FIFA 19 - Footy Headlines Review
Sep 26, 2018, by Simon
Within the last few days, we have been able to check out FIFA 19, which will be released September 28th, early on to provide you with a comprehensive overview of gameplay changes, all modes and everything else notable. First, we tested the Demo and its features, while we got a digital copy of the game one week prior to release thanks to EA.
Gameplay
Beginning with the most important piece of FIFA 19's clockwork, we are taking a look at the dynamics of FIFA 19. This year's biggest change is without a doubt the pace of the game. While it still stays true to being rather an arcade game than a realistic approach to football, FIFA 19 now delivers a slower pace than its predecessor, making it harder to burst through the enemy's defensive line with pacey wingers. On another note, EA emphasized the importance of tactics to now offer techniques to deeply support each playing style.
License-wise, EA now owns the creme de la creme of licenses with the addition of UEFA's Champions League as well as Europa League, which is also heavily promoted inside the game, even offering its very own mode as well as Kick-Off option. Considering the presentation, EA does a good job to live up to the hype.
Ultimate Team
FIFA's crowd puller has been Ultimate Team in the last years. This year's installment now offers deeper insight within the likelihood of drawing a top-notch player. Also, the Divisions system was revamped to now be a weekly contest of the so-called Division Rivals, which offer a rewarding system according to your skill level, similar to the Squad Battles one.
Kick-Off Mode
Normally, we would not feature EA's usual Kick-Off mode within a review. But this year, EA tremendously expanded the variety of options throughout the mode to deliver a wider selection - ranging from Survival Mode (Battle Royale tribute) to No Rules.
The Journey
This year's FIFA comes with the last chapter of The Journey. Always a hectic mix between training, cutscenes and matchdays, the Journey now has three main plots of Alex Hunter, Danny Williams and Kim Hunter to tell, which all on their own experience interesting events. However, The Journey suffers from being a mix of too much, sometimes losing track of the events or finding it hard to maintain long-term motivation to still work on your character's abilities and bring the story to an end. After all, it's nevertheless a satisfying addition to FIFA as a whole and fills the gap of storytelling.
Career Mode
As many may have already expected, FIFA 19's career mode is the biggest let-down. The mode, once praised and loved for its ability to make your dreams with your favorite team come true, nowadays rather advanced to a fill-in. It seems, as if EA does not care about Career Mode at all, as the only real change is the addition of UEFA Champions League and Europa League.
Summary
FIFA 19 is somewhat an upgrade. The game adjusts some screws, but nothing huge eventually, with new license additions, gameplay changes and a more insightful Ultimate Team offering the possibility to keep FIFA fans entertained for another year. However, it's not the big feat its most recent predecessors have been.
Adidas 26-27 Champions League Stage Ball "Revealed"
Although not officially launched yet, the Adidas Champions League 26-27 League Phase Ball made an early appearance during Arsenal's two most recent pre-season friendlies. The ball keeps the iconic white star panels intact, while the surrounding hexagonal sections showcase a vibrant, multi-colored graphic design.
This could very well be the final Champions League League Phase ball produced by Adidas, as Nike is expected to take over as the official match ball supplier for UEFA men's club competitions starting from the 27-28 season.
Big thanks to @jerseystory_vn for spotting this detail and creating the graphic.
River Plate 26-27 Away Kit Released
River Plate and Adidas have officially launched the club's new away kit for the 26-27 season. The new strip marks the return of the iconic tricolor look, celebrating the Argentine club's rich history and traditional aesthetic.
The Adidas River Plate 26-27 away shirt features classic vertical stripes combining red and white, separated by thin black pinstripes. Adding a distinct heritage touch, the jersey features the retro Adidas Trefoil logo in red on the right chest alongside the current club crest. The collar and cuffs are styled in crisp white, while black side panels complete the design.
White shorts with black stripes and matching socks complete the primary look of the new River Plate 26-27 away kit, while an alternative black shorts option is also available. The strip is already available for purchase through official club and Adidas channels.
