FIFA Soccer 12

A remarkable achievement. EA could have easily rested on its laurels, but instead decided to be ballsy and went about overhauling some fundamental gameplay mechanics in a game that was already garnering universal praised.

A landmark sports game. Not only is it the greatest football game we've yet seen, it's a masterclass in how to capture the essence of a sport. From they way it looks to the way it makes you think about how you play the game, FIFA 12 is brilliant, through and through.

FIFA 12 has not only improved upon FIFA 11, this episode is perhaps the one that takes the most risks, and the result is excellent. This redesigned gameplay, the revamped defense and the huge learning curve it offers makes for an impressive FIFA 12 that soccer fans will love.

FIFA Soccer 12 is remarkable. It is addictive. It is fun. It is the closest a videogame has ever come to the real thing and it easily gets my vote for sports game of the year.

FIFA 12 takes realism to an all-time high in sports games. The innovative changes in gameplay mechanics, much needed changes to career mode, and additional online modes makes this one of the most complete FIFA packages to date. If you're a true football fan, you'd be remiss to pass up FIFA 12 - even if you own FIFA 11.

When I say it's the best sports game this year I mean it. Every time you play you'll experience something new and move towards accomplishing goals besides those that you score on the field. It's going to be hard for EA to top this one.

FIFA 12 is the definitive soccer simulation. EA managed to improve the last year edition by not only adding small fixes and new rosters but putting a new impact engine, new modes and a lot of cool stuff asked by users.

FIFA 12 has not innovated simply for the sake of it. The gameplay innovations greatly improve the way FIFA plays. Matches unfold with a more authentic tempo, taking it much closer to the real thing.

FIFA 12 enhances the exceptional gameplay of the last years and makes a bold change in defense, which forces players to pass through a process of adaptation (although they can turn on the "classic" defense), but shines like the previous games.

The freshest and most fearless FIFA in living memory. We can't wait to see what they do next. [Nov 2011, p.73]

FIFA 12 is arguably the best soccer game released by any developer to date. The authenticity of the gameplay, the quality of the presentation and the large selection of modes make for an extremely rich and satisfying experience. What FIFA lacks in new single player modes is easily made up for in the overall quality and satisfaction of the experience on the pitch. The question then comes to you the gamer. Are you a huge soccer fan, who needs your fix every year for the latest and greatest soccer game? If so, don't even hesitate, FIFA 12 is the game for you.

EA proves yet again that FIFA is the best football game series. This year's installment tops the previous one with an new physics engine, improved defensive mechanics and a more elaborate career mode. Kudos!

Overall, FIFA 12 improves upon the ground work laid by the previous incarnations of the series. The level of immersion, of escapism, not to mention the level of online support for fans, is beyond impressive.

FIFA's series latest version makes enough enhancements to continue the saga forward march to perfect simulation. With the Impact Engine and Tactical Defending, there too much to learn this time.

All in all, FIFA 12 is another spectacular game in the series. The differences between this game and the real thing continue to be chipped away at, and with the depth of material available in this title you can really submerge yourself into beautiful game.

A bold and more random game, which still thrills like few others - but the increased realism makes for a chaotic, often taxing experience. [Dec 2011, p.96]

With great visuals, fully featured commentary, and a depth of content that will absolutely keep FIFA fans engaged, this 2012 iteration will easily satisfy the crowd. [Dec 2011, p.73]

FIFA Soccer 12 is rich with fathoms of deep features, and the well-designed improvements to both presentation and gameplay make it a worthy upgrade for owners of last year's edition.

We may have a two-horse race on our hands once again, but the thoroughbred in the lead shows no signs of slowing down. [Nov 2011, p.93]

The improvements - while not always immediately in your face - add up into an extremely tight, polished gem. Very few people will regret buying FIFA 12.

FIFA 12 represents the biggest step forward for the franchise since '09 invented the fast, free-flowing FIFA we know and love. It still has all of the fluidity and slick presentation that is the trademark of the series but it has added an extra layer of tactical know-how that will require some learning for all FIFA players, no matter how experienced.

While the new defensive control scheme is certainly a bold move, it is a double-edged sword that may alienate veteran players at first. It does grow on you over time, but prepare to set aside some time to learn the new system.

Deeper, better and improved in every possible way. This years edition is the pinnacle of the FIFA franchise so far.

If you're looking for a realistic, thoughtful and exhaustive recreation of the beautiful game then Fifa 12 is the best option you've ever had.

FIFA 12 is the definitive football game: challenging, addictive, and with more excellent features than ever before.

Last year's foibles have been successfully plastered over with a quite brilliant Career mode and improvements on the defensive side of the ball are nothing short of revolutionary.

When all is said and done, the fundamentals of the sport are extremely well represented, and as of this writing you'd be hard pressed to find a better soccer game.

Despite the fact that the new Tactical Defending isn't as good as we expected it to be, FIFA 12 plays like a wonderful soccer game. The new features for the online and career mode are really good, just as the Impact Engine. This is soccer at its best.

Every button on the controller can make a difference to your attack or defense at almost any given time; any direction or weight on the analog stick can affect the outcome of that defense-splitting pass or attack stopping tackle, and that in itself proves how thoroughly engaging this beautiful game can be.

FIFA is reborn with an all-new defense system and physics engine that puts complete control in the player's hands. It's not just an evolution in soccer games; it's a revolution in sports games.

Although some of its new features have somewhat altered FIFA 11's perfect balance, FIFA 12 proves to be the best football sim currently on the market.

Last year's game had a bare career mode and titles before that only produced incremental changes, but FIFA 12 delivers satisfying results in both its gameplay and career mode.

It's different: every new mechanic like the Player Impact Engine or the Tactical Defending raises the bar for those new to the franchise, but at the same time, drives realism to the max. For every soccer fan, this is a must have.

I booted up FIFA 11 to gauge just how much has changed and the differences really are quite striking.

A fantastic game which showcases why this series is at the top at the moment. It includes several great additions but no major overhauls from last year, which isn't a bad thing as FIFA 11 was a superb game.

FIFA 12 is one of those few versions that can be considered as a milestone in the FIFA series. Tactical defending revolutionizes defending routines while improved AI can actually pass the ball. Player impact engine is also pretty impressive. [Oct 2011]

There's a feeling that FIFA might be running out of ideas. [Issue#210, p.83]

FIFA 12 should be applauded for its attention to detail. The little things make a huge difference with sports games and there are some minor details that help push this year's title past the rest.

While not a massive step forward for the series, FIFA Soccer 12 manages to add a few interesting features and maintain the series' top spot in the genre.

While FIFA 12 is certainly solid, there's a big part of us that prefers FIFA 11. The tackling might have been brainless, but compared with the almost-there Tactical Defence it's almost the better devil. Last year's game might not have required the extra skill, but it was less frustrating. While FIFA 12 has fixed a lot of annoying bugs and introduced some great new features, at our next football gathering we'll still be kicking around with last year's champion. [November 2011 p72]

While the overall improvements aren't too severe, the new tackling and physics systems drastically change how the game is played. FIFA 12 feels like an entirely new game in many ways, the question is whether you're ready to try something new or not.

It's very difficult to adequately score or sum up FIFA 12, simply because it's taken such a risk with an established formula, one that's turned out – eventually – well indeed, but also one that requires a lot of effort to learn and get used to, something a lot of people might not want to do.