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

[Matt10]

Re: FIFA 12 Demo Available Now, Post Impressions Here (360, PS3, PC)

For those who have played both games, what are the main differences between FIFA and PES? I plan to play the PES demo tomorrow, but what does each game offer?

Good question, but dont' think we can get into it here. It always turns out ugly.

I will say that both demos are promising, but gameplay is what matters and FIFA's new "features" are a bit hit and miss - but still looking forward to the final product.

[PeruvianPlaya954]

Re: FIFA 12 Demo Available Now, Post Impressions Here (360, PS3, PC)

Just played the demo...quick observations:
+ I haven't played FIFA much recently, but this demo felt smooth. I had a little time with '11 and I definitely notice a difference.
+ The physics engine had little impact so far, but it feels like momentum and things are in play. The goal I scored was on a very sexy volley--pretty replay.
+ There seems to be some presentation improvements.
- Teammate AI seems braindead, as others have said, unless you use R1 and make them work, really. This is reminiscent of the NHL series.
- One of the stranger plays I saw had my player fall over the opponent's leg, then "float" straight up in the air almost before coming down. It looked very awkward. I think this is a physics engine guffaw.
- Some of the presentation elements are still off, including overuse of the same isometric camera angle on replays.
- There are also other issues with camera cuts and weird robotic movements I'd like to see fixed, an issue in other EA games--it doesn't feel natural, and at one point I think the ref had a seizure.

For those who have played both games, what are the main differences between FIFA and PES? I plan to play the PES demo tomorrow, but what does each game offer?

PES - Not as pretty, but gameplay is more realistic. Goals are much more varied and will make your jaw drop. In one game I did with me as Inter against Rangers (CPU), Edu sent a long ball out of midfield toward the center forward, who with his back turned to goal at the top of the 18 headed the ball down to an oncoming midfielder that blasted a volley into the back of the net before the ball even hit the ground.

FIFA - Graphics look good, defending takes more skill and through balls aren't as easy to execute, which is all good. Licensing, commentary and atmosphere are incredible. Impact engine can be executed perfectly, such as a video posted earlier in this thread, but it does have a few kinks that need to be ironed out.

[Greene_Flash03]

Re: FIFA 12 Demo Available Now, Post Impressions Here (360, PS3, PC)

After playing PES demo 10 more times, I must say PES 12 gameplay is very solid. AI alone beats FIFA 12 demo. When I got back playing FIFA again, the gameplay was very stale. CPU is 90% on passes, the always attack the wing to setup the cross. In PES, you'll see CPU take chances on passes (volley, through passes ETC.).

PES' main advantage to me is the AI. your teammates are smarter, they will try to find holes in your opponent to score. Also, goal variety is incredibly good! I played as Spurs vs Inter, although we finished with 0 goals each, I really had a good time playing. Simply put, games in PES could get really exciting, not stale.

[sars973]

Re: FIFA 12 Demo Available Now, Post Impressions Here (360, PS3, PC)

Hated the demo at first, especially the defending; it was damn near impossible for me to figure out.

Went from my normal pro difficulty down to semi-pro, still struggled a bit.

Last few games I figured the game out, started scoring goals actually and being able to win the ball.

Also, pulled this cheeky goal off:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Y-eF5apXQEQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[TheDutchDad]

Re: FIFA 12 Demo Available Now, Post Impressions Here (360, PS3, PC)

Hated the demo at first, especially the defending; it was damn near impossible for me to figure out.

Went from my normal pro difficulty down to semi-pro, still struggled a bit.

Last few games I figured the game out, started scoring goals actually and being able to win the ball.

Also, pulled this cheeky goal off:
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Y-eF5apXQEQ" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe>

Nice. What's with Lofa Tatupu?

[Bat]

Re: FIFA 12 Demo Available Now, Post Impressions Here (360, PS3, PC)

I really liked the demo. The defense is definitely different. Slower to react to the other team.

Stoked for it's release!

Go Arsenal!