Burnley Announce Emergency Front-of-Shirt Sponsor Change for 26-27 Season
Burnley have officially terminated their front-of-shirt partnership with prop trading company Finotive One just weeks after announcing the deal. UK automotive retailer Vertu Motors has stepped up to become the club's new Official Front of Shirt Principal Partner for the 26-27 season, covering the men's, women's, and academy teams.
The unexpected change comes right at the start of the Championship season, requiring an immediate update to all Castore matchday and replica kits. The updated kits now feature the Vertu wordmark alongside its shield icon across the center of the chest on all playing shirts.
To accommodate fans who already bought the 26-27 replica shirts with the previous sponsor printed on them, Burnley is offering free re-branding to overlay the new Vertu logo onto existing jerseys. Supporters also have the option to return their shirts for a full refund or exchange them for the updated version.
Manchester United 26-27 Third Kit Features Nameset Discrepancy
Manchester United and Adidas have released their new 26-27 third kit, featuring an ivory base with deep red accents and dark green trim inspired by the iconic doors of the Salford Lads and Girls Club.
Following the release, kit collector @TheShirtUnion noticed an interesting detail regarding the custom cup font on the back. In promotional photography featuring Lisandro Martínez, the player name is applied in a classic curved arch across the upper back. However, official product listings on the club's online shop depict player names in a straight horizontal arrangement.
Such variations between promotional photoshoot samples and official store graphics are not unusual for bespoke club cup namesets. While the standard online printing option appears to default to the straight layout, supporters may see the curved style applied during cup fixtures or through select retail printing services.
Al Nassr 26-27 Third Kit Leaked - Official Images
Official images of the Al Nassr 26-27 third kit have leaked online, revealing an elegant design crafted by Adidas. The new shirt features a clean off-white base paired with rich gold detailing throughout, giving the Saudi Pro League club a sophisticated look for the upcoming season. Big thanks to @KamilBerberler.
The design is defined by subtle vertical stripes featuring intricate ornamental patterns running down the front and back of the shirt. Metallic gold trim highlights the collar, sleeve cuffs, and the iconic Adidas Three Stripes on the shoulders. The chest displays a monochromatic golden Al Nassr emblem alongside the gold Adidas logo, complemented by matching sponsor branding.
Completing the detailed look, a golden Saudi emblem featuring the palm tree and crossed swords sits on the upper back below the collar. Off-white shorts and socks with matching gold accents complete the full 26-27 third strip.
Atromitos FC 26-27 Home Kit Released
Greek Super League side Atromitos FC and kit manufacturer Capelli Sport have officially revealed the club's new home kit for the 26-27 season.
The Atromitos FC 26-27 home jersey offers a fresh take on the team's traditional white and blue colors. Featuring a white base, the front of the shirt is covered in slanted, diagonal blue graphic lines that form broken vertical stripes. Capelli's signature four-square logo motif appears on the shoulders in blue, alongside the club crest on the left chest and Novibet sponsorship across the middle.
The back of the jersey remains mostly solid white, accented by blue player numbering with a distinct lined font structure and lower-back sponsor branding.
SC Farense 26-27 Away Kit Released
Portuguese club SC Farense and kit supplier Lacatoni have officially launched the club's new away kit for the 26-27 season. Following the earlier reveal of their diagonal black-and-white home shirt, the new away uniform introduces a distinct green design rooted in the team's identity.
The Lacatoni SC Farense 26-27 away jersey features a rich dark green base accented with subtle white pinstripes running vertically down the front. Crisp black and white striping finishes the V-neck collar and sleeve cuffs, while the SC Farense crest is positioned on the left chest alongside Lacatoni's logo on the right.
Adding a tailored detail to the back, the shirt includes a large tonal lion graphic embedded into the fabric in reference to the club's Leões de Faro nickname. Main sponsor Barão Rodrigues is printed on the front, accompanied by secondary sponsor logos on the chest, sleeves, and back panel.
