FIFA 19 Demo Review: 3 Ups & 3 Downs

1. Tactics System Doesn't Seem As In-Depth As Advertised

Unless there's more to it in the full game, then EA's big talk about a refined, in-depth and exhaustive tactical overhaul has boiled down to nonsense.

Sure, keen managers can set up unique playing styles for individuals in the team and tag them to specific strategies like 'All-Out-Attack' or 'Defensive', but there's no sign of the discussed ability to hatch clever plans such as wing backs staying back after 70 mins. You'll still be controlling things the same way as ever.

In other words, Footy Manager this ain't. Maybe we were all expecting too much and should reserve judgement until the full release?

In the demo, FIFA's tactical suite is much the same as it's been over the past few years, just with some new terminology. As for set piece strategies, they're largely the same, and it's definitely still possible to 'Park The Bus'.

Changing the wording doesn't count, EA. You had to do more here than tweak. PES 2019 still has the advantage here, and that's disappointing after all the rumour, hype and tantalising potential for on-the-couch tacticians.