For the FIFA 19 demo, there are already first test impressions from fans. The gameplay is well received by many, while others still have doubts. According to EA, the gameplay is expected to improve even more by the release.
Update: If you are looking for information about the FIFA 20 demo, you will find it here.
Everyone can now test FIFA 19: On September 13, in the afternoon, the FIFA 19 demo went live on PS4, Xbox One, and PC. Any curious fan who wants to take a look at the upcoming football simulation can now play a few friendly matches for free, experience the Champions League atmosphere, and check out the story mode.
But the most important thing: You can try out the new gameplay. How does FIFA 19 perform on the pitch?
The general mood in the FIFA forums: When scrolling through reddit, the current positive test impressions from fans dominate. The gameplay is said to be more realistic, slower, but still smoother. New features are celebrated. However, there are also some critical voices.
We summarize the opinions.
What’s liked about the FIFA 19 demo
Things fans praise about the demo:
- The in-game graphics and animations are significantly better than in FIFA 18.
- The gameplay pace is more realistic and slightly slower.
- The animations are smooth. During ball receptions, shots, and tackles. You can find all information about the new gameplay features here.
- The passing is more realistic. Passes from turns are no longer precise, and high passing values from players are now more significant. A user writes that Kroos or De Bruyne can now control the midfield better with their passes than ever before. Pace is no longer as decisive.
- Players make smarter runs and “want” to get to the ball.
- Players go into tackles more intensely.
- Defending feels better than before; there is more control in the tackles.
- Tackles are more realistically conducted and are no longer as predictable as before.
- The dynamic tactics are well received. It is praised that during the game, it shows which quick tactics are active.
- The top post on reddit with the most upvotes celebrates the new feature that allows you to perform a random goal celebration when you press the circle button (PS4). Eventually, celebrations become boring when you have automated a certain combination of buttons and keep performing the same celebration. Now there is more variety in celebrating.
Many temper the anticipation: However, some users immediately warn that this is just a demo and that it should be approached with caution. Ultimately, only the future will show how the gameplay will fare in online modes like FUT. In FUT, player stats are influenced by chemistry and other factors.
What’s criticized about the FIFA 19 demo
Many user posts express critical views:
- The new commentator duo is particularly criticized. It is often read that they quickly get on one’s nerves. The demo only features the English commentator duo.
- Many still have doubts about the timed finishing, the new shot mechanic. Here, you can double-tap circle or B to execute a precise and powerful shot with perfect timing on the second press. However, you have to get used to it first. The timed finishing can actually be turned off in the menu settings. Tips and an explanation about timed finishing can be found here.
- Some wished for even more customization options with the dynamic tactics.
- The AI sometimes makes strange decisions. Occasionally, the winger does not run along even when the path is clear.
- Long shots and shots in general go into the goal too often. The goalkeeper does not always look good either.
- There are complaints about some referee decisions. The referee is not perfect in FIFA 19 either.
Keep in mind that all these aspects are test opinions formulated by fans in the reddit forum. They are not representative or universally valid.
Thumbs up or down? In a thread, a poll was started on whether to give the demo a thumbs up or down. So far, the overwhelming majority has left a thumbs up.
Now you can participate in our poll and vote on how you like the demo:
EA promises that the gameplay will get even better
Early FIFA-19 build: The global manager of EA, Corey Andress, has spoken via Twitter. He emphasizes that the demo is a fairly early test version of FIFA 19.
Gameplay will improve by release: Andress promises that improvements to the gameplay have already been made. Recently, a demo event took place in Berlin where a newer build could be tested. According to Andress, most would probably agree that FIFA 19 has improved since the demo build.
Tom says: I have already played six matches in the demo, which confirmed my impressions from a demo event in mid-July. In my opinion, FIFA 19 does a lot right in terms of gameplay. You have more control in the game, can combine well, and create surprising moments; the action looks smoother and more realistic.
However, EA Sports still needs to work a bit on long shots and goalkeepers, which have not left a good impression on me. If improvements are made here by the release, I look forward to the new season in FIFA 19.
You can read my detailed first impression of FIFA 19 here.
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