FIFA 12 Review

 

FIFA 12 Review Publisher: Electronic Arts Developer: Electronic Arts Genres: Simulation, Sports Release Date: N Amer - 09/27/11 Platforms:PC, PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360 Everyone

GameZone Rating 9.0

Imagine the pressure of creating a game based on the world's most popular sport.  Year in and year out, EA Sports has tasked itself with creating the best possible soccer game that will appeal to the hordes of soccer fans around the globe.  Last year, with FIFA 11, they pretty much succeeded.  The challenge this year?  Topping such a successful game and not only repeating the performance, but exceeding it.  Expectations were high, but EA Sports delivery was higher.
That's right, EA Sports has delivered a gem in FIFA 12, highlighted by a series of risky changes.  With a clear goal of improving gameplay, EA focused on defensive changes to the gameplay, most notably a new tactical defending system that emphasizes "containing" and jostling.  Although these changes will feel weird at first, you should soon get used to them.  I, for one, welcomed these changes, which took out a common tactic of holding down the two "pressing" button, which in the past sent two players in to close down the attackers and win the ball.  Was it a smart tactic, gameplay wise?  Yes.  Did it require skill?  Hardly.
Now, that tactic no longer works.  Instead of rushing in to take the ball, you now play a more realistic style of defense.  FIFA 12 now has a new "containing" method in which you track the attacker, remaining a few feet away, and keeping him held back.  When the time is right, you can actively time when to tackle and rush in for the ball, or decide when to hold the player back.  Time your button press badly and the attacker will easily pass you, or you'll commit a foul.