FIFA 20: What to Expect from the New Game Release

The FIFA franchise is one of the most popular video game series out there and the new release, FIFA 20, is just around the corner.

The new game is set to be released on September 27, 2019, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch with an initial release date of September 24, 2019.

EA Sports have already released a gameplay trailer as well as providing gamers with an insight of the new game modes and features but there is much more that they have not yet announced.

From new icons to new game modes, EA has been working to make the new game as immersive as possible.

There have also been gameplay additions to Ultimate Team, the game’s most popular mode to play.

When it comes to the top football simulation games, FIFA is always in the conversation.

With a variety of information already been talked about, we look at them in more detail.

New Icons

Icons are always an exciting part of FIFA Ultimate Team as they allow gamers to put former players into their customised teams.

They are seen as some of the rarest players to obtain and they will certainly cost a lot of your hard-earned in-game coins but even just one Icon will significantly improve your team.

Icons have incredibly high stats which will give you an advantage over opponents and each year, new ones are added to the game.

FIFA 19 saw 10 new Icons added to the game which included the likes of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and Dutch maestro Johan Cruyff.

When FIFA 20 releases in September 2019, a total of 15 new Icons will enter the game.

Gamers will now have the chance to play with Liverpool duo John Barnes and Ian Rush, current Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman and the recently retired Didier Drogba.

Since Icons were released, Zinedine Zidane has been one of the most requested past players. Gamers will finally get their chance to use Zidane as he will be a part of the game.

There are still seven Icons which are yet to be released. People have speculated who they might be but we will not know for sure until they are officially announced.

It is very likely that Icon Stories will return meaning that there will be three versions of each player which are based on certain points during their career.

More detail on the new Icons will be unveiled during Gamescom which begins on August 20, 2019.

Volta Football

Arguably the most intriguing announcement for FIFA 20 is the introduction of VOLTA Football.

It is a completely new mode that provides a change to the regular 11v11 gameplay and instead focuses on small-sided street games.

For fans of the FIFA Street series, this may be the mode for you as it looks to be a revamped version of it.

VOLTA Football uses the same game engine but the emphasis is more focused towards skill and independent play rather than tactical and team play.

There are different options to play in three versus three, four versus four and five versus five matches, as well as with professional futsal rules. All of which can be played with regular teams.

Whatever match type you play, they will be played in unique arenas around the world. This means that you can show off your skills on the streets of Cape Town or Madrid.

New skill moves and camera angles help make the most of the street setting.

It also includes a player customisation aspect meaning that you can create your own character and style them however you want.

Recruit a team and take your character through the VOLTA story mode or play online against other VOLTA Football players in the online league.

It is a new addition to freshen up the franchise which will both be competitive and enjoyable for gamers.

Ultimate Team

The most popular game mode in FIFA returns. Offline modes like Squad Battles and online favourites Division Rivals and FUT Champions also return.

While there are a number of features returning, there are also new features which are sure to entice gamers.

There are many more ways to play Ultimate Team such as the overhauled Squad Management.

Players can now navigate the transfer market, active squad and club content with ease as it is now from one location.

The daily match cap for Squad Battles has been removed for FIFA 20, allowing you to rise up the ranks on your terms.

Objectives have also been redefined. Earn XP over the course of a season and make progress. As you level up, unique rewards can be earned which can be used to personalise your club.

These new additions, as well as live content throughout the year, will keep players engaged as they work to build their perfect team.

Gameplay

With every new release, EA Sports makes tweaks to the gameplay to ensure fluidity and that it looks authentic.

The gameplay for FIFA 20 has been about developing the players’ decisions on and off the ball to create more intelligent gameplay.

Changes have been made to the regular game mode to encourage more one-on-one opportunities and off-the-ball space creation.

EA Sports have focused their efforts on three elements: On the ball, off the ball and the ball.

On the Ball

Players will now enjoy more control over the decisive moments which can determine the outcome of a match.

• Set-Piece Refresh: Set-pieces have been changed. There is a new aiming mechanic to give players more creativity. Add curl or dip to free-kicks, pick your target and time it right.
• Strafe Dribbling: New dimensions have been added when attacking as players will move with more agility. Defenders can be lured in which provides gamers with the opportunity to beat them with skill or pace.
• Controlled Tackling: If you lose the ball, it is nothing to be worried about as you win back possession with the new animations that reward you for well-timed defensive plays.
• Composed Finishing: Shooting has been changed to make it more realistic. Finishing is more clinical when one-on-one while long shots and volleys are a risk.

Off the Ball

Even though there is more emphasis on your actions on the ball, the players off the ball now play a huge part.

The game can shift into your favour in both attack and defence with more control and a variety of options in 1v1 situations.

• AI Defending Revamp: A new positioning and tackling system means that there is better defensive support from AI-controlled players which makes it easier to win the ball back.
• Natural Player Motion: Innovations have been made in player motion and positioning so more realistic movement is experienced all over the pitch.

The Ball

Even the way in which the ball moves has been improved. Whether it be in the air or on the ground, the ball moves more naturally.

• Football-Informed Motion: An authentic match experience has been created with realistic ball movement. It now spins and bounces in a lifelike way.
• New Shot Trajectories: Curling shots, dipping free-kicks and first-time rising shots have been made possible by the new Ball Motion System.

An Improved Career Mode

Even though Ultimate Team is the most played game mode, they is still a lot of love for the single-player Career Mode.

But as it is less of a priority than Ultimate Team, not as much attention has been paid to it.

Career Mode fans have been wanting improvements but there has not been any. That has changed with FIFA 20.

Press conferences were in FIFA 19 but they did not have much effect, but in FIFA 20, whatever is said during pre and post-match press conferences can have an impact on player morale, along with manager rating.

When speaking to players, a “messaging app-like interface” will be used and you will have to “deal with a variety of requests from players”.

Gamers will then have to find ways to solve these situations. Experiences after each match will be completely different from one another.

Compared to previous Career Modes, the interaction aspect has been significantly improved.

Manager customisation is much broader. Everything from hair and eyes to outfit and gender can be changed. It is something EA has been pushing since 2016.

Another addition is dynamic player potential which is how a player’s potential changes based on how they are performing.

Other minor changes include live news screenshots. When brought together, it should Career Mode more immersive and enjoyable for its loyal fans.

The release of a new FIFA game is always exciting as the new features are something people want to know more about.

Even though it looks like a lot of information about the game has been announced, in actual fact, it is only a small percentage.

Most of the new information is revealed at Gamescom. More new Icons and other Ultimate Team features tend to be announced.

There is not long to go and it looks to be a promising and realistic football simulator.

Watch the Gameplay Trailer for FIFA 20