FIFA 20

The story mode in FIFA 20, primarily delivered through Volta Football, received mixed but generally favorable remarks for its attempt to shift focus from traditional narrative-driven experiences to a more immersive, character-centric street football setting. Critics like IGN Spain highlighted the mode’s structured progression, where players create a character and aim to qualify for a fictional World Cup, guided by mentorship from Vinícius Jr. and a mix of skill-based unlocks. Gaming Nexus noted that Volta offers character development and team interactions, while VG247 praised its light-hearted tone, with quirky elements like a “giant gold football head” and humorous commentary. Some reviewers, such as Game Revolution, acknowledged the story’s minimal role in FIFA 20, framing it as a supplementary aspect rather than a central focus, which some saw as a positive for players prioritizing gameplay over narrative depth. However, the majority of critics criticized Volta’s story mode for its lack of depth, originality, and emotional engagement compared to previous entries like The Journey. Digital Trends and DualShockers pointed out that Volta’s linear structure feels more like a tutorial than a compelling narrative, with Gamersky condemning its stereotypical portrayals and technical flaws. GRYOnline.pl criticized the story for being overly serious and heavy-handed, while Cultured Vultures called it “cheesy” with poor dialogue and unlikable characters. Eurogamer Italy and Game Rant noted its brevity (6–7 hours) and predictability, describing it as a clichéd “rags-to-riches” tale that lacks meaningful character development. Even Push Square acknowledged awkward cutscenes and dialogue, though they conceded the mode wasn’t entirely unplayable. These critiques collectively underscore a sense of missed potential in crafting a narrative that resonates beyond surface-level mechanics. Overall, critics largely agree that while FIFA 20’s Volta Football introduces a story-driven mode, it falls short of delivering the emotional or creative depth fans expected from previous entries like The Journey. The consensus leans toward viewing Volta as a functional but underwhelming replacement, with some praising its charm and accessibility (e.g., VG247’s “goofy” tone) while others dismiss it as forgettable and derivative. Game Revolution and XGN emphasized that the story is minimal and tied to specific modes, reflecting FIFA’s broader shift away from narrative-centric experiences. Despite occasional praise for its ambition, the majority of reviews suggest that Volta’s story mode fails to elevate the game’s storytelling beyond a superficial layer, leaving many fans disappointed by the absence of a more robust, character-driven experience.

The gameplay of FIFA 20 received generally positive feedback for its incremental improvements and fresh mechanics, particularly in areas like ball physics, AI adjustments, and mode innovations. Critics like Areajugones highlighted enhanced ball physics, refined control mechanics (R1/L1), and improved dribbling/pressing systems, while Digital Trends praised the introduction of Volta Football as a fast-paced, simplified variant with unique mechanics such as hybrid defenders and no offside rule. Game Revolution noted realistic player movement and strafe dribbling, and Gamer.no emphasized customizable control options and improved set-piece mechanics. The Volta Football mode was frequently lauded for its arcade-style appeal, with GamesRadar+ and Cheat Code Central pointing to its skill-based play and customizable squads. Additionally, VG247 and XGN commended the game’s balance in defensive and attacking realism, while PC Gamer noted improved defender controls and tactical depth. However, several critics voiced concerns about stagnation and technical shortcomings. DualShockers criticized unrealistic ball physics and poor AI behavior, particularly in defense, calling it more of an arcade experience than a simulation. Gamersky and GRYOnline.pl highlighted the lack of innovation in 11v11 gameplay, with the latter noting issues like abstract creative play mechanics and unbalanced physics. PlaySense and Cultured Vultures pointed to minimal changes from FIFA 19, describing the core experience as stagnant despite minor tweaks. Game Rant and Vandal criticized slower pacing and cumbersome mechanics in Volta Football, while PLAY! Zine found the penalty shootout system overly complex. Issues like sluggish attacks, repetitive player behaviors, and unresponsive AI (e.g., goalkeeping flaws) were recurring complaints, with Gaming Nexus and Eurogamer Italy noting persistent challenges in adapting to new systems. Overall, critics agreed that FIFA 20 represents a polished but incremental evolution of the series. While Areajugones, Digital Trends, and IGN Spain celebrated its refined mechanics and Volta Football as fresh additions, many felt the core gameplay lacked revolutionary changes. The consensus leaned toward mixed reactions: Game Revolution and USgamer appreciated the slower, more tactical pace, while DualShockers and Gamersky found it unimpressive. Despite technical refinements in AI, physics, and set-pieces, the game’s reliance on familiar structures and minor updates left some critics, like Digitally Downloaded and Nintendo Life, frustrated by its lack of innovation. Ultimately, FIFA 20 was seen as a solid entry that improved upon previous iterations but failed to break new ground in a competitive market.

