FIFA 19 Review: 6 Ups & 4 Downs

1. Generally Feels Less Automated

EA have always flat out denied that their FIFA series suffers from any scripting issues. Long time fans will disagree, and it's always been a controller-breaking moment when the CPU suddenly decides to turn into Barcelona from 2009 and Tiki-Taka its way through your midfield and defence in stoppage time. They always get one more chance.

It'll take some more time with 19 before ruling such irritating pre-determined nonsense out for good, but there appears to be less of an automated air to the game overall. The ball doesn't stick to players as much as it once did, passing is a lot looser than before and the AI even make mistakes instead of turning into Iniesta and company in the final third when the clock reads 89 minutes.

FIFA has taken strides towards matching the unpredictable, realistic way PES has always played by addressing problems with the homing missile-like grid b*llocks it favoured until now. Players, even the better ones, are caught out of position, and this adds a new layer of thought to the game that was totally absent before.

There may be wonder goals aplenty and that same unerring dedication to painting football as the ultimate theatre, but matches in FIFA 19 are generally less like a prearranged act you just happen to be a part of.

What have you made of FIFA 19 thus far? Is it a PES-beater or a less exciting entry to the series than you'd hoped? Let us know down below!