[Altimus]

Re: FIFA 12 Demo Available Now, Post Impressions Here (360, PS3, PC)

The new collision and physics system is nice... however, the game does not recognize fouls. I hope this issue is addressed in the future. Here is an example:

<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEzMTYwNTMzNjgyNjcmcHQ9MTMxNjA1MzM2OTg4Ni ZwPTk1MDcxJmQ9Jmc9MSZvPTdhMGJmZTUzYjY2YTQ5NWViNWEw/NWZhZmRhOWJhMDAzJm9mPTA=.gif" /><object width="640" height="360"><param name="wmode" value="transparent" valuetype="data" /><param name="movie" value="http://cdn.www.easports.com/static/6447/flash/mdMediaPlugin/mediaplayer.swf?file=http://cdn.content.easports.com/media2012/fifa12/5181873/492A0001_0_FLV_VIDEO_mpK.flv&link=http://www.easports.com/media/play/video/93139185&linkfromdisplay=true&linktarget=_top&imag e=" valuetype="data" /><embed src="http://cdn.www.easports.com/static/6447/flash/mdMediaPlugin/mediaplayer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="height=360&width=640&file=http://cdn.content.easports.com/media2012/fifa12/5181873/492A0001_0_FLV_VIDEO_mpK.flv&link=http://www.easports.com/media/play/video/93139185&linkfromdisplay=true&linktarget=_top&imag e="></embed></object><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://www.easports.com/" target="_top" shape="rect">EA Sports</a>: <a href="http://www.easports.com/media/play/video/93139185" target="_top" shape="rect">FIFA 12 DEMO: Arsenal 0 – 0 Bor. Dortmund </a></div>

This situation would have led to a one on one with the keeper. However, I get clipped as soon as I get the touch on the ball and go down. No card, no foul.

Then this happens.

<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEzMTYwNjc*OTI*MDkmcHQ9MTMxNjA2NzQ5Mzk1NS ZwPTk1MDcxJmQ9Jmc9MSZvPTFlYWVkZmYwM2E5NTQyNDY5Mjdj/NDQxYzhlNmYzNTllJm9mPTA=.gif" /><object width="640" height="360"><param name="wmode" value="transparent" valuetype="data" /><param name="movie" value="http://cdn.www.easports.com/static/6447/flash/mdMediaPlugin/mediaplayer.swf?file=http://cdn.content.easports.com/media2012/fifa12/5181873/492A0001_1_FLV_VIDEO_nGP.flv&link=http://www.easports.com/media/play/video/93159979&linkfromdisplay=true&linktarget=_top&imag e=" valuetype="data" /><embed src="http://cdn.www.easports.com/static/6447/flash/mdMediaPlugin/mediaplayer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="height=360&width=640&file=http://cdn.content.easports.com/media2012/fifa12/5181873/492A0001_1_FLV_VIDEO_nGP.flv&link=http://www.easports.com/media/play/video/93159979&linkfromdisplay=true&linktarget=_top&imag e="></embed></object><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://www.easports.com/" target="_top" shape="rect">EA Sports</a>: <a href="http://www.easports.com/media/play/video/93159979" target="_top" shape="rect">FIFA 12 DEMO: Bor. Dortmund 0 – 0 F.C. Barcelona </a></div>

And all is forgiven.

Overall I'm liking this new system a lot. It is a little difficult playing PES because of it.

[Lubey]

Re: FIFA 12 Demo Available Now, Post Impressions Here (360, PS3, PC)

Then this happens.

<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEzMTYwNjc*OTI*MDkmcHQ9MTMxNjA2NzQ5Mzk1NS ZwPTk1MDcxJmQ9Jmc9MSZvPTFlYWVkZmYwM2E5NTQyNDY5Mjdj/NDQxYzhlNmYzNTllJm9mPTA=.gif" /><object width="640" height="360"><param name="wmode" value="transparent" valuetype="data" /><param name="movie" value="http://cdn.www.easports.com/static/6447/flash/mdMediaPlugin/mediaplayer.swf?file=http://cdn.content.easports.com/media2012/fifa12/5181873/492A0001_1_FLV_VIDEO_nGP.flv&link=http://www.easports.com/media/play/video/93159979&linkfromdisplay=true&linktarget=_top&imag e=" valuetype="data" /><embed src="http://cdn.www.easports.com/static/6447/flash/mdMediaPlugin/mediaplayer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="height=360&width=640&file=http://cdn.content.easports.com/media2012/fifa12/5181873/492A0001_1_FLV_VIDEO_nGP.flv&link=http://www.easports.com/media/play/video/93159979&linkfromdisplay=true&linktarget=_top&imag e="></embed></object><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://www.easports.com/" target="_top" shape="rect">EA Sports</a>: <a href="http://www.easports.com/media/play/video/93159979" target="_top" shape="rect">FIFA 12 DEMO: Bor. Dortmund 0 – 0 F.C. Barcelona </a></div>

