From Graphics to Gameplay: Our Honest FIFA 20 Review
FIFA 20 is the latest installment in the long-running and iconic FIFA series developed by EA Sports. Since its inception in 1993, the FIFA series has become one of the most popular and successful sports video game franchises in the world. With each new release, EA Sports aims to improve upon the previous version and deliver a more realistic and immersive football experience.
FIFA 20 introduces several new features and enhancements that set it apart from its predecessor, FIFA 19. From improved graphics and visuals to more realistic gameplay mechanics, FIFA 20 offers a fresh and exciting experience for both casual players and hardcore fans of the series.
Graphics and Visuals: A Major Improvement from FIFA 19
One of the first things that players will notice when they boot up FIFA 20 is the significant improvement in graphics and visuals compared to FIFA 19. The developers have made great strides in creating more realistic player models, stadiums, and environments. The level of detail is truly impressive, with players’ facial expressions and body movements looking more lifelike than ever before.
In addition to improved player models, FIFA 20 also features enhanced lighting effects and more realistic pitch textures. The grass looks lush and vibrant, while the stadiums come alive with dynamic crowd animations and atmospheric effects. Overall, FIFA 20 offers a visually stunning experience that immerses players in the world of football like never before.
Gameplay Mechanics: A More Realistic and Challenging Experience
FIFA 20 introduces several changes to its gameplay mechanics that make it a more realistic and challenging experience compared to FIFA 19. One of the most notable changes is the revamped player movement system, which allows for more fluid and natural movements on the pitch. Players now have better control over their dribbling, shooting, and passing, resulting in a more authentic football experience.
Another significant improvement in FIFA 20 is the enhanced ball physics. The ball now behaves more realistically, bouncing and spinning in a way that mimics real-life football. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay, as players must now take into account the trajectory and movement of the ball when making their decisions on the pitch.
Furthermore, FIFA 20 offers an increased difficulty level compared to its predecessor. The AI opponents are smarter and more challenging to play against, requiring players to adapt their strategies and tactics to succeed. This makes each match feel more intense and rewarding, as players must work harder to secure victory.
Ultimate Team: New Features and Enhancements
Ultimate Team is one of the most popular game modes in the FIFA series, and FIFA 20 introduces several new features and enhancements to make it even more engaging and enjoyable. In Ultimate Team, players can build their dream team by collecting player cards and competing in online matches against other players from around the world.
One of the new features in FIFA 20’s Ultimate Team is the addition of dynamic player items. These special cards represent real-life players who have performed exceptionally well in recent matches. The stats on these cards are boosted to reflect their outstanding performances, making them highly sought after by players.
Another new feature in Ultimate Team is the introduction of Season Objectives. These are a series of challenges that players can complete to earn rewards such as player packs, coins, and special items. Season Objectives add a new layer of progression and motivation to Ultimate Team, giving players more reasons to keep coming back for more.
While Ultimate Team in FIFA 20 offers many exciting features and enhancements, it does have its drawbacks. One of the main criticisms of Ultimate Team is its heavy reliance on microtransactions. Players can spend real money to purchase packs containing player cards, which can give them an advantage over those who choose not to spend money. This has led to accusations of pay-to-win mechanics and has been a point of contention among the FIFA community.
Career Mode: A Step Forward or a Step Back?
Career Mode is another popular game mode in the FIFA series, allowing players to take control of their favorite club or national team and guide them to glory. FIFA 20 introduces several changes to Career Mode, some of which have been well-received by players, while others have been met with criticism.
One of the positive changes in FIFA 20’s Career Mode is the addition of dynamic player potential. In previous versions, player potential was fixed and would not change regardless of their performance on the pitch. In FIFA 20, player potential can now increase or decrease based on their form and development. This adds a new layer of realism and unpredictability to Career Mode, as players must now carefully manage their squad and make decisions that will impact the future of their team.
However, there have also been criticisms of Career Mode in FIFA 20. One of the main complaints is the lack of significant improvements and new features compared to previous versions. Many players feel that Career Mode has become stagnant and lacks innovation, with little to no changes in gameplay mechanics or presentation.
Another criticism is the lack of depth and immersion in Career Mode. While it offers a decent simulation of managing a football team, it falls short in terms of player interactions, transfer negotiations, and overall depth. Many players feel that Career Mode could benefit from more realistic and immersive features that would make it a truly engaging experience.
Volta Football: A Refreshing New Addition to FIFA 20
One of the most exciting new additions to FIFA 20 is the introduction of Volta Football, a street football mode that offers a refreshing change of pace from traditional football gameplay. Volta Football takes players to small-sided pitches in various locations around the world, allowing them to showcase their skills in fast-paced and skillful matches.
In Volta Football, players can create their own custom character and take them on a journey through the world of street football. They can compete in various game modes, including 3v3, 4v4, and 5v5 matches, as well as a story mode that follows the rise of their character from the streets to the professional stage.
