FIFA Deals & Offers

FIFA: Playing Virtual Football

In real life, few of us can play football like Lionel Messi – but we can come as close as possible by playing the FIFA International Soccer video games. Every year sees a new iteration of this iconic gaming brand, which becomes graphically more realistic and immersive with every new version. Here's a quick buyer's guide to what FIFA is all about and the various versions that are available to choose from.

Popular Soccer Video Game Series

FIFA takes its name from the governing body of world football (the "Fédération Internationale de Football Association") and is the only officially licensed video game.

The first version was released way back in 1993 on platforms like the Sega Megadrive and MS DOS. However, the series took a quantum leap forward with the release of FIFA 96. This was the first version that featured 3D graphics, and it was also the first time Electronic Arts had been able to use real player names, adding a unique level of authenticity to the gaming experience.

Since then, every year has seen a new version of FIFA, with incremental improvements each time. For example, FIFA 2000 introduced the chance to play as legends of the game. FIFA 2002 introduced power bars that allow players to precisely control where they pass the ball. By 2005, players could choose to follow a "career" all the way from lower leagues to Champions League glory. More recent versions have deepened the managing function, made the 3D engine more realistic and introduced team versions where 10 users can cooperate against other teams.

A key innovation of the most recent FIFA editions is a move towards freemium online play via FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT), which allows teams of players to compete in leagues or for casual games.

The FIFA video games were released for all major gaming platforms, including the Xbox 360, the PS3, the Xbox One, the PS4, the Nintendo Switch and the PC and a version for iOS or Android phones. However, there were not released on any handheld gaming platform like the PlayStation Vita or the Nintendo 3DS up to date.

Official FIFA 19 Gameplay Trailer

A Quick Re-Cap of the FIFA Editions

EA release a new version of FIFA International Soccer every year, adding extra features and graphical touches, and generally refining the engine so that the gameplay experience becomes more involving, flexible and – crucially – more lifelike with every instalment.

The last few years have seen some major innovations, but every edition since 2015 is still highly playable. So, if you want to enjoy FIFA for less, these earlier versions could still represent great value. That's why it's worth doing a quick run-down of how the franchise has developed since 2015, to help you choose an edition that has the perfect price, but doesn't disappoint.

Earlier versions can also be a good option for those of use who aren't lucky enough to own a next generation console like a PS4 Pro or an Xbox One S. So let's have a look at what each version brings to the table, and whether they remain worth getting hold of:

• FIFA 15 – Released at the start of the 2014/2015 football season, FIFA 15 appeared for the PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and the Nintendo Wii. At the time, the PS4 and the Xbox One has just come onto the scene, so gamers expected big things. Would FIFA 2015 live up to the hype and deliver a quantum leap in terms of smoothness and realism? Well, reviewers were positive about the game as a whole, whatever platform it was played on, focusing on tweaks like more realistic player faces, pitches that decayed throughout games and more immersive stadiums with actual fan chants. Shots now curved more, goalkeepers were more flexible, defenders more canny, and the GUI was slicker – all big improvements. However, players were less crazy about the small improvements to the multiplayer mode and the existence of graphical glitches on all platforms. And, more importantly, FIFA 2015 didn't show off what the newer consoles could do. But it was still a huge success.

• FIFA 16 – Arriving in September 2015 to coincide with the start of the 2015/2016 season, FIFA 16 promised the usual minor improvements that FIFA fans are used to. In many ways, EA delivered, adding lifelike features like referees spraying lines in front of defensive walls, properly motion-captured female players, and improved passing mechanics – in theory allowing players to construct more intricate moves and play possession football. However, reviewers commented that the difficulty level appeared to high. Getting the ball back had become even tougher, centre backs on the opposing team almost always cleared crosses, and the game's automatic player selection had some unfortunate bugs. For some people, these might be small irritations. After all, FIFA 2016 featured a better Ultimate Team section, with a new draft system, and it was still possible to score stunning goals, with the crowd roaring in the background. But the consensus was that FIFA 16 was slower and less slick than PES 2016, something that EA would have to put right for the 2017 edition.

