FIFA 12 is the latest edition of the internationally popular football (or soccer) game from EA sports. Coupled with new interactive features in the Career Mode, a brand new impact engine and a level of unpredictability installments of past years simply failed to live up to, FIFA 12 seems blow any potential competition – normally Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer – straight out of the water.
But does FIFA 12 actually live up to the billing? Was the wait for FIFA 12 really about improved gameplay, or simply just a matter of updated rosters? And of course the one question those of you who are still “on the fence” are thinking about: is it really worth buying?
Read the rest of this review to find out just how Rivalspot rates EA Sports brand new edition of FIFA.
First off, the Career Mode has been drastically improved, as now managers can interact pre-game with their own players, opposition ones or even just make a general comment on the other team. Also, managers now receive responses directly from players regarding their morale, energy levels or just general happiness, making it easy to avoid injuries etc.
Perhaps the biggest improvement on past editions though is the new “Deadline Day” feature, where managers get to make 11th hour transfers, ultimately adding an element of realness to the season. It also gives the managers the illusion of a “race against time,” as now every move is made with a sense of promptness and increased calculation.
Another recognizable feature of course is the much anticipated impact engine, which has essentially changed the entire gameplay of the label. Now, factors such as energy levels, dedication of players and even the weather determine whether or not you reach a rolling ball which would have easily been reached in past editions. It ads an element of realism, and more importantly unpredictability.
Of course, the other thing players will notice when first playing the game is the level of intensity in the tackles. Not only can you time them better, but they look simply stunning in HD when players go tumbling and then struggle to get up. It also seems to allow more deflections on shots – again adding a sense of realism never seen before.
Another feature most users would probably overlook though is the level of personalization added to the players this time. Though more known players like Rooney, Messi and Ronaldo have always had an individual feel to them in editions past, personalization of others has lacked. The creators of FIFA 12 though have put great emphasis this time around however, resulting in a great feel for players from smaller teams who are generally “less known.”
Of course the other most noticeable (and expected) feature of the game is the improvement in graphics. When playing in HD – and everyone really should be – the game looks absolutely beautiful from just about any camera angle.
FIFA has added another level of convenience to the already user-friendly interface of the “Online Play” section. Now, instead of going through your console’s hub to find and then connect to a friend to play head-to-head with, the new “Friendlies” option allows you to find friends already online through the game itself. A big plus indeed, and coupled with the fact that your head-to-head record against each friend is recorded for eternity, there’s no reason you can’t earn bragging rights amongst your friends.
Of course, this edition is far from perfect, as there is still plenty of room for improvement.
First off, establishing and then staying connected with the EA server, even with a decent internet connection speed, is simply frustrating. The amount of times I’ve already, within just one week, been disconnected when cruising to victory online is simply inexcusable, and needs to be tended to quickly. For a game that relies so heavily on it’s “Online Play” mode, something needs to be done.
The crowd as well, which was boasted to be vastly improved in the run-in to the game’s launch, doesn’t seem all that vibrant either. Though the fan’s chants are supposed to weigh-in as the “12th man,” very rarely do recognizable or trademark songs heard from the stands during the game. Also, the home and away fans seem to celebrate together, regardless of who scores. A some may say it’s a trivial issue, but given the other improvements on realism EA has made with this edition, asking for an improvement in this department isn’t too much really.
Final Verdict
FIFA 12 is definitely a step-up from FIFA 11. Though the edition still has a few issues, the new features really do add appeal to the game. The new impact engine truly revolutionizes gameplay, and the overall presentation seems to have been improved greatly. The “Online Play” mode seems as great as ever, and the “Career Mode” definitely has had some work done to it.
In all, whether you’re the type of person that likes to socialize online through FIFA gaming, or simply prefer playing solo, FIFA 12 does not disappoint.
Worth buying? We think so.
Rating: 87%