And all is forgiven.

Overall I'm liking this new system a lot. It is a little difficult playing PES because of it.

I just played a game where I had Ibrahimovic with the ball in the box going towards goal. There was a defender on both sides. I hit the shoot button, and in the process I got bumped, completely whiffing on the shot as I'm falling to the ground. Then before I hit the ground the other defender bumps me too. No call for either. Wish I could get a video but it was on the PC and I wasn't signed in.

Getting bumped while shooting and missing completely has happened a couple times, but that was the worst.

[PeruvianPlaya954]

Re: FIFA 12 Demo Available Now, Post Impressions Here (360, PS3, PC)

Yeah, it seems like you have to get murdered to get a foul called. But, having played it more tonight, I must admit that the FIFA game is growing on me and it isn't as bad as I originally thought; just have to get the defense down pat.

Still some FIFA-like things that will drive you crazy (ie too many crosses and constant pass-to-middle goals), but if you're not a fan of PES, then this is a first-day buy if you need a soccer fix.

I'm still torn between PES and FIFA.

[clownbaby]

Re: FIFA 12 Demo Available Now, Post Impressions Here (360, PS3, PC)

When it comes to sports games, it's often prevalent for two companies to offer a different product with unique positives and negatives regarding gameplay, graphics etc. I ALWAYS disregard graphics in favor of gameplay. When people tell me that PES represents 'the gameplay' side of soccer compared to Fifa, I understand that the goals are often more creative and the ai is better supposedly in pes, but to me the ball physics and player movement feels boxy and arcade-like. Fifa 12 has a great new defensive system which some claim, due to poor ai, is useless. But, with some practice I'm getting 4-6 tackles a game, which is near (little below) my average per half from 11, so that's perfect. The key is PATIENCE.

GOING BACK TO GOAL CREATIVITY, my favorite addition so far is improved volley accuracy, which has accounted for some awesome messi goals (almost exactly like his volley for goal in the supercopa off of a low short cross) and others as well.

Has anyone noticed how much harder World Class is?

What I'm most excited for is multiplayer. This will obviously be the most improved aspect of fifa because it eliminates double pressing jabronies who consistently win with practice. That's right all you 14 yr old ritalin heads, you will actually have to play defense!

Also looking forward to playing in an OS league after a fellow mlb the show league member swore it was the best online experience in sports gaming. Message me if you know of a good league with openings!

[jb1]

Re: FIFA 12 Demo Available Now, Post Impressions Here (360, PS3, PC)

Only played a couple of games but I already think the switch to tactical defending is the way forward, anything that makes the game harder is ok in my book and this is miles ahead of the previous method of just hold down a button and win the ball everytime.

It's a much more realistic way of defending and I applaud EA for introducing it as i'm sure they will come under fire on their own forums from those who can no longer pressure abuse to the extents of previous years. I love both standing off attackers, shadowing them down the line and making a sliding tackle when the time is right, feels great when you get it right and also feels right when you mis-time it.

It will take some getting used to for sure but i'm one of those who actually enjoyed seeing the CPU hold a % of possession advantage over me, certainly beats me having 60%+ every game on 11.

Some things that irked me though, off the ball player movement felt a bit static, the referees are awful and while the new player collision system is a step in the right direction it just needs some tuning.

Overall, a positive step in the right direction from EA.

[woody2goody]

Re: FIFA 12 Demo Available Now, Post Impressions Here (360, PS3, PC)

I think EA's approach for '12 has been a good one - focusing on things like making defending harder and the shooting, the two things that have always bothered me compared to PES.

