FIFA 12: EA details improved AI, set pieces
"Lame" free kicks getting overhaul, promises developer
EA Sports is hard at work on FIFA 12, and has detailed some of the improvements you can expect to see when the game releases later this year.
Despite huge critical celebration of FIFA 11, EA Canada producer (and Brit ex-pat) David Rutter has promised that the studio isn't resting on its laurels for the next game in the series.
The producer told the latest issue of OPM UK that EA has an "enormous shopping list" of improvements it wishes to make in its new game - and specified a few areas that the studio's already working on.
"I think we did a great job with the Personality Plus feature [in FIFA 11," he said, "but the the teams [AI] doesn't support that quite as much as it should.
"As an example, a team doesn't spot that if Peter Crouch in the area, they can lay a load of high balls onto his head."
Rutter also revealed that set pieces are getting a complete overhaul, and that EA isn't happy with interruptive in-game loading screens.
"Set-pieces are still a bit lame," he candidly admitted. "I get frustrated by not being able to do quick throw-ins, not being able to quickly select my free-kick takers, on the fly stuff. We're somewhat last-gen in the way the game cuts [before those things]."
Rutter also commented on where the FIFA series is headed in more thematic terms - addressing the developer's wish to add more "soul" into proceedings.
"Those moments where you take one [player] tp his old club and the boo boys come out, or his old team are more aggressive in the tackle towards him. SO you think: 'Wow! FIFA understands not just the game of football, but the sport and passion behind it'."
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Will EA drop Andy Gray for FIFA 12?
Sky Sports' has made it pretty clear this week that it doesn't jive too well with sexism in professional football, giving pundit Andy Gray the boot for disparaging remarks he made regarding female match official Sian Massey.
But what of one of Gray's other paymasters, EA? Eurogamer got in touch with the publisher today to find out whether it planned to follow Sky's lead and drop the 55-year-old former Scottish international from this year's edition of its FIFA franchise, for which he has traditionally provided commentary.
A spokesperson for the publisher told us, "EA SPORTS has not made any announcements about our in-game commentators for FIFA for 2011. Those announcements will be made later this year."
The good news for Gray is that EA has some history of standing by disgraced sporting celebrities on its books. CEO John Riccitiello last year claimed it was willing to give Tiger Woods "the benefit of the doubt" following revelations about the golfer's extra-marital affairs.
I like how Eurogamer only mention the lineswoman thing when that wasn't the main reason Gray was booted and then compare him to Tiger Woods, brilliant! :D
FIFA 12 gameplay details next month
OXM promises reveal in new issue
EA Sports' FIFA 12 is set to finally be revealed next month.
That's according to the next month page of the new Official Xbox Magazine UK, which promises a full reveal in its next issue, which is on sale on May 9.
It'll be the first time the public's heard proper gameplay details on the new instalment, following comments from the developer itself suggesting that AI and set-pieces will bet two of the areas it will look to improve on in FIFA 12.
Player stories and match-day atmosphere were added to that list by EA Sports earlier this year.
An EA Linkedin page has suggested that the new FIFA game will be released on NGP and 3DS.
World's first FIFA 12 screenshot
Kaka scrubs up for EA Sports' 2011 instalment...
EA's sent over the world's first FIFA 12 screenshot, which at the very least confirms the inclusion of Kaka and grass.
A gameplay reveal for this year's instalment is already confirmed for next month. It'll be the first time the public's heard proper details on EA's latest, following comments from the developer itself suggesting that AI and set-pieces will be two of the areas it will look to improve on in FIFA 12.
Player stories and match-day atmosphere were added to that list by EA Sports earlier this year.
An EA Linkedin page has also suggested the new FIFA will be released on NGP and 3DS.
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FIFA 12 Trailer - Player Impact Engine Preview
FIFA 12 DETAILS RELEASED• Player Impact Engine — Two years in development, the new physics engine is built to deliver real-world physicality in every interaction on the pitch. Experience an infinite variety of natural and believable outcomes in every contact. Players feel more resilient on the ball, push and pull during the fight for possession, and recover from light challenges more easily, preserving their natural momentum.
• Pro Player Intelligence — CPU players have been infused with self-awareness and aptitude, enabling them to make decisions based on their own skills as well as the strengths and attributes of their teammates. Players who possess exceptional vision, for example, will see opportunities for through balls that other players won't. Real Madrid's Kaká will be more likely—and quicker—to pick out a run from a teammate farther away than a player with poorer vision. Additionally, teams will vary their attack based on the strengths of their players on the pitch, and the weaknesses of opposing players, creating a more authentic experience and greater variety of matches.
• Tactical Defending — Fundamentally changes the approach to defending by placing equal importance on positioning, intercepting passes and tackling at the right moment. Tactics and timing are crucial.
• Precision Dribbling — Enjoy new ways to take on opponents, more time on the ball to make decisions, and complete control of the pace of the game. Utilize close dribble touches in tight spaces, on the wings, and even while fending off an opponent.
• True Injuries — The Player Impact Engine monitors contact between players in real-time, analyzing the force of the collision and impact on the body to detect real injuries, creating a deeper more challenging Career Mode. Manage new types of injuries and the risk of sending a player onto the pitch who isn't fully healed.