• FIFA 17 – Launched in September 2016, FIFA 17 represented a massive departure for the series. For starters, EA had overhauled the in-game engine, moving to a system known as “Frostbite”, with new button combinations and animations, resulting in what reviewers called a smoother, more integrated gameplay experience. Another key addition was The Journey – a game mode which follows the fortunes of a young footballer named Alex Hunter, from his childhood kickabouts to Premier League glory. More of an interactive movie than a traditional sports game, The Journey offers something that no football game has even considered before, and reviewers have been positive about how it works. On the other hand, there have been criticisms of FIFA 2017. As with earlier versions, elements of the in-game action are probably too complicated for casual players. Taking free-kicks and passing the ball around require hours of practice (something which isn't the case with PES). For experienced FIFA players, the 2017 edition has been a step forward, for sure. Better player animation and beefed up opponent AI make games more unpredictable, but most players still find that for sheer gameplay, FIFA 17 is a notch below PES. Has that been addressed in FIFA 18?

• FIFA 18 – The answer is yes – mostly. For starters, FIFA 18 was released in September 2017 for PC, PS4 and Xbox One, with PS3 and Xbox 360 versions to follow. Reviewers have noted that the Frostbite engine is slicker, with more realistic facial expressions. The lighting in stadiums is more realistic as well, while players move in more fluid, dynamic and less generic ways. Bugbears from previous versions like difficulty crossing have been ironed out, dribbling is easier, and The Journey has returned, with some extra features included. These features are sure to make FIFA 2018 as genuine competitor for PES 2018 – at least on the PC, Xbox One and PS4. Older systems will be getting little more than an update with new player details, so don't expect big changes if you are still using a PS3.

• FIFA 19 – Launched in September 2018, FIFA 19 is an improvement on previous iterations of the game. FIFA 19’s gameplay innovations include precision ball control, an extra layer to finishing, and an end to the laser passing accuracy of previous games; and all of these small tweaks add up to more natural feeling players and ultimately create more realistic gameplay. The authenticity of the football experience is also improved by the inclusion of the UEFA Champions League in FIFA 2019. Taking the licensing, and the bragging rights, for the Champions League away from Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) is a huge coup for EA and hugely improves the realism of the game, with each Champions League fixture accurately capturing the magic and prestige of the competition. The Champions League final can also be played as a one-off fixture in a newly revamped Kick-Off mode, alongside six new modes including ‘House Rules’ mode. Returning once again is The Journey, now in its third year of Alex Hunter’s story. The Journey: Champions is perhaps not as good as previous years and certainly feels heavily scripted, offering little choice both on and off the pitch. Overall, whilst it is let down by an underwhelming Journey campaign and the game isn’t completely overhauled as was the case with FIFA 17, FIFA 19 is a genuine improvement on recent games and crammed with a host of new features.

What are the Best Platforms to Play FIFA on?

Generally, the FIFA games will run most smoothly on next generation gaming systems like the PlayStation 4 or the Xbox One. These systems don't just have greater graphical processing power, they can also cope with online gaming more efficiently leading to reduced lag times.

However, not everyone owns the latest gaming console, and the cost of buying both an Xbox One or PlayStation 4 and a copy of the latest FIFA copy may be too great. In that case, the current versions of FIFA for PC and earlier consoles are fine, but it might be worth getting hold of on older FIFA version at a discount.

How to Play FIFA Ultimate Team

In FUT, players are assigned to divisions where they play against other FIFA users. When they win, players are assigned points. If they earn enough points, they are promoted to a higher league, but if they lose – relegation beckons. Along with the league system (the main part of FUT) it is also possible to play single matches against friends or strangers.

As you earn credits, you can also purchase better players (who are ranked bronze, silver and gold). You can buy the player packs mentioned above, or use your skill to improve your team over time.

A game mode called FIFA Ultimate Team Draft also allows players to select from five random players in every position and then to compete against the selections made by other players. This also provides access to world-class players for a short time, without spending big money on player packs.

Buying Players Using the FUT Store

The FUT store is where FIFA players go to pick up the player packs they need to strengthen their squads. It's generally a good idea to check the store regularly, as it's the place EA announces their Teams of the Week (and Teams of the Season) as well as any in-form players.

At some times of the year, player prices drop significantly, so keep an eye out for bargains. For example, Christmas sees big discounts, as does the period when EA announce their Team of the Year, when the price of other players tends to fall.

To make purchases on the FUT store, players will need FIFA Coins – which can be earned by victories during the game. However, they can also be purchased in real life from FUT merchants. You'll find discount deals on FIFA Coins at the HotUKDeals FIFA pages, allowing you to build a competitive team.

Be aware that there is a huge market for FUT Coins, and that not all firms are reliable. The official EA position is that buying coins online is cheating, and purchasers risk incurring a full ban from the FUT system.

