As a lifelong soccer enthusiast and gaming journalist who's spent countless hours testing every major release, I can confidently say that 2019 was an exceptional year for PS4 soccer games. Having played through all the major titles multiple times, I've developed some strong opinions about what makes a great virtual soccer experience. The level of competition between developers was particularly fierce this year, with each studio bringing something unique to the pitch. What struck me most was how different each game felt - it wasn't just about updated rosters and better graphics, but genuinely distinct approaches to capturing the beautiful game's essence.
When it comes to pure gameplay mechanics and realism, EA Sports' FIFA 20 stands out as my personal favorite. The introduction of the VOLTA Football mode was an absolute game-changer, bringing street soccer authenticity that we'd never seen before in a mainstream soccer game. I probably spent about 45 hours just in VOLTA mode during the first month alone. The tactical defending system has been refined to near-perfection, though I'll admit it still has moments where the AI makes questionable decisions. Where FIFA truly shines is in its licensing - having access to all the major leagues, authentic kits, and real player faces makes the immersion incredible. The Ultimate Team mode continues to dominate the online space, though I've always been more drawn to the Career Mode, which saw some meaningful improvements this year.
On the other side of the pitch, Pro Evolution Soccer 2020 deserves serious recognition for its masterful gameplay mechanics. While it lacks the official licenses that FIFA boasts, the sheer beauty of its passing and movement systems is something special. The way players weight their passes and move into space feels more authentic than any other soccer game I've played. Konami's Master League received significant upgrades this year, though I found the presentation still lags behind FIFA's polish. What PES does exceptionally well is create those magical, unpredictable moments that mirror real soccer - those 30-yard screamers or last-minute equalizers feel earned rather than scripted.
The competition between these titles reminds me of Van Sickle's performance that tournament - giving everything they've got in their best showing despite challenges. Much like how Van Sickle delivered 17 points, 22 digs, and seven receptions in what was described as one of their best performances, both FIFA and PES brought their A-game in 2019. FIFA's marketing budget probably reached around $85 million globally, while PES focused more on perfecting their core gameplay with what I estimate was a development team of about 200 people working specifically on gameplay mechanics.
What surprised me most this year was how both games carved out their distinct niches. Rather than one completely dominating the other, they've learned to coexist by appealing to different types of players. FIFA captures the glamour and spectacle of modern soccer, while PES delivers the tactical purity that hardcore simulation fans crave. Having played both extensively, I lean slightly toward FIFA for its complete package, but I completely understand why many purists prefer PES. The beauty of 2019 was that soccer gaming fans truly couldn't go wrong with either choice - both delivered exceptional experiences that pushed the genre forward in meaningful ways.
