EA Sports' classic football game has ticked all the right boxes…once again
And fans are starting to get their hands on this year's version with early access ahead of the worldwide release on Friday September 28.
But why should you fork out your hard-earned money?
Goal tells you why…
1Dynamic Tactics on the run
You've managed to grind out a 1-0 lead against an opponent that's probably better than you.
In previous FIFA versions, you would flip your team to all out defence and hope to hold on.
Now you can create a tactical plan for each style of play, whether it be ultra defensive, defensive, balanced, attacking or ultra attacking.
This means you can create a plan to suit your players and style when wanting to preserve a lead – whether that involves dropping back and maintaining possession, or going long to relieve pressure.
Or you could set your players up in the way that suits your attackers when chasing an equaliser or a winner by making such adjustments as increasing the team's width and getting more players forward.
AdvertisementYouTube.com/EASportsFIFA2The inclusion of Active Touch
With defenders able to close your passing lanes and apply a press to you when in possession, the ability to master Active Touch is crucial.
When the ball is coming to you at the top of the area, you can disguise your first touch by making a movement toward the approaching defender, but letting the ball run to receive it in a bit of space.
This allows space to get a shot away or make pass to another teammate, instead of being closed down and under pressure.
There is other Active Touch methods to master such as dummies, flicks, traps and feints.
Getty Images3No rules mode
This might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I've had several people who aren't football fans excited about FIFA 19 for this very reason.
Within the kickoff mode, 'House Rules' allows for choosing whatever rules you want…or don't want for a single match.
This includes turning off fouls, bookings and offside, or even only allowing a certain method of scoring, such as heading, for goals to count.
I guess there will be a little satisfaction in constantly dodging the ridiculous slide tackles from your mate before getting the W – instead of the traditional belting you hand out;
GFX Credit: Sam Brand4The Champions League anthem
Is there a better song in world football?
Many of us get goosebumps as we hear the Champions League anthem before two of Europe's strongest clubs duel in the world's premier club competition.
Now with EA acquiring the rights to the tournament, you can hear the anthem to pump you up just before you play a match of FIFA 19.
The Europa League and Spanish La Liga licences have also been acquired for that added realism experience.