FIFA 19 will feature the brand new White Hart Lane stadium, EA Sports has announced.
The deal means Spurs fans will be able to play at their brand-new stadium on both the FIFA 19 demo and the full FIFA 19 game.
The official statement on the club’s website reads: “Tottenham Hotspur has today announced Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA), creator of the EA SPORTS™ FIFA 19 computer game series, as the Club’s Official Video Game Partner.
“EA SPORTS™ previously enjoyed a successful partnership with the Club between 2012 and 2015.”
The partnership also means EA will focus on player likeness to ensure they’re captured as accurately as possible. Notable tattoos, for example, will likely be added to their character models in game.
The FIFA 19 demo is just a month or so away with all signs pointing to a September release.
While there’s been little to no information about what’s included, a recent preview event used a game code that, in theory, should be rather similar.
Using that as a guide, we’ve pulled together everything you need to know about the FIFA 19 demo.
How many teams will be in playable in the demo?
There will nine teams to choose from in the demo.
These are as follows:
- Bayern Munich
- Juventus
- PSG
- Man City
- Man United
- Borussia Dortmund
- Real Madrid
- Atletico Madrid
- Tottenham Hotspur
Amazingly, Dortmund were only just added to the roster after the German team dumped PES and switched allegiances to EA.
It’s not known yet what stadiums will feature, but we’re almost certain there won’t be nine of them.
The demo will likely offer offline play with up to two players – and may include a playable section of The Journey, although no details have been confirmed.
There are also a host of new gameplay features and tweaks set to arrive to this year’s game.
Here are the most important.
Will I be able to play online?
No – the demo will be offline only.
Will The Journey be included?
Highly unlikely – but perhaps a trailer may make the cut.
Sweet spot
If you tap Circle or B just as your foot hits the ball, you massively increase the chance of striking it into the top corner.
It’s all about timing, so get it wrong and you’ll be punished with a scuffed shot.
Tactics
Game plans have been introduced this year – which are set up before a match.
Here, you can set what tactics your team has depending on certain situations – such as if they’re 1-0 up or losing a match.
Once you have made the plans, simply assign to a D-pad press and you’re good to go.
Unlike last year, when it was hard to see if a tactical option had been executed, there’s now a clear toggle for on-the-fly instructions.
You’re also now able to adjust your team’s width and depth, as well as instruct your full backs what kind of runs to make in attack or your centre back to cover certain areas of the pitch.
There’s greater control over your team’s defensive style, too – with new settings: “pressure after possession loss,” “constant pressure,” “drop back,” “balanced,” and “pressure on heavy touch.”
Sounds great!
Revised mini-map
A simple but welcome change.
One team will now have triangle icons, the other will have circles – so it’s easier to see who’s who.
Champions League
EA has got everything from the Champions League logo including the commentary team, Derek Rae and Lee Dixon.
It’ll also have its own mode and the ability to create custom tournaments. Amazing.
Europa League
This was slightly overshadowed by the Champions League announcement, but yes the Europa League will also be in FIFA 19.
Expect the full broadcast package, too.
General gameplay
Passing has been re-worked to feel more natural, while a active touch system allows better first touches from different parts of the body.
It also opens up the possibility of a feint attack – where, as the ball approaches, you can shift your weight one way, before going the other.
Stepovers, too, are reportedly easier to pull off and look more convincing – making it harder for your opponent to defend against.
Finally, 50/50 battles over a loose ball will now take into account more variables than last year – such as reaction time.
NOW CHECK OUT THE FIFA 19 TRAILER BELOW.