FIFA 19 features some gameplay changes compared to its predecessor. Above all, two new features ensure that virtual soccer becomes even more natural.
Every year, EA Sports tinkers a little with the gameplay of their soccer simulation to create new incentives for fans to get the current FIFA installment. Often, these involve improvements to player intelligence or new animations, making “dramatic moments” possible.
FIFA 19 significantly alters the gameplay: In FIFA 19, fans can now expect greater innovations. Players have more control over the game and leave less to chance.
The gameplay becomes more natural
We spoke with Samuel Rivera, the gameplay producer of FIFA, about the new gameplay features. He exclusively revealed in the interview that for him, the new Active Touch System combined with the 50/50 Battles represents the biggest innovation of FIFA 19.
Because these two features make the gameplay of FIFA 19 “more natural, more like soccer,” Rivera stated. The virtual players show an instinct to get to the ball that real-life footballers also demonstrate. They don’t simply give up on the tackle and let the opponent go, instead, they try to get a foot on the ball.
According to Rivera, this feels so natural that one would not want to return to FIFA 18 after a short time. The feeling of the game is simply not the same as in FIFA 19 with the innovative Active Touch System and the 50/50 Battles.
The gameplay becomes more like it should be in soccer.
Overview of the Active Touch System
What is the Active Touch System? This system influences ball reception, ball touches, and thus ball control. A variety of new animations are introduced that open up new possibilities for handling the ball.
How does the Active Touch System affect gameplay? Depending on the game situation, the best animation is selected to reach a ball, Rivera explained. For example, players now also execute flying headers to reach a ball and pass it on. Additionally, new techniques like flick-up volleys, concealed ball receptions, or skill-specific animations such as Neymar’s trap are introduced. Previous tricks like the feigned shot, volleys, and some skill moves receive new movement animations.
Are these changes really noticeable on the field? Yes! At a FIFA 19 play event, we tested especially the flick-up volleys, which work really well. One can hold the ball in the air with the right stick and lob it over opponents. Surprise moments are easily possible. One also has more options while receiving the ball.
The Active Touch System in the video:
Overview of the 50/50 Battles
What are the 50/50 Battles? These involve an improvement in duels. Now, the user’s reaction speed and the players’ ratings determine who can reclaim loose balls. The players on the field show better duel intelligence and more “instinct.”
How do the 50/50 Battles affect gameplay? In FIFA 18, many duels happen where a player reaches the ball, and the opponent then simply runs past and gives up the duel. In FIFA 19, players show more fight, “more instinct,” so they always try to somehow get a foot on the ball. It can also happen that both players touch the ball in a duel, causing it to bounce uncontrollably.
Are these changes really noticeable on the field? Yes, duels feel different in FIFA 19 than in FIFA 18 and also look slightly different. There’s a sense that players are trying harder to get to the ball. New animations and movements in duels are introduced.
Further gameplay innovations
Timed Finishing: The “timed finishing” is an optional feature that one does not have to use. It allows you to make your shots more powerful and precise on goal, but you must double-tap the shoot button and have perfect timing on the second tap – otherwise, the ball simply rolls toward the goal or flies into the stands. In other words, if you master this feature, you have more control over your shots. According to Rivera, perfect timed finishing is not a guarantee of scoring – it merely increases the chances.
You can see the new shooting mechanics in this video:
Dynamische Taktiken: In FIFA 19, you have significantly more tactical game variations at your disposal before and during the game than in FIFA 18. You can set every instruction individually. One example: If you set “very offensive” during the game, you can pre-determine how exactly your players should behave on the field – how far apart should they stand, how high or deep should they stand when “very offensive”, how many players should occupy the penalty area, etc. Tactics enthusiasts can have a field day here.
This video introduces the dynamic tactics:
Real Player Motion Technology: This feature is intended to further increase player movements, reaction speed, player personalities, and thus realism.
More information about these three features can be found in our overview of all gameplay innovations in FIFA 19.
In general, it can be stated that FIFA 19 aims to become even more realistic, authentic, and natural in terms of gameplay. FIFA fans are getting more control over various aspects of the game and can put their individual stamp on each match.
You can read our detailed play report on FIFA 19 here, where we tell you what we found positive and negative about the gameplay:
