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FIFA 12 Review

Posted on 16. Oct, 2011 by Freak_c in Games, News, Reviews

Another year and another FIFA. EA have promised with the new FIFA new and innovative gameplay mechanics to make this years release one of the most realistic soccer game out on the market. We take it through a practice session, pushing it’s limits and beyond to see if it can be the top.

The problem I have with FIFA 12 is that the controls can get so complicated and is a mission to learn, that sometimes you wonder if this is worth the effort. Even during the tutorial for some of the new moves you would have to do it over and over again just to pass it and move to the next one. But thankfully there is a simpler control system and the game is still enjoyable if you play it simply without doing all the new fancy moves. I will say that taking the time and effort to learn these moves becomes very satisfying when you start fiddling with them against the AI or your buddies.

As mentioned before the FIFA games always add a little bit more to the mix to enhance the already solid gameplay and somehow the new mechanics manage to change the game completely. First we have the new tactical defending, This new feature comes with mixed feeling and replacing the ‘pressurise’ defensive system, where you could launch fullbacks. Tactical defending is a much more sophisticated approach to defending and ultimately it adds to the realism and rhythm of the game. Instead of just applying a massive load of pressure on to the team requiring almost no skill, you will now have to contain and jockey the opposition to get them to lose the ball. If done correctly you’ll be able to restrict the other team’s movement, driving them backwards and even forcing mistakes. It’s more engaging, and you actually have more to do than ever before when you’re not in possession. But you still have the option to take out the guys legs if you are frustrated.

In FIFA 12 defence has now become a new line of defence and sometimes you won’t ever have to make an actual tackle. You have to decide and be precise when to stick out a leg, mistime it by a second and you’ll be left in the dust of a speedy wing as he scampers towards goal. So whenever possible, stay on your feet or you’ll get brutally punished. This new tactical defending alters the tempo of matches as games open up, allowing passages of play much closer to the real thing, and as consequence you can be much more creative going forward.

The other new addition to making FIFA 12 more realistic is the Precision Dribbling. It enables you to control the ball deftly in close quarters but it really has a wealth of uses. Dropping into Precision Dribbling (which can be done by manually pressing L1) allows you do more than just dribble. Of course it doesn’t instantly transform every player into a Messi clone but it does give the illusion of becoming him once you master the system. Use it wisely as it can make or break your attack by giving you that extra meter or so.

The other new addition (among so many) is the new Player Impact Engine. This simulates player collisions with unparalleled realism, or so it tries for the most part. It invests players with almost real mass, so when they collide they react, like bodies would when crashing at speed, reacting accordingly to the angle of impact. While watching my brother play the game, I was wholly impressed at the reactions and animations and couldn’t help but be amazed at how close the game looks to the real thing.

The game brings with it all the usual modes that you would expect to find in a FIFA game. But the one that has been getting a lot of praise is the EA Sports Football Club. This mode promises to provide players with challenges taken right from the current week’s real life game that make the back pages. EA will support this feature all-year round which it is sure to offer innovative scenarios it really could prove to be a fantastic addition.

Conclusion
Another year and another excellent FIFA game. I have no idea how they always manage to add so much to the game, it’s quite overwhelming. The game delivers on bringing the ultimate soccer experience and closest to realism yet. Offering so much re-play value and so many options and modes right off the disc. And then throw in all the continued online additions coming weekly with the new Football Club mode you will be playing this game non-stop until next year’s release of FIFA 13.

8.5/10

Big thank you to EA for supplying the game for review.

Tags: EA, FIFA 12, PS3, Review