FIFA 12

By Tristan Tancredi

FIFA 12 seamlessly fuses realistic gaming and strategy with hours of enjoyable, addictive fun to create an authentic footballing experience.

With a game changing new Player Impact Engine that delivers real-world physicality, its no surprise that this game won 20 "Best Sports Game of E3" awards.

The new Player Impact Engine enables gamers to feel the pressure encountered  by real-world footballers. The outcomes of onfield events are amazingly accurate to real-world scenarios.

The Player Impact Engine enables the force of contact between players to alter and the outcome to differ accordingly. Realistic Injuries are based on the severity of the collision. (Soft tissue injuries also occur).

Gameplay innovations have pushed this series into levels unseen in previous FIFA games. Precision Dribbling and a redesigned defending mechanism (Tactical Defending) places more emphasis on defence.

FIFA diehards will notice the defensive differences in FIFA 12. In previous games there was limited importance placed on players defensive positioning and defensive tactics.

In FIFA 12 the new defensive mechanism places equal importance on positioning, interceptions and tackling.

Defending is a lot harder in this game than ever before. Getting the players to defend zones and areas, moving them to the right position and tackling at the exact moment can get tricky and a little frustrating. However these differences make FIFA 12 more realistic, hence, stand out from its predeccesors.

Precision Dribbling enables players to control the ball and the pace of the game. A deft touch of the controls allows a smooth transition of play to create space in tight situations or even to turn an opponent inside out.

Don't expect to control the ball like Christiano Ronaldo straight away. It takes time and patience to correctly master the loose ball. (Even time and patience doesn't help some people).

Another innovation by the developers at EA is the use of Pro Player Intelligence. Now, even the CPU comes with Self-Awareness and Aptitude. The CPU players make their own decisions based on their level of skill and the strengths they possess. I was amazed at how well this worked and how real of an experience FIFA 12 is.

It's bloody impressive. Teams will vary their tactics according to the strengths of their players on the pitch.

The gameplay is sensational. In terms of sports simulation, EA have hit the nail on the head. It's not an easy task combining all of the nuances of football, the tactics and the realism and still keeping the gameplay fun and reasonably simple. EA has done this brilliantly.

The game is also visually stunning. The stadiums around the world are replicated to a tea in this game. (Just don't be confused when Melbourne Victory's home ground is in Spain).

Our only qualm with the visuals comes from the background during gameplay. The crowd reactions are too repetitive, and close up the people in the crowd are blurry.

The commentary stylings of Martin Tyler return, joined by newcomer Alan Smith who has replaced naughty boy Andy Gray. The commentary is fresh, entertaining and current. We didn't encounter too many repeated phrases.

The EA Sports Football Club, is according to FIFA, "the heartbeat of FIFA 12". Every game played, every move made within FIFA 12 is recorded and measured in a meanigful way. Earn experience points, track friends and compete challenges online. Gamers will relive real world footballing events and scenarios so that FIFA 12 looks and plays like the real world season.

As part of EA Sports Football Club, points earned through gameplay contribute to the gamers supported clubs. These clubs are pitted against eachother in an EA sports ladder with promotion and relegation available. So the more points you earn playing, the better off your supported team.

There are a multitude of gaming options available. Exhibition matches, Tournaments, Live Season, Career, Be A Pro and Virtual Pro to name a few.

Be a pro, like its predecessor, allows gamers to control one player. Although fun at times, we just kept following the ball like an Under 8's football game. The Be A Pro Keeper is something you will try once and never go back to. (It's simply boring and you will find there is nothing like a solo run from the keeper just to keep things interesting).

FIFA 12 Career mode is addictive, rewarding and remarkably enjoyable.

Gamers get the option to choose Player, Manager or Player & Manager. Facing more decisions and season altering factors then ever before, FIFA 12 will test all your tactical and football knowledge.

A new scouting network feature enables managers to place underage players in their youth team. An expanded transfer system increases activity and pressure. More importantly is the emphasis placed on player and team management (Contracts, Wages, Form and Player Morale).

The soundtrack features a few Aussie bands including; All Mankind, Architecture in Helsinki and Cut Copy. Catchy and entertaining, the worldwide tunes will get you bopping along.

FIFA 12 may have a few minor imperfections but for an authentic football gaming experience, look no further.

Check our our Pro Evolution 12 Review here.

Game: FIFA 12
System: Playstation 3, XBox 360, PC, 3DS
Developer/Co-Developer: EA Canada
Publisher: Electronic Arts

Rating: 90%

(Ratings Key/Explanation)