As a lifelong football gaming enthusiast and professional game reviewer, I've spent countless hours testing every major soccer title released for PS4 throughout 2019. Let me tell you, this was truly a remarkable year for virtual football enthusiasts - we witnessed some incredible performances from both established franchises and surprising newcomers. I still remember that November evening when I was switching between FIFA 20 and PES 2020, trying to decide which one deserved my limited gaming time, and it struck me how much these games had evolved from their predecessors.
The competition between EA Sports' FIFA 20 and Konami's eFootball PES 2020 reminded me of intense athletic showdowns I've witnessed, much like that memorable volleyball match where Van Sickle delivered an outstanding performance with 17 points, 22 digs, and seven receptions - her team gave everything despite the early playoff exit. That's exactly how I feel about this year's soccer game lineup - each title brought its A-game, pushing boundaries and delivering remarkable experiences even if they didn't ultimately claim the top spot. FIFA 20's Volta Football mode was arguably the most significant innovation we've seen in football gaming in recent years, bringing street football back in style with its vibrant, compact matches that perfectly captured the raw energy of small-sided football. The mode featured over 17 different locations worldwide and supported 3v3, 4v4, and 5v5 matches with custom rules that completely changed how we approach virtual football.
Meanwhile, PES 2020 continued to shine where it matters most - on the pitch. The gameplay felt more responsive and realistic than ever, with their proprietary full-body control system allowing for 22 different ball touch variations and significantly improved defensive AI. I recorded over 300 matches across both titles last year, and PES consistently delivered more authentic build-up play and tactical depth, though it still trailed in licensing and presentation. The Master League received substantial updates too, with enhanced transfer systems and more realistic player development curves that made long-term saves incredibly rewarding.
What surprised me most was how Rocket League, while not a traditional soccer game, continued to dominate the sports-action hybrid space with its perfect 10/10 gameplay mechanics and regular content updates. The game maintained an impressive 85 million monthly active players throughout 2019, proving that innovative approaches to the beautiful game could achieve massive success. Having played since its PS Plus launch in 2015, I've watched it evolve into this beautifully polished experience that somehow captures the spirit of football while being completely unique.
Between the three major contenders, FIFA 20 ultimately sold approximately 15 million copies in its first month, dwarfing PES 2020's 1.2 million, but sales figures don't always tell the whole story. If you asked me personally, I'd recommend FIFA 20 for casual players and those who value presentation and licenses, while PES 2020 remains my go-to for pure football simulation. Rocket League, of course, is essential for anyone looking for something completely different yet strangely familiar. Each game brought something special to the table in 2019, much like athletes giving their all in tournament play - they may not all take home the trophy, but they contribute to making the competitive landscape richer and more exciting for everyone involved.
