FIFA 20: 5 amazing additions to gameplay

Fans got their first look at FIFA 20 during EA Play 2019 and they were not disappointed. At first glance, it certainly seems like EA have addressed a number of the problems plaguing previous FIFA editions.

They also confirmed the addition of a few new game modes aside from the usual upgrades in game play and in-game engines.

With FIFA 20 set to release in late September, here, we take a look at five of the biggest changes/upgrades we will witness in the game.

#1 Strafe dribbling, AI enhancements

More power to the dribblers. The introduction of the strafe dribbling feature will allow users in control of speedy and agile players to draw defenders in during 1v1 situations before quickly gliding past them and racing away towards goal.

Meanwhile, AI defending has also undergone a major revamp. The quality of AI defending in previous FIFA editions was a major bone of contention. In FIFA 19, users could often just rely on the AI to defend on their behalf, essentially eliminating the need to manually defend in complex situations.

However, in FIFA 20, that will not be a problem following an overhaul in the positioning and tackling system. Manual defending will now be much more rewarding, with AI just offering defensive support and not doing all the work itself.

#2 Shooting, timed and composed finishing

Changes to the shooting mechanic in FIFA 20 mean it's going to be a lot easier to finish from 1v1 situations. Goalkeepers no longer have the ability to make superhuman saves in 1v1 situations the likes of which we have never seen occur on a real football field.

However, while finishing from 1v1 situations will be a lot easier, the changes also ensure that scoring spectacular volleys from outside the box will become a lot harder.

#3 Volta modes

Easily the most highly anticipated aspect of the game, FIFA 20 will witness the return of street football with its new game mode, Volta Football.

Volta allows users to create their own players and play matches in venues ranging from London street cages to rooftops on Tokyo. Teams can consist of anything between 3 and 5 players and both male and female players can be included in the same team.

You can also play single matches, online tournaments and street football leagues, adding to the hype.

#4 Ball dynamics

According to Sam Rivera, the lead gameplay producer, EA have revamped the entire ball physics mechanism to make gameplay and user experience a lot more authentic.

Depending on the type and timing of your shot, coupled with which part of the boot you strike the ball, the spin imparted will vary, modifying its trajectory and adding to its realism.

#5 Changes to penalties and free kicks

Free kicks in FIFA 20 will witness a sea of change

Set-pieces are another feature set for wholesale changes. In FIFA 20, an aiming mechanic will be used to help users select exactly where their free kicks and penalties should go.

Moreover, users will now have the ability to impart different spins on the ball during free-kicks just by moving the right stick. This would allow them the opportunity to either curl the ball around the wall, get it to dip in front of the keeper or even hit a knuckleball free-kick.

Sam Rivera confirmed the same during the FIFA 20 Live Reveal earlier this week, saying: "The aiming mechanics are completely different and more accessible but obviously we're keeping some elements of skill to make sure there's enough depth for the mechanics for those who want to be masters of those systems.

"For example in free-kicks you're going to have full control of the spin that you apply to the ball and that's going to create your trajectory. You can do side spin, top spin, no spin or a combination of them and that's going to be based on how you swing your right stick.