FIFA 20 introduces several new features and enhancements to Volta Football. Players can now customize their character’s appearance, clothing, and accessories, allowing for a more personalized experience. The gameplay in Volta Football is also more focused on skill moves and tricks, with players able to perform flashy moves such as rainbow flicks and elastico chops.
While Volta Football is a welcome addition to FIFA 20, it does have its drawbacks. One of the main criticisms is the lack of depth and variety in game modes. While the story mode offers an engaging narrative, it can feel repetitive after a while, and there are limited options for multiplayer matches. Additionally, some players have found the gameplay in Volta Football to be less refined and polished compared to the traditional football gameplay in FIFA 20.
Soundtrack and Commentary: A Mixed Bag
The soundtrack and commentary in FIFA games have always been an important aspect of the overall experience, and FIFA 20 is no exception. The soundtrack features a diverse selection of songs from various genres and artists, ranging from mainstream hits to lesser-known tracks. The music adds to the atmosphere of the game and enhances the overall immersion.
However, the soundtrack in FIFA 20 has received mixed reviews from players. While some appreciate the variety and quality of the songs, others feel that it lacks standout tracks and fails to capture the excitement and energy of previous soundtracks. Additionally, some players have criticized the repetitive nature of the soundtrack, with certain songs playing too frequently during matches.
The commentary in FIFA 20 is provided by a team of professional commentators, who provide play-by-play analysis and color commentary during matches. The commentary adds to the realism of the game and helps to create a more immersive experience.
However, there have been criticisms of the commentary in FIFA 20. Some players feel that it lacks depth and variety, with certain phrases and lines being repeated too often. Additionally, there have been instances where the commentary does not accurately reflect the events happening on the pitch, leading to a disconnect between the gameplay and the commentary.
Online Play: Smooth and Stable or Frustratingly Laggy?
Online play is a crucial aspect of FIFA games, allowing players to compete against each other in multiplayer matches. In FIFA 20, online play has been improved compared to previous versions, offering a smoother and more stable gameplay experience.
One of the main improvements in online play is the reduction in lag and latency issues. FIFA 20 features dedicated servers that help to minimize lag and ensure a more responsive gameplay experience. This is especially important in fast-paced matches where split-second decisions can make all the difference.
Furthermore, FIFA 20 introduces a new matchmaking system that aims to pair players with opponents of similar skill levels. This helps to create more balanced and competitive matches, ensuring that players are matched against opponents who provide a challenge without being too overwhelming.
However, despite these improvements, there are still instances where online play in FIFA 20 can be frustratingly laggy. This can be particularly noticeable in matches with high network traffic or when playing against opponents with poor internet connections. While the dedicated servers help to minimize lag, they cannot completely eliminate it, and players may still experience occasional delays or stuttering during online matches.
Bugs and Glitches: Annoying but Not Game-Breaking
Like any complex video game, FIFA 20 is not without its fair share of bugs and glitches. While these issues can be annoying and frustrating, they are generally not game-breaking and do not significantly impact the overall gameplay experience.
Some of the common bugs and glitches in FIFA 20 include graphical glitches, such as players clipping through each other or the pitch, as well as occasional AI errors, such as players making unrealistic decisions or behaving erratically. Additionally, there have been reports of minor gameplay issues, such as incorrect referee decisions or inconsistent ball physics.
While these bugs and glitches can be frustrating, they are generally minor and do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the game. EA Sports has been proactive in addressing these issues and has released several updates and patches to fix them. It is expected that future updates will continue to address any remaining bugs and glitches to ensure a smoother and more polished gameplay experience.
Conclusion: Is FIFA 20 Worth the Upgrade?
Overall, FIFA 20 offers a compelling and immersive football experience that is sure to satisfy both casual players and hardcore fans of the series. With its improved graphics and visuals, more realistic gameplay mechanics, and exciting new game modes, FIFA 20 is a worthy addition to the iconic FIFA series.
However, it is important to consider the pros and cons of FIFA 20 before deciding whether to upgrade from FIFA 19. While FIFA 20 offers many exciting new features and enhancements, it also has its drawbacks, such as the heavy reliance on microtransactions in Ultimate Team and the lack of significant improvements in Career Mode.
Ultimately, whether FIFA 20 is worth the upgrade depends on individual preferences and priorities. If you are a fan of the series and enjoy playing online matches or building your dream team in Ultimate Team, then FIFA 20 is definitely worth considering. However, if you are primarily interested in Career Mode or are satisfied with the features and gameplay mechanics of FIFA 19, then upgrading may not be necessary.
In conclusion, FIFA 20 is a solid addition to the FIFA series that offers a more realistic and immersive football experience. With its improved graphics, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and exciting new game modes, FIFA 20 is sure to provide hours of entertainment for football fans around the world.
