EA reveals some details about FIFA 20 and explains how the gameplay is set to be revised. What improvements are planned, you will find out here.
EA addresses the fans’ criticism of the gameplay in FIFA 19 in the current Pitch Notes and promises significant improvements. However, these will only come for FIFA 20.
This is what EA promises: Major gameplay improvements are mentioned. EA Sports promises to have heard the fans and intends to implement what many have demanded. A total of 9 gameplay issues are listed and explained how they will be improved in FIFA 20.
No longer in FIFA 19: EA also confirms that no major gameplay improvements will be delivered for FIFA 19. This is likely to upset many fans. According to EA, this is because some gameplay improvements are simply too complex to implement in a game that has already been released.
These changes are expected in FIFA 20
EA listens to fans’ criticism: Throughout the FIFA year, EA Sports has collected a lot of feedback from fans and game changers and is now using this to tweak the gameplay of FIFA 20. The following features are set to be improved:
AI Defensive Behavior
This is the problem: Manual defending in FIFA 19 is rarely rewarded and is not as effective as the AI’s automatic defending. For this reason, many players completely cede defense to the AI and try to manually close passing lanes.
This is set to change: Manual defending is to be rewarded more so that not every player lets the AI defend automatically. Additionally, the effectiveness of closing down should be reduced.
Consistency in 1-on-1 Shots
This is the problem: In 1-on-1 situations, it is sometimes difficult to get the ball into the net. Even with a clear path to goal, players often hit the crossbar or post.
This is set to change: The 1-on-1 situations against the goalkeeper should lead to more and easier goals. Especially in front of an open goal, the ball should go in more easily. Improved goalkeeper reactions are also promised to reduce unrealistic situations.
Finishing Timing
This is the problem: The timed finish shots were particularly too strong at the beginning of FIFA 19. Over the year, they were weakened, but they are still not well-balanced.
This is set to change: The timed finish shots should become even more difficult and less precise. Thus, the timing window for the green finish will be further shortened. Timing shots will continue to be more precise than regular shots.
Volley Crosses and Volley Shots
This is the problem: The lob or volley cross is too strong in FIFA 19 and is exploited by many players. This is mainly due to the flight path of the lob cross, which is different from that of a normal cross and almost impossible to defend.
This is set to change: The lob and volley cross should lose a lot of effectiveness. It should also be significantly harder for forwards to make headers. Volley shots will also be weakened.
Chained Skill Moves
This is the problem: Hardly defendable in FIFA 19 are players who execute one La Croqueta move after another in the penalty area. Unlimited consecutive skill moves are currently possible.
This is set to change: In FIFA 20, this should change. The likelihood of making a mistake after the second skill move should increase, making it more common to lose the ball when spamming skill moves.
Positioning in Set Pieces
This is the problem: Often during a corner, you find your own heading monsters in vain. This is as annoying as small defenders covering large strikers, both happen frequently in FIFA 19.
This is set to change: EA promises smarter players in the penalty area during set pieces for FIFA 20. Dangerous forwards should now appear more often in the box, and smaller defenders should cover fewer big strikers.
Manual Goalkeeper Movements
This is the problem: Manually controlling the goalkeeper in FIFA 19 is a really good innovation. The problem is that, if mastered correctly, it can quickly become a bit unfair.
This is set to change: It should still be possible to control the goalkeeper manually, but the goalkeeper should be able to move more realistically, i.e. slower. Additionally, you will have to decide on a direction and will no longer be able to move freely.
Passing
This is the problem: Difficult passes like 180-degree passes or passes under pressure were too easy and succeed almost every time in FIFA 19.
This is set to change: Difficult passes should now be more challenging in the game and no longer succeed in every situation. Additionally, easy passes with a completely free lane should become more precise.
Player Switching
This is the problem: Players are often locked onto free balls. A manual player switch is then no longer possible.
This is set to change: EA wants to completely overhaul the player-switching mechanic and prevent exactly such situations. The manual player switching using the right stick should also become significantly more precise.
The Reactions of the Fans
The changes are hotly debated: Many FIFA fans are annoyed that EA is saving the improvements for FIFA 20, so reddit user Devine_Dog skeptically asks: “Wait, they’re addressing all the problems but fixing them only in the next FIFA?”
Also, reddit user WithoutChance is not pleased: “So we paid full price to beta test the game, and then we have to pay full price again to receive potential improvements?”
Other players, however, appreciate the heard criticism and the detailed blog post from EA. So, Javi_Air writes on reddit: “Now let’s not exaggerate. They promise to try it, and I honestly believe them.”
The majority of FIFA fans, however, remain somewhat skeptical and prefer to wait and see how FIFA 20 will actually play.
