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9 new features that could make FIFA 19 better than ever
The big new features headed the way of EA Sports' football series later this year.
The release of the highly anticipated football game FIFA 19 is just a month away and EA have revealed details of what players can expect from the new version. And so far, the focus has been on the series' newest acquisition – the UEFA Champions League.
There's plenty of additional info to digest as well, including trailers, screenshots and gameplay improvements. We've picked out a selection of features we're particularly excited to try when the game drops on September 29.
1. UEFA Champions League
The Champions League returns to FIFA for the first time in over 10 years
© EA Sports
It's true - the UEFA Champions League is back in EA Sports' FIFA series. The European tournament will feature in a big way in FIFA 19, complete with the inclusion of a standalone tournament mode with custom options for using any European team at your disposal. You'll find both the UCL and Europa League in Kick Off mode, Career Mode and Ultimate Team, with the latter benefiting from live content updates.
2. Active Touch System
This new feature claims to fundamentally change the way players react on the ball, allowing for more creativity and closer control. This also includes improvements to first touches, with animations such as the Neymar Trap cited as new ways to fool opponents. We suspect this will work in tandem with FIFA 19's new and improved Real Player Motion Technology animation system, too.
3. The Journey: Champions
FIFA's story mode returns in The Journey: Champions.
© EA Sports
Alex Hunter will embark on his final outing in the The Journey: Champions later this year. The last of the three-part series will be available on Xbox One, PS4 and PC, taking advantage of the Frostbite engine to deliver a dramatic finale to the young Englishman's story. And this time, he'll be taking part in the UEFA Champions League as he strives for glory on the European stage.
4. Timed Finishing
The new Timed Finishing mechanic adds the ability to control how accurately you strike the ball when going for goal. This is activated by double-tapping the shoot button, with the second tap determining how well you connect with the shot. This can be activated in multiple scenarios as well, from headers to long shots. For those who enjoy the added depth of manual controls, this feature should prove intriguing.
5. New commentary team
FIFA 19's new Champions League and Europa League content will feature a brand-new commentary team in Derek Rae and Lee Dixon. The former has served as an ESPN commentator as well as featuring for BT Sport, and it appears ex-Arsenal defender Dixon will act as the co-host. The addition of new commentators is certainly a welcome one, and should add an extra layer of freshness to the Champions League's authentic in-game presentation.
6. Dynamic Tactics
Are your tactics as good as Pep's?
© EA Sports
If you fancy yourself as a bit of a tactical genius, the Dynamic Tactics feature will offer more options to customise your squad both pre and mid-match. EA has released very few details on this feature so far, but we know the reimagined system will allow for multiple tactical approaches, and combine various factors and play styles to help tailor to your needs.
7. Ultimate Team - Division Rivals
Division Rivals is the new match system which will replace the FUT's online season mode. Players will be placed into one of ten divisions based on their skill level which is determined through a series of placement matches. Each week, players will be able to compete in a competition with others in the same division in order to earn prizes and rewards. Not only so, players will also be able to track their progress and move up through the ranks every week.
8. Champions Channel
EA are really focusing on encouraging players to improve this year and this new feature is the epitome of that sentiment. The Champions Channel will broadcast highlights of higher skilled level players' games so players of lower skills can watch, learn and improve.
9. Alex Hunter has signed for Real Madrid
If you played The Journey in FIFA 18, you'll remember that Alex Hunter's rumoured move to Real Madrid at the beginning of last season fell through. Having burned his bridges with his parent club, he was left with no choice but to move to LA Galaxy on loan on deadline day. However, for the final part of The Journey in FIFA 19, Alex's form has been rewarded with a move to Los Blancos, where he'll attempt to help his new club lift their 14th Champions League trophy.