The graphics and visual design of FIFA 20 received mixed but generally positive remarks, particularly highlighting improvements in stadium detailing, lighting, and atmospheric immersion. Critics like Game Revolution praised the "upgraded lighting," "detailed stadiums," and "authentic look," while IGN Spain noted "realistic player likenesses for famous athletes" and strong stadium atmospheres. The Volta mode stood out, with Digital Trends and Push Square commending the "varied and pretty" five-a-side arenas in locations like Brazil and Tokyo, as well as the improved user interface. PC Gamer lauded the "slickest presentation package," comparing it to Sky Sports broadcasts, while JeuxActu acknowledged FIFA’s strengths in "supporter immersion" and facial expressions. These elements collectively underscored a commitment to enhancing the game’s visual authenticity and environmental diversity. However, several critics pointed out significant shortcomings, particularly in player models, animations, and crowd design. Digital Trends criticized "plastic-like skin" and "stiff facial expressions," while PlaySense highlighted "unconvincing player likenesses" in leagues like the Eredivisie and "generic crowd designs." SpazioGames noted "generic player faces" in Serie A and uneven treatment across leagues, and Eurogamer Italy observed that Premier League players had "perfect" models but others, like those in Serie A, were "unrecognizable." Additionally, many reviewers, including VG247 and XGN, emphasized that graphics remained largely unchanged from FIFA 19, with only minor updates like hairstyles or splash screens. Game Revolution and IGN Spain also noted that while stadiums and player likenesses were impressive, these elements did not represent major visual overhauls. The overall consensus among critics was that FIFA 20 delivered a polished but incremental visual experience. While specific aspects like stadium design, lighting, and Volta mode received praise, the lack of substantial graphical innovation drew criticism. Digital Trends, PlaySense, and SpazioGames collectively highlighted the game’s reliance on familiar aesthetics with only minor refinements, leading to a sense of stagnation. Despite this, many acknowledged that the visuals remained functional and immersive, with Game Revolution and IGN Spain emphasizing their role in enhancing the game’s authenticity. Ultimately, FIFA 20’s graphics were seen as a solid foundation but one that failed to push boundaries, leaving room for improvement in future iterations.

The sound design and music of FIFA 20 received mixed but generally positive feedback, particularly in its attention to atmosphere and mode-specific audio elements. Critics like IGN Spain highlighted the immersive crowd chants and varied menu soundtrack, noting distinct musical themes for Volta matches that enhanced the game’s ambiance. Gamer.no praised the unique auditory identity of Volta Football, including smartphone-replay effects and a tailored music selection, while PLAY! Zine commended the expanded musical repertoire, with separate tracks for regular football and VOLTA modes that aligned well with their respective atmospheres. Eurogamer Italy specifically lauded the Volta soundtrack as "sugli scudi" (excellent), emphasizing its contribution to immersion. Additionally, PlaySense and Nintendo Life noted positive aspects of audio quality and new menu music, even if these were minor additions. However, several critics pointed out shortcomings in originality and repetition. The Games Machine criticized the audio as "repetitive and outdated," with stale commentary from Pardo and Nava lacking innovation, while JeuxActu noted a lack of conviction in commentators’ delivery despite some contextualization efforts. IGN Spain also mentioned that traditional commentary could feel repetitive, and Digitally Downloaded only referenced "solid sound effects" without deeper analysis. The Game Revolution review, though focused on crowd noise rather than music, implied that the game’s audio prioritized authenticity over musical innovation. These critiques suggest a general sense of stagnation in certain areas, particularly in commentary and ambient sound design, which some felt failed to evolve from previous entries. Overall, the consensus leans toward appreciation for FIFA 20’s atmospheric depth and mode-specific audio enhancements, especially in Volta Football, but with notable frustrations over repetition and lack of innovation. While IGN Spain, Gamer.no, and PLAY! Zine celebrated the game’s auditory diversity and immersion, critics like The Games Machine and JeuxActu highlighted persistent issues with commentary and sound design freshness. The mixed reception reflects a balance between commendable efforts to refine audio elements and lingering criticisms about creative stagnation, particularly in areas outside of Volta’s unique offerings.

