FIFA 20 brings exciting new change in latest edition of iconic franchise

One of the most popular franchises ever is back for another year, and one big change makes it a “must have” for fans.

Another year, another FIFA. But while most years deliver more or less the same game as before, FIFA 20 brings with it some exciting new changes, which almost make this a must have for fans.

While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it still gives players some fun new ways to play the game, including the much hyped Volta mode.

VOLTA

Volta is the fun, modern reimagining of the popular FIFA street, last seen in FIFA 19.

Teams of 3v3, 4v4 or 5v5 face off in typically close quarters indoor soccer games, with a focus on skill and showmanship. You can use your environment to your advantage, such as kicking against walls for rebounds, which can be a good way to create a goalscoring opportunity.

While the Volta story mode is a bit light, it’s still a fun new way to play with friends and is reflective of how football is changing and how differently the game is played around the world. Especially since this is the first game mode in FIFA history where men and women can actually play on the same pitch together.

The new Volta mode lets players take to the streets of London, New York, Mexico City and other cities all around the world.

GAMEPLAY AND CONTROLS

In terms of the main gameplay, we don’t see any huge changes but rather lots of subtle tweaks that do improve on FIFA 19. The pace of movement flows slightly better, and players now have more control in both attack and defence, especially in one-on-one situations, while the AI defence is also improved.

The physics of the ball have also been tweaked for more authentic and realistic movement, spins and bounces, while new shot methods (including curling shots, dipping free kicks, knuckle balls and rising strikes) have also been added to the game.

Players now also have more control over free kicks and corners, while finishing has improved and strafe dribbling has also been added as a new technique to confuse defenders.

The AI defence has been improved.

CAREER MODE

While the career mode is still a fun way to play as either a player or a manager, this is one of the areas of the game that probably needs more attention in future years. The only real changes include interactive press conferences as well as new features (like players texting each other) that can improve team morale.

ULTIMATE TEAM

Ultimate team is the most popular game mode, and while it looks like loot boxes are here to stay, FIFA 20 introduces Season Objectives, essentially battle passes for players to get more coins and packs by completing challenges.

KICK-OFF

New house rules have been added to the quick play game modes, including King of the Hill and Mystery Ball. King of the Hill involves players battling for possession in certain areas of the pitch, which affects the points value of the next goals scored, while Mystery Ball gives the team in possession a stat boost and also affects the value of goals.

FIFA's popular street mode has been revamped in the new game.

VERDICT

FIFA 20 is the same FIFA we know and love, just with some minor improvements on gameplay for an overall slightly better experience. Games flow better, with more attacking options and better defensive capabilities. The best change from FIFA 19 is the introduction of Volta, which is an awesome new way to play the game, but if this doesn’t excite you then you may not enjoy FIFA 20 quite as much.

One thing is for certain, there are almost no better games out there to play with mates around a TV, and FIFA remains arguably the best sports game in general. If even someone as bad as me can have a great time playing, you know it’s a good game.

RELEASE DATE, PRICE, AVAILABILITY

While gamers who pre-ordered the game were given early access, the game officially releases today on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC, while a legacy version is available on Nintendo Switch.

While regular retail price are $99.95 for the standard edition, you’ll be able to get it much cheaper on release if you look around. JB Hi-Fi, Big W and Target are all selling the game for $69, while EB Games is selling at $99.95.

You can also order it online with Amazon selling for $68, while it will still cost $99.95 in Microsoft and PlayStation stores.

Wilson Smith is a games writer for News.com.au. Continue the conversation with him on Twitter at @wilson_smithdt