Recently, FIFA 20 was introduced. The biggest innovation: the Street mode VOLTA. But what does competitor PES 2020 have to offer this year, in 2019? We compare the games.
We have already taken a closer look at the new features of FIFA 20. Especially in the gameplay area, EA Sports has announced quite a bit.
But what does the competition eFootball PES 2020 offer this year? We have looked at the innovations and compared both games.
These are the new gameplay features
This is what PES 2020 offers: The gameplay in PES 2020 is set to change significantly. Konami has announced many improvements for gameplay. Especially the new, revamped dribbling system should be interesting for both beginners and pros. Tricks are performed with the right stick and can be refined with the left stick.
These are the biggest gameplay innovations:
- Finesse Dribble – an improved dribbling technique with more options
- Improved ball control
- Context-sensitive shooting accuracy – the circumstances of the shot have more impact on its trajectory
- Adaptive player interaction system – Should reflect player personalities on the field. For example, teammates make way for top dribblers for their dribbles
- Tactical fouls can be intentionally applied
- More realistic defense
- Ronaldinho serves as the inspiration for new tricks in PES 2020
This is what FIFA 20 offers: Great promises were also made for the gameplay of FIFA 20. According to EA, a lot of fan feedback on FIFA 19 was collected and analyzed. Based on this feedback, the gameplay of FIFA 20 is said to have been improved and adjusted.
EA summarizes the changes under the term “Football Intelligence”. This includes:
- New penalty and free kick mechanics with more control over the shot and spin
- The timed finishing has been revised – or has become harder to hit perfectly
- Manual defending should pay off again
- Improved one-on-one situations
- Revamped ball physics with more realism
- AI-controlled players engage more in the game and ensure that more types of goal chances arise. The “Natural Player Motion” should provide realistic behaviors on the field.
- The new “Penalty Dribbling” allows you to lure the opponent and then leave them standing with dynamic movements.
These game modes are new
This is what PES 2020 offers: Konami offers a completely new game mode with “Matchday” in PES 2020. In this mode, the PES player must choose one of two sides at the beginning of the week and then collect event points in group matches.
After the group stage, it will be determined which players were the best in their groups. These players will meet in a final and can unlock rewards for all players on their side with a victory.
This is what FIFA 20 offers: While The Journey is omitted in FIFA 20 and will not continue, VOLTA is the big new game mode in FIFA 20. Here, street football returns to FIFA, fulfilling a long-held dream for many fans. But with VOLTA, not just one mode comes, but three:
- VOLTA World – The main mode of VOLTA, here you compete online against opponents from all over the world and earn VOLTA Coins and rewards to improve your team and player
- VOLTA Story – The introduction to VOLTA with a campaign
- VOLTA Kick-Off – The offline mode for street duels on one console
These game modes are set to improve
This is what PES 2020 offers: In PES 2020, the Master League (the equivalent of the career mode in FIFA) is being revised. Konami promises:
- Dynamic interactions during contract negotiations
- A more realistic transfer market
- Improved coach models
- Adjustable sponsor logos
This is what FIFA 20 offers: EA has announced improvements for Pro Clubs and the career mode here. However, details are unfortunately still unknown. Only at the end of July will we learn more here.
Graphically, both games are top-notch
Update: You can find a graphic comparison between FIFA 20 and PES 20 here.
This is what PES 2020 offers: PES 2020, like FIFA, offers great graphics with a modern engine. For the latest installment of their PES series, Konami has scanned and integrated the personal movement patterns of significantly more players than for its predecessor.
A major annoyance for many PES fans is also set to be improved: the menu navigation.
Because the outdated menus have hardly changed for years and were really no fun. However, Konami has promised improvements and wants to impress with new modern menus.
Furthermore, a new camera perspective should provide a TV feeling.
This is what FIFA 20 offers: Whether a lot will change technically in FIFA 20 is not directly recognizable. Nevertheless, FIFA 20 looks fantastic and still relies on the Frostbite engine. So there is nothing to criticize about the presentation.