The voice acting in FIFA 20 receives mixed but generally balanced praise, particularly for its commentary teams and continuity from previous iterations. IGN Spain highlights that the game addresses voice acting through its commentary, noting it as a consistent feature across platforms like PS4. XGN acknowledges the introduction of new commentators, El Sierd and Jeroen Grueter, which adds variety to the broadcast experience, even if their delivery is criticized for repetition. SpazioGames also observes that the commentary remains largely similar to prior years, with minor issues but no major concerns. These positives suggest that while not groundbreaking, the voice acting in key areas like match commentary maintains a level of polish and familiarity expected from the franchise. However, several critics point to significant shortcomings, particularly in narrative-driven modes. Screen Rant criticizes Career Mode for its lack of substantial voice acting, describing repetitive stock answers and awkward dialogue during press conferences as a "minor flaw." PC Gamer similarly lambasts the story mode’s unconvincing dialogue, calling out subpar voice acting that fails to immerse players. God is a Geek delivers a harsher critique, condemning Volta’s voice acting for "terrible accents" and "cliched and cheesy" lines, such as the Irish accent example. Game Rant also notes that managerial interviews in Career Mode offer minimal dialogue, making the experience feel shallow compared to other modes. These criticisms highlight a disconnect between the game’s technical polish and its narrative execution. Overall, the consensus among critics is that FIFA 20’s voice acting is a mixed bag—praised for its consistency in commentary but criticized for shortcomings in storytelling and character interactions. While IGN Spain and XGN acknowledge improvements in commentary teams, the flaws in Career Mode and Volta undermine the overall experience. The majority agree that the game’s voice acting meets baseline expectations but falls short of delivering a truly immersive or innovative audio experience, particularly in narrative-heavy sections. This duality reflects a broader trend where technical execution is solid but creative ambition remains underdeveloped.

The technical performance of FIFA 20 across platforms received mixed but nuanced feedback, with some improvements noted despite persistent issues. On PS4, critics like Gaming Nexus highlighted better AI adaptability and fixes for previous bugs such as stamina issues in Pro Clubs, while IGN Spain acknowledged the transition to the Frostbite engine and reduced input delay. For Xbox One, Eurogamer Italy praised the absence of bugs on Xbox One X and solid AI behavior, though they noted some intuitive online mechanics. The Nintendo Switch version faced criticism for its "inferior engine" compared to other platforms per Digitally Downloaded, but no major platform-specific positives were emphasized beyond EA’s general streamlining efforts. Overall, the game showed incremental technical refinements across all systems, with some critics acknowledging progress in areas like AI and physics. However, PS4 users encountered a range of technical flaws, including server instability (DualShockers), tracking errors, and repetitive character models (Gamersky). Push Square criticized Career Mode for being "shockingly buggy," while SpazioGames pointed to motion blur artifacts and unimplemented rule changes. On Xbox One, Game Rant highlighted server disconnects in Volta’s story mode and persistent goalkeeping AI issues, while God is a Geek noted missing features like VAR and FUT grind concerns. The Switch version’s technical shortcomings were more pronounced, with Digitally Downloaded explicitly calling out its inferior engine, though no other critics focused on the platform’s performance. These issues collectively underscored EA’s ongoing struggles with polish and optimization across platforms. The overall consensus among critics was that FIFA 20 delivered a technically stable base but remained plagued by persistent bugs and inconsistencies. While some improvements were noted—such as AI refinements (Gaming Nexus) and reduced input delay (IGN Spain)—the game’s technical flaws, including server instability (DualShockers), physics glitches (JeuxActu), and unresponsive mechanics (GRYOnline.pl), overshadowed these positives. Critics across platforms agreed that EA needed to address long-standing issues through patches, with IGN Spain and USgamer acknowledging the necessity of post-launch fixes. Despite varying degrees of technical success, the game’s core performance was seen as a step forward but not without significant room for improvement.

The majority of reviewers highlight FIFA 20’s replay value through its diverse modes and features. Areajugones emphasizes Volta’s Gira Volta and Liga Volta, along with Ultimate Team’s seasonal updates, as key contributors to sustained engagement. Game Revolution praises the “gluttony of modes” and addictive nature of Career Mode, while IGN Spain and GamesRadar+ note that FUT’s progression systems and Volta’s story-driven content provide substantial hours of play. Gamer.no and Gaming Nexus also commend Volta Football for its social and competitive appeal, with the latter pointing to customization options and varied challenges. These elements collectively create a robust foundation for replayability, particularly for fans of online and offline modes. However, several critics point out limitations that temper the game’s long-term appeal. Gamersky and GRYOnline.pl criticize the repetitive nature of certain modes, such as Volta’s “repetitive models” and AI-driven matches, while Digitally Downloaded and Nintendo Life argue that the Switch version suffers from missing features and a lackluster Ultimate Team. The Games Machine notes that many modes may lose appeal over time, with FUT dominating player engagement, and Cultured Vultures warns of grindy progression systems in Volta. Additionally, some reviewers, like Push Square and PC Gamer, highlight issues such as Career Mode bugs or the core 11v11 experience feeling stagnant, suggesting that innovation is lacking beyond new modes. Overall, the consensus leans toward moderate to high replayability, with most critics agreeing that FIFA 20’s variety of modes—particularly Volta, FUT, and Career Mode—offers enough content to keep players engaged for months. However, concerns about repetition, platform-specific shortcomings, and a lack of transformative changes persist. While Game Revolution and IGN Spain laud the game’s “high replayability,” critics like Digitally Downloaded and Nintendo Life caution that it may not justify repeated play for all audiences. The mixed reception reflects a balance between the game’s extensive features and its inability to fully innovate, making it a compelling but imperfect experience for long-term players.