placement matches determine your division when first starting Division Rivals, where you are given a Skill Rating. Each match played in Division Rivals impacts Skill Rating.

Build a high enough Skill Rating to move up a Division.

Every week in Division Rivals is a different competition, and rewards are earned at the end of every week.

Your weekly score determines your Division rank and a higher rank mean a better choice of rewards when the competition ends.

The hype for FIFA 19 is here even though a small amount has been announced, new features will be announced during Gamescom in August 2018.

Gamescom always covers upcoming FIFA games in a lot of detail. With just over a month before FIFA 19 is released, it is not too long before the latest incarnation of one of the most popular gaming franchises is in stores and online.

Pre-order now on Amazon.