I'm just not enjoying the game so far, and that's worrying. Every game of PES has left me with a smile on my face, and every game of FIFA feels frustrating to me at the moment.

Shooting as I mentioned is better, but I'm having so few shots it's embarrassing, so it's hard to say just how improved it is. I did score an absolute screamer with Gervinho though, running onto a loose ball and smashing it into the top corner from about 30 yards. Very satisfying.

The goalkeepers, the general animations and the presentation are all great, but I have to say at the minute I still prefer '09, '10 and the abomination that was PES 2008 over this.

I thought when EA said they were fixing the defending, this would also apply to the way the AI defends too. At the moment I don't see a great deal of change. They see the ball, they win it.

Human players don't seem alert and sharp, even when being sent on a run, where the computer players seem to have Red Bull injected into their veins. I also don't know what the heck they've done to the short passing, it just lacks the fluidity and pace of previous versions. Defending CPU players have also turned into NCAA 12 linebackers (ability to read and intercept any ball! ).


The computer having nearly 90% pass completion every game is a joke, and to be honest I wouldn't be surprised to see the same coming from league two teams if I were to play them. Even Barcelona would struggle to get 90% passing success in real life.

CPU clearances nearly ALWAYS go to one of their players, which is ridiculous.

Maybe I have to drop the difficulty down, because I've never been a good FIFA player, but at the moment I'm struggling to see how it's worth my pre-order, even at the expense of dropping out of the league I've signed up for. I'll keep playing though and report back with any good findings

[Qb]

Re: FIFA 12 Demo Available Now, Post Impressions Here (360, PS3, PC)

Man, I just can't get used to the new defending. I changed the buttons around to make it a bit more comfortable, but I really think EA has swung to far.

What FIFA has now would be great, if your AI teammates played good defense as well. But they don't. They sit back, lay off and loosely contain. There's no tight marking, no defending passes, no tackles, nothing. Because of this the CPU can pass around pretty much at will. I tried even using the "High Pressure" Quick Tactic, and it really changes nothing.

I hear you. I love how defending feels for my user controlled player and I think the changes will really help in the long run, especially in head-to-head and OTP. However, the off the ball defending by my teammates feels too lax. I don't think it's far off from being a good balance, so perhaps the final build will address this. Plus, the man marking slider may help with this for offline play.

I don't put a ton of stock into demo gameplay, especially EA's super-short ones. I've seen enough to know tactical defending is a fundamental change in the way the game is played, but I have no idea if EA can find the sweet spot 'out of the box' or if the sliders will help dial it in.

[Qb]

Re: FIFA 12 Demo Available Now, Post Impressions Here (360, PS3, PC)

Almost forgot something... Can we please keep this to FIFA impressions, please? I know the discussion is quite civil and we appreciate that, but let's do our best to stick with the topic.

For those who want to talk PES, I know a great place to do that...

[TheArsenologist]

Re: FIFA 12 Demo Available Now, Post Impressions Here (360, PS3, PC)

CPU clearances nearly ALWAYS go to one of their players, which is ridiculous.

This has always been one of my main gripes about FIFA on this generation of consoles. I'll have the opposition goal under siege and they'll manage to hoof out a clearance that somehow finds the only one of their guys not behind the ball while the four defenders I have back simply watch. Just kills me.

I am enjoying the Demo so far, but there are a couple of things that seem off to me. I agree with everyone who says the CPU passing is way too accurate. It had become almost standard to me until I played PES and saw passes go astray. Now, I expect that from FIFA, and to not get it is frustrating.

Defending is definitely a step up from last years, and I love the patience required. For some reason, though, the way they have the buttons mapped does not work for me and I keep hitting the wrong button. I like some of the suggestions for re-mapping on here and I'll definitely have to give those a try.

Fouls seem to be called on soft collisions yet ignored on hard ones. Consistency in that area could be improved.

I'm also in the same boat as everyone else, I think. I'm always a "World Class" difficulty guy, but I've had to drop down to Pro for this demo. I guess that's a good sign.

There's a really good game to be had here, but I just keep wanting that little more that I don't think FIFA can offer to make this really good game a great game.