It’s finally happened.
After gamers pleaded to EA for months to reduce the amount of games in the Weekend League, the company has caved in.
EA and FUT creative director Tyler Blair announced that FIFA 19’s Weekend League maximum match load would be slashed from 40 to 30 on PS4 and Xbox One. PC Weekend League matches will also be capped at 30 games.
That means you no longer will have to fit in a gruelling 40-matches between Friday and Sunday.
And if you want automatic admission to the next Weekend League, you just need to win 11 matches in that time period.
It’s just one of a number of changes that EA is making this year as a response to community feedback.
FIFA 19 launches this week with a host of gameplay features and tweaks.
Here are the most important.
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.