Fifa 20 (PS4)

Status:

Complete and Play Tested

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FIFA 20 (PS4) Review

Developer: EA Vancouver / EA Romania
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Genre: Sports / Football
Release: 2019

FIFA 20 attempts to refresh the long-running series by introducing VOLTA Football, a street-football mode inspired by the old FIFA Street games. Alongside VOLTA, EA made several changes to traditional 11v11 gameplay, including improved ball physics, more emphasis on one-on-one situations, new set-piece mechanics and changes to defending.

The result is a game that remains highly enjoyable on the pitch but struggles to deliver meaningful improvements across every mode. VOLTA is a welcome addition, while Ultimate Team remains extremely deep, but Career Mode is held back by bugs and a lack of substantial long-term innovation.

Gameplay & Mechanics

The fundamental FIFA formula remains strong. Passing, shooting, dribbling and attacking movement feel responsive, while FIFA 20 attempts to make matches more dependent on individual player control.

The Football Intelligence system introduces improvements to AI positioning, player movement and defensive behavior. There is also greater emphasis on one-on-one situations, giving skilled players more opportunities to create space.

Ball physics receive attention as well, resulting in more varied shot trajectories, rebounds and ball movement.

Set pieces are also redesigned, giving players more direct control over free kicks and penalties. These systems take some time to learn but provide additional depth once mastered.

Strengths

• Enjoyable and responsive core gameplay.

• Better emphasis on individual skill.

• Improved ball physics.

• More sophisticated attacking movement.

• New free-kick and penalty systems.

• Defensive positioning is generally improved.

• Matches reward patient build-up play.

Weaknesses

• Some animations remain inconsistent.

• AI can still make questionable decisions.

• Defensive mechanics aren't always predictable.

• Certain gameplay exploits become noticeable online.

• The overall gameplay still feels like an evolution of FIFA 19 rather than a revolution.

VOLTA Football

The headline addition is VOLTA Football, which brings small-sided street football back to the FIFA franchise.

Players can create their own male or female footballer, customize their appearance and compete in different forms of street football.

There are 3v3, 4v4 and 5v5 formats, as well as professional futsal. Some matches feature walls that can be used as part of the gameplay, creating a very different experience from traditional FIFA.

The locations are another highlight, with matches taking place in places such as Amsterdam, London, Tokyo, Paris, Rio de Janeiro and Cape Town.

VOLTA is fast, accessible and entertaining, particularly when playing with friends. Skill moves and individual creativity are much more important than in standard 11v11 football.

However, VOLTA lacks the depth and sophistication of the traditional game. Once the novelty wears off, its simpler gameplay can make it feel somewhat limited.

VOLTA Strengths

• Excellent variety of locations.

• Character customization.

• Fast-paced small-sided matches.

• Wall-based gameplay is fun.

• Good selection of match types.

• VOLTA Story provides a narrative structure.

VOLTA Weaknesses

• Less tactically deep than 11v11 football.

• Progression can become repetitive.

• Doesn't completely capture the magic of classic FIFA Street.

• Long-term replay value is weaker than Ultimate Team or Career Mode.

Career Mode

Career Mode receives several improvements, including a new manager customization system and greater emphasis on player morale.

Players can manage team selection, training, transfers and tactical systems while attempting to build a successful club over multiple seasons.

The concept remains highly enjoyable, especially for players who prefer an offline football experience.

Unfortunately, the mode suffered from numerous technical problems around launch, while some of the promised improvements didn't make Career Mode feel as transformative as they could have been.

The underlying career structure remains familiar, with transfers, scouting and player development following the established FIFA formula.

Strengths

• Large selection of clubs and leagues.

• Manager customization.

• Player morale adds another management consideration.

• Good transfer and squad-building systems.

• Excellent long-term potential.

Weaknesses

• Numerous bugs and glitches.

• Limited evolution compared with previous editions.

• Youth development remains underdeveloped.

• AI transfers can still behave strangely.

• Some management systems feel superficial.

FIFA Ultimate Team

Ultimate Team remains the biggest long-term component of FIFA 20.

The objective is straightforward: build a team using player cards, improve the squad and compete online.

Season Objectives, FUT Friendlies and additional customization options provide more activities beyond simply playing competitive matches. Division-based competition also provides a strong incentive to keep improving.

The chemistry system continues to encourage creative squad construction, while the enormous number of available players makes it possible to build many different types of teams.

Unfortunately, Ultimate Team's biggest problem remains its monetization. Packs can significantly accelerate progression for players willing to spend additional money, creating an uncomfortable relationship between competitive progression and microtransactions.

Final Verdict

FIFA 20 is an enjoyable but uneven entry in EA's football franchise. Its biggest success is VOLTA Football, which gives the series a welcome change of pace and provides a modern interpretation of street football. The traditional 11v11 gameplay is also strong, with improved ball physics, attacking movement and tactical options making matches satisfying.

Unfortunately, the game is held back by Career Mode's technical problems and limited evolution. Ultimate Team remains exceptionally addictive and feature-rich, but its monetization continues to be a major weakness.

Ultimately, FIFA 20 is still an excellent football package, particularly for multiplayer and Ultimate Team players, but it doesn't completely capitalize on the opportunity to modernize the franchise.

Score: 8.5/10