FIFA 19 Demo Review: 3 Ups & 3 Downs

1. Some Hyped Gameplay Changes Make A Difference

If tactics appear a letdown, then other changes promised by EA pick up the slack.

One of the first things you're bound to notice when playing is how much weightier each player feels. This is particularly handy when contesting a loose ball in the middle of the park. EA weren't lying about those 50/50 crunch tackles, and the ball spins naturally away from both players with a titillating realness.

Similarly, slide tackles no longer feel like laser-guided missiles that'll result in picture-perfect steals or tedious bookings from whistle-happy refs every time. This helps the long-established 'play on' feature shine for the first time ever, but it's also a balancing act. Try to dive in too many times and defending teammates behind your man will now become flustered, often darting out of possession to cover your mistake.

That leaves space behind, space that can be punished by quick over-the-top through balls and EA's 'Timed Finishing' mechanic. Surprisingly, it actually works, and it can end in net-bursting glory or the world's best looking like Sunday League losers.

Overall, FIFA 19's gameplay seems solid, less scripted than before and comparable to the silky slickness of PES.

What did you think of the new FIFA 19 demo? Were you basking in Champions League atmosphere or slightly underwhelmed? Let us know down in the comments section below!