If you choose to buy coins, you might also need to erase any financial information from your FIFA account before initiating a "comfort trade" (where the seller essentially takes over your account for a short time, adding the coins into your reserve). You can remove this information via Xbox Live, Origin and your PlayStation (PSN) account.

Should You Purchase FIFA 19, or PES 2019?

The big question for football fans who want the most realistic football game around is simple: Should I go for FIFA 19 or PES 2019?

There have been few video game battles like the one between FIFA and PES, and this decades-long rivalry is not slowing down for the latest iteration of the games.

As far as UK gamers are concerned, the FIFA brand, the multiplayer functions and FIFA's complex animations and player reactions compensate for gameplay differences, with FIFA consistently outselling its rival. Yet, PES has traditionally been the purist’s favourite, with more realistic gameplay and ball physics creating a more realistic feeling football gameplay and certainly PES 2019 feels fantastic to play.

However, this year’s FIFA has come on leaps and bounds in this area. FIFA 2019’s gameplay is aided by the addition of a host of new gameplay improvements: precision ball control, an extra layer to finishing, passing accuracy is less automatic and pace is no longer an automatic route to goal. All of these small feature changes help players feel more natural and place an emphasis on more realistic football gameplay.

This year’s FIFA, without doubt, trumps PES in terms of authenticity. Whilst PES has gained the official rights to some smaller leagues, most notably the Scottish Premier League, PES 2019 has lost its UEFA Champions League rights to FIFA 19 and EA have taken full advantage, using the Champions League in the third instalment of The Journey and adding a Champions League mode to its revamped Kick-Off mode.

FIFA 19’s Kick-off mode features several new modes, including Best Of Series, Home & Away, Cup Finals and House Rules. The new modes breath fresh air into a game mode with has long been stagnant and is an absolute improvement on the previous FIFA games, but unbelievably these new game modes can only be played locally and not online! Career Mode, Online Modes and Ultimate Team (FUT) also make a return but with minor improvements and changes. There’s simply so much crammed into this game that it’s impossible to fit it all in!

PES 2019 lacks a significant new mode and indeed its existing modes remain largely unchanged as well. Vastly improved for PES 2019, however, is player individuality. It’s not just a case of introducing bespoke animations, but accurately reflecting each player’s ingrained habits too, and PES 2019 achieves this well.

So what to buy?

If you own an older generation console (Xbox 360 or PS3), you have no choice! Konami announced that PES 2019 won’t ever be coming to either older platform. That being said, FIFA 19 for PS3 or Xbox 360 does not contain any of the new developments, including the Champions League, new Kick-off mode or gameplay improvements.

However for Xbox One and PS4, PES 2019 is still the better game for sheer gameplay and realistic physics, but FIFA 19 is a vast improvement into terms of realistic gameplay. FIFA 19, however, contains so much more than its rival and is probably the better choice, with something for everyone – be it fun mini-games, an engaging single player story or Ultimate Team.

FIFA 19 vs PES 2019 in Brief

So, to recap. FIFA 19’s pros include:

• The Journey: Champions – an engaging single player footballing adventure.

• Ultimate Team's addictive multiplayer action.

• The most immersive in-game visuals and commentary around.

• More complex tactics and skills.

• New Kick-Off modes - UEFA Champions League, House Rules, Best of Series, Home & Away, Cup Finals

• Improved graphics, gameplay physics and AI compared with FIFA 2018.

As for PES 2019, here are the areas where it might beat FIFA:

• Faster in-game action.

• Less complex commands, making the game more accessible.

• Easy passing, shooting and dribbling systems.

• Improved in-game graphics.

• Superior AI to FIFA.

There you have it: two excellent football games with varying strengths and weaknesses. If you can afford the latest titles, either will be a feast of footballing action. You'll surely find offers for all of these FIFA and PES games at hotukdeals.

How to Buy Cheap FIFA Games

If you want to purchase a copy of FIFA, the merchants at hotukdeals are constantly offering new deals from the UK's biggest retailers, such as Amazon, Tesco, GAME and Argos.

If you have not yet purchased a next generation gaming console, you can find discounted bundles featuring an Xbox One or PS4 and the latest FIFA game. However, there are also huge savings on older versions for the PS3, PC and Xbox 360.

Look out for major savings after the football season ends. July and August are great times to pick up a copy of FIFA at a low price, and it will give you time to prepare for the new season as well. Black Friday in November and the January sales also tend to see lower prices – perfect for evenings spent indoors gaming.

The Latest FIFA Offers at hotukdeals

Be aware that deals appear all the time, so make sure you regularly check the HotUKDeals FIFA listings.