No surprises are to be expected regarding licenses
This is what PES 2020 offers: For PES 2020, none other than Lionel Messi is the cover star; he and his club FC Barcelona have extended their license with Konami.
What other licenses Konami has secured for PES 2020 this year is still unknown. However, it is clear that EA is ahead here and has exclusive representation of many leagues with FIFA 20.
This is what FIFA 20 offers: EA once again offers a huge licensing package this year, with hardly any complaints for us Europeans. All major leagues, including the Champions and Europa League, are included. Just like the women’s national teams.
However, we will have to wait and see if anything changes regarding the licenses. Many fans are still wishing for more leagues from EA Sports.
Initial reactions to eFootball PES 2020
In recent weeks, Konami invited various editorial offices to play sessions. Here are the reactions:
Gamesradar – “eFootball PES 2020 is likely to be excellent”
Gamesradar was able to play PES 2020 for 30 minutes and is impressed by the increased realism of the new installment. Although the gameplay is slower, it offers only improvements over PES 2019 thanks to the improved team AI, unpredictable yet realistic physics, and satisfying player physique.
It is likely that PES 2020 could be the most refined and realistic football game yet.
Gamesradar, Dan Dawkins
Netzwelt – “Konami clearly focuses on gameplay for eFootball PES 2020 and that’s a good thing”
Netzwelt was able to play the first games in PES 2020 during a play session and is excited about the gameplay and innovations. The physicality of the players is felt, ensuring more realism and great duels.
There were only a few graphical complaints.
When the camera zoomed in on the French national team as they sang the national anthem, some disheartening scenes were revealed. Griezmann’s jaw moved like that of a nutcracker, Pogba looked like he was stoned, and Dembélé could hardly open his eyes.
netzwelt, Darius Schuiszill
Initial reactions to FIFA 20
At EA Play 2019, visitors were able to try out FIFA 20 but not the VOLTA mode. Here are the reactions:
PC Games – “Animations, presentation, gameplay feel – FIFA 20 builds on what the predecessors did well”
PC Games was at EA Play and was able to play FIFA 20 there. It is confirmed that the announced gameplay improvements have mostly been implemented and are indeed noticeable.
It is also positively noted that the skill moves in FIFA 20 require significantly more skill and can no longer be easily chained together.
FIFA 20 builds on what the predecessors did well. At the same time, some of the issues that FIFA 19 had are being addressed.
PC Games, Philipp Sattler
Engadget – “FIFA 20 is much more than just street football”
Engadget was also at EA Play and had the opportunity to play FIFA 20. Here, the improved one-on-one situations were particularly praised, as it is now significantly harder to get past strong defenders than in the predecessor. Furthermore, scoring goals is trickier, which adds to the realism.
EA Sports makes its beloved franchise look and feel even more realistic.
Engadget, Edgar Alvarez
See for yourself
When PES 2020 will be released: The release date of eFootball PES 2020 is September 10, 2019. The football simulation will be released on the following platforms: Playstation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
How you can play PES 2020 before release: Konami has already confirmed the demo date for PES 2020; it is July 30, 2019. On this date, the demo will also be released for Xbox One, PS4, and PC.
When FIFA 20 will be released: On September 27, 2019, FIFA 20 will be released for Playstation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
How you can play FIFA 20 before release: There is no official demo date for FIFA 20 yet. However, it has been the case in previous years that FIFA demos were released about two weeks before the release. For this reason, we expect a similar date this year. Realistically, it would be September 12, 2019.
Additionally, there are several ways to play the full version of FIFA 20 thoroughly before release:
At Gamescom 2019, you will also have the opportunity to play FIFA 20. This takes place from August 21 to 24 in Cologne.
Which game will be better?
In summary: FIFA seems to be bundling the bigger package this year and clearly offers the most and biggest innovations. The VOLTA mode alone is completely new and is sure to provide plenty of variety in virtual football life.
In contrast, PES is being tweaked and improved in important areas. But that doesn’t have to be a bad thing, as PES is known for its outstanding gameplay. However, EA Sports also seems to be catching up and addressing its biggest gameplay issues.
We are certainly excited for September when both games will be released.
