Game Review : FIFA 12

Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

Price: £30-£39.99

Age Rating: N/A

Genre: Sports

Design


FIFA is back and this time around with FIFA 12 it brings in some new features to keep it's already loyal fan-base well and truly hooked. The game modes are pretty much the same as the other games in the series with the much adored Ultimate Team making a comeback as well as some new modes such as Live Season where you earn points depending on your online wins, losses and draws, its a new and welcome addition to FIFA's already flourishing online mode. Career mode has also made a comeback with the option of using a player, a manager or a player manager to get the job done. Two other new additions are tactical defending which allows the player to take a more professional approach to defending rather than just holding down 'A' or 'X' (depending on your console) you have to time your tackles correctly with the tackle button otherwise players such as Aguero and Messi just leave you standing in their dust. The new and improved impact engine makes the game feel much more realistic with true injuries added in, however at times you may find yourself mounting an unsuspected goalkeeper or flipping over a defenders head, its a downside in technical terms but to look at its pretty amusing.

Gameplay


The game plays out fantastically with the commentating contributing to the atmosphere of the match along with customisable music and crowd reactions to your favourite teams and players it really gets you involved. Virtual pros can be given a 'Gameface' created on the FIFA 12 website which at times looks like a waxwork and really needs work to look more realistic. Virtual Pro accomplishments also make a comeback and are just as addictive to obtain with rewards unlocked such as new boots, socks, footballs and bright green afros as well as valuable skill points for your Virtual Pro. Players can play co-operatively online through pro-clubs or against each other in a simple kickoff match, it really does give hours of competitive gameplay either online or just sat side by side because let's face it theres nothing better than beating your friend playing as your favourite team.

Presentation

The menus and home screen in FIFA 12 look great and are easy enough to navigate, tactical defending can be changed back to 'Legacy' which is your simple hold down the tackle button type of defending if you are finding 'Tactical' a bit too difficult or are constantly losing 20-0 against Slough. When played in high definition FIFA 12 looks superb with the players looking accurately like their real-life counterparts however when playing on a standard definition television it is quite disappointing, the menus shrink and the gameplay is restricted due to you having to adjust your camera angles just to see your player, it really is something to work at, just because HD is around SD should not be forgotten, not just yet anyway.

Summary


To summarise FIFA 12 is really in the Premier League of sports games because of its ease to play and player customisation capabilities. The 'Arena' and training modes really come in handy when you need to practice your new set-pieces. What I would like to see in the next game is an improved Gameface software that doesn't make you look like a shop window mannequin and better accomplishments for your Virtual Pro, I found myself completing them and not really feeling rewarded, maybe a look at the accomplishments system could really push the next game right to the top because I really feel it has alot more to give.

Ratings


Design : 9.4

Gameplay: 9.3

Presentation: 9.1


Overall: 9.3