FIFA 12 Available Now, Post Impressions Here (360, PS3)

[Guffers]

Well I'm switching between enjoyment and sofa punching frustration with this game. The new improvements are great but the lack of fouls and tactical adjustment from the CPU is a really sore point.

I have also decided that the new defending controls are almost a waste of time. All I do is draw myself out of position ball chasing. A far better strategy is to make sure that your team maintains it's shape and only attempt to steal the ball when the chance presents itself. Your AI team mates actually do an ok job of of tackling on their own and I've really noticed the absurd CPU passing percentage come back down to earth now that I'm playing like this. Now I just wish that I wouldn't give up so many soft goals from crosses and that my own crosses were far more effective. In real football there is a palpable whiff of danger when the ball is swung in on a cross. I feel that when the computer crosses but my own team is always beaten soundly by the perfect CPU defense.

Overall this is the best FIFA since 08 for me. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the one patch that they usually issue actually addresses some of the AI problems.

[rckabillyRaider]

anyone tried downloading a custom tournament? I downloaded one and once I start it up the groups are all messed up and not how they were originally created. I don't see any option that would let us arrange the teams in whatever group we want either.

[Qb]

Quote: Originally Posted by slthree

Most of my playing is verse the CPU. That's why it kills me that the cpu won't change formation or tactics. I'm still holding out slim hope that there is something I'm missing.

Tactical subs and formation changes have been lacking in FIFA for years, so it doesn't surprise me to hear it's more of the same in '12. However, the salt in the wound is they do a good job with this in their tournament games (eg, Euro20008, WC2010). It was especially prevalent in Euro08 with weaker teams starting the game in defensive formations and really packing it in. I think they canned that idea because it almost made it too difficult relative to the team ability -- scrapping for a 1-0 against San Marino with Germany, really? -- but I suspect it would play out differently with the gameplay changes in FIFA12.

I won't say I've never seen the CPU change formation during a match, although I can easily say it is not the norm. It was often hard to tell without going to the player ratings or team management screen during the game to see the CPU's formation. One thing I know they do is change the mentality because the announcers will make a comment about it. However, I'm not sure it has as much of an effect this year. In FIFA10 (the last one I played a lot offline), I remember holding on for dear life to protect leads, although it's probably worth mentioning that was with all-manual controls (more user mistakes) and 15 minute halves (more time to make said mistakes).

But yeah, adaptive in-game tactics is generally not a strong point of this series and it does hurt the overall experience. I'm wouldn't go so far to say it makes the game unplayable or lifeless for me, but we each have our own outlook on things.

Riz, if we get some head-to-head games in tonight, I'll make sure each substitution requires a complete overhaul of my formation.

[peigone]

Quote: Originally Posted by sventheone

but to call this game unplayable? To each his own I suppose.

The game is pretty, fun and very playable if you're looking for a video game to just kick a soccer ball around for a bit. But for serious players who are looking for a realistic simulation that incorporates authentic football strategy, FIFA falls short. It's clear that's what slthree was meaning with that comment of his. Imagine for example an American football game where the CPU played every down of every series as if it were 1st and 10. Most football gamers would howl in disbelief and would call that game unplayable, bottomline.

For the record, I'm mostly in the first catagory. I honestly could't tell you if or when the CPU switches strategy... it all just looks like players running around a pitch to me! The issues I have with the game are different and have to do with other aspects of the AI programming.

[xbxwire]

It's not perfect but it's fun. Few things I saw in my career mode on world class

Gerrard attempted 5 shots from 25-30 yards out. None on target but when he had space he let it rip.

Got hit with a beautifully weighted through ball by Liverpool Gerrard to Saurez. A beautiful 30 yard pass behind the half line to Saurez who took a rip past my goalie into the net. Not the kind of goal I ever conceded in FIFA 11.

The play is getting better. There is a little more variety. Turning the CPU pass error up and user pass error up helps the randomness of the game. It's still not perfect tho.

Fouls are still a big problem, namely there aren't enough. BUT you do get penalties in the box I regularly will get one every 4-5 games. Something like that which sounds about right.

Career mode is a lot better. I hadn't been playing Arshavin and he complained.

I've already seen some progression of my players 7 games into my career mode. I have also seen my loanees at other clubs improving as well.

[mjarz02]

If you don't enjoy this game...I feel really bad for you.

[danlongwood]

Season ticket once again saved me money. Like Madden I tried out Fifa 12 and although there were some really good things about the game I chose to take a pass on buying it. Matter of fact, I havent even played it since Saturday night since i knew it wasnt for me.

Biggest flaw is the extreme lack of fouls/cards during game play. Logic would dictate that EA would patch the problem or tune the problem but that can't be guaranteed and I'm not wasting 60 bucks if they don't. After all, Madden's had this problem with lack of penalties, especially pass interference for at least 6 years and have never fixed it.

[chelios7]

Quote: Originally Posted by danlongwood

Season ticket once again saved me money. Like Madden I tried out Fifa 12 and although there were some really good things about the game I chose to take a pass on buying it. Matter of fact, I havent even played it since Saturday night since i knew it wasnt for me. Biggest flaw is the extreme lack of fouls/cards during game play. Logic would dictate that EA would patch the problem or tune the problem but that can't be guaranteed and I'm not wasting 60 bucks if they don't. After all, Madden's had this problem with lack of penalties, especially pass interference for at least 6 years and have never fixed it.

Lack of cards/fouls just isnt enough of a reason for me not to buy an otherwise great game. Its just not a deal breaker for me. It really seems like more and more people pick one thing that they can focus on as a reason to skip a game and act like its a critical flaw that breaks the game. If it is truly the case that these flaws are dealbreakers, then really we wouldnt be able to play ANY of the sports titles available. All of them have something that just isnt realistic about them.

I love sports and enjoy sports games, so I try to look at a game as a flawed but hopefully fun interpretation of the real game that I love. I still think the original NBA Jam Tournament Edition is one of the best sports games of all time and that thing is in no way realistic, but its highly entertaining. Thats good enough for me.