Review: FIFA 19

FIFA is one of Electronic Arts’ most successful and financially important franchises. Annually, it is a key driver of sales, particularly during the holiday season. While FIFA 19 experienced a slight dip in physical sales this year, it remains a major, annually recurring title in the gaming landscape.

Featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, the Juventus striker and widely regarded as one of the most complete football players, on its cover (though his image is now somewhat controversial), FIFA 19 effectively captures the essence of enjoyable virtual football gameplay. The graphics are impressive, even on older console hardware. The PlayStation 4 version exhibits vibrant colors and detailed visuals while maintaining smooth performance, and the Xbox One version offers a similar experience. However, the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X provide the optimal visual fidelity, with up to 4K resolution, HDR color, and a consistently high frame rate. The audio, particularly with high-quality headphones or a robust sound system, enhances the arena atmosphere, and the commentary is sharp and engaging. The overall sense of immersion is remarkable. The menus are modern and streamlined, and player substitutions are easily managed with a single button press following the computer’s suggestions. Furthermore, FIFA 19’s acquisition of the Europe and Champions League licenses from Pro Evolution Soccer adds further value to a game already known for its extensive roster of licensed players and real-world team names, which significantly contributes to the game’s realism.

FIFA 19 continues its trend toward a more deliberately paced and tactical style of gameplay. It also provides improved balancing mechanisms, allowing novice players a better chance against experienced veterans, resulting in a more accessible arcade-like experience. The increasing complexity of button combinations and specialized controls has also solidified FIFA’s position as a prominent eSport title. While this may appeal to dedicated fans, it can present a steeper learning curve for newcomers, potentially leading to frustration before players can truly appreciate the depth of the game mechanics (which extend beyond basic runs, shots, and passes). The highly regarded single-player mode, The Journey, concludes its three-year run here (thank you, Bioware!). The ability to play as both Alex and Kim Hunter adds to the experience. Its narrative-driven gameplay, press conferences, and the thrill of signing with new clubs added a new dimension to the FIFA series’ single-player offerings.

A less appealing aspect is the presence of microtransactions, particularly within FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT). While FUT is a conceptually strong mode, its implementation is marred by its pay-to-win mechanics or the requirement of extensive grinding. Expect to invest potentially 100 hours to accumulate enough coins to acquire even a single iconic player. Alternatively, circumventing the grind requires a significant financial investment. These transactions can amount to thousands of kronor, on top of the game’s initial purchase price. EA should reconsider its reliance on microtransactions, as it may ultimately be more detrimental than beneficial to the game’s long-term success. Microtransactions are more acceptable in free-to-play titles, but their use should be limited, if present at all, in full-price games.

EA’s FIFA 19 excels in nearly every area and surpasses its competitor, Pro Evolution Soccer, in most aspects, with one notable exception: the overall feel of the game. Determining which title is superior is largely subjective and dependent on individual preferences and prior experience. FIFA 19 is a more polished, deliberate, and analytical game, whereas Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 is faster-paced, more unpredictable, and conveys a sense that “anything can happen” (a review of PES 2019 will be published shortly on senses.se). Therefore, a definitive declaration of FIFA 19 as the year’s best football game is difficult, although it is likely the title that will appeal to the broadest audience and offers a more modern and complete experience overall. If you have enjoyed previous FIFA titles, this iteration is highly recommended, as the series has not been this strong in quite some time.