• New Presentation — Matches now have a real-world broadcast look and feel. Dramatically improved lighting, more authentic crowds, and a new default camera make every game feel special.
• Easier Navigation — Redesigned menu system for fast and easy navigation, featuring customizable Main Menu based on arena player, Virtual Pro and favorite club.
• Complete Authenticity — Over 500 officially licensed clubs and more than 15,000 players.
FIFA 12 release date announced
FIFA 12 launches in the UK on 30th September, EA has announced.
In a press release detailing the PC version, EA announced FIFA 12 launches in the US on 27th September and worldwide on 30th September.
iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Nintendo 3DS, PC, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii and Xbox 360 versions are planned. A DS version is not mentioned.
The PC version will be available as a digital download from EA's Steam rival Origin.
Shown at half time during our narrow victory this afternoon! :)
yeh, i quite liked the new addy. Rooney flicking the pigeon, was synonymous for the actual match.
Achievements (http://www.xbox360achievements.org/game/fifa-12/achievements/)
FIFA 12 has become the third biggest UK game release of all time, finding itself comfortably on top of the weekend's gaming purchase charts.
EA's latest installment of the football franchise took over third spot from Grand Theft Auto IV, with Call of Duty's Modern Warfare 2 and Black Ops the only titles to have had more successful first-week sales.
For EA Sports, there was further encouragement with the news that FIFA 12's sales were up 18% over FIFA 11, with a revenue increase of 34%.
There was also good news for Microsoft, with the XBox 360 accounting for 54% of all sales, up 27% from last year.
FIFA 12 is now available on all formats.
FIFA 12 console patch to make 'big corrections'
Update should arrive in 2-3 weeks
EA Sports is set to release a FIFA 12 console patch in the next two to three weeks introducing "big corrections".
The update was revealed by community manager Romily Broad on the latest FIFA 12 podcast.
"Two or three weeks from now the first patch will happen and that's going to make big corrections to some of the things that are bothering people the most," Broad said.
"We're going to be doing this constantly, with our thumbs in the middle of the community trying to get people to tell us what they think, and then we'll be acting on it for the rest of the season.
"That's a commitment we're definitely making. It would be nice if people came and talked to us about the things that are bothering them, because we are going to be listening."
FIFA Ultimate Team is one of the footie sim's features set for alterations, with a lot of fans currently unable to access it. EA is also aiming to reduce unnecessarily large downloads on the PC.
Broad said the ability to leave outfield play to the AI (while you control your goalkeeper) during online play is going to be looked at as well.
"People seem to be exploiting this," he explained. "If they're not very good at defending they can use this to get an unfair advantage.
"People who are very good at the game won't have a problem. They'll just be able to pass it around your defenders and you'll find yourself one-on-one with their top strikers every time.
"But that's something we've got under review. If we think the vast majority of people hate it we'll do something about it."
FIFA 12 smashed records upon release, selling 3.2 million copies in a week and claiming the 3rd biggest UK launch ever.
I've played the new FIFA and i really like it, it feels a lot different and looks amazing.
I also like it for the fact my mate claimed he was amazing at it, as he's had it for a week and i beat him 5-0. ALthough it wasn't very fair as i was Spain and he was England >_<
Quote from: Failed on October 07, 2011, 10:56:07 AM
I've played the new FIFA and i really like it, it feels a lot different and looks amazing.
I also like it for the fact my mate claimed he was amazing at it, as he's had it for a week and i beat him 5-0. ALthough it wasn't very fair as i was Spain and he was England >_<
:D
I had a blast on it at Tara's the other day and it was good, still prefer Pro Evo for multiplayer though that might change when i've tried the new one! :)
I've always been FIFA, i'm so fanboy that i've never given PES a chance.... and never will. I think it's like buying Halo: Reach and never opening it ;)
Quote from: Failed on October 07, 2011, 11:02:40 AM
I've always been FIFA, i'm so fanboy that i've never given PES a chance.... and never will. I think it's like buying Halo: Reach and never opening it ;)
I have no idea what you're talking about! ;)
I remember getting the very first FIFA at launch on the Megadrive with the 4 player adapter too and loved it, played it constantly but after playing International Superstar Soccer Deluxe on the SNES and then the first ISS on the PS1, FIFA took a back seat until FIFA 09 was released, i'd still try them every year but Pro Evo was miles ahead in that period for me. Now (apart from the MP) it's the other way around, Pro Evo has got a bit better recently but Konami stayed still for too long while EA kept improving. I might just start buying them both every year like I used to! :)
Think pes tried to compete with fifa on the licensing side of things and let the gameplay slide but with this latest itteration they seem to be readdressing this and concentrating more on their core mechanics, still think fifa is infront but its closer this year than last year.
Picked this up today, couple of things what happens to XP when you hit the daily cap? is it lost or will it add onto tomorrows total?
Also has anyone set up a 360DF club yet? It'll be good to get everyone together for a few cheevos games... :)
Quote from: Lukehi on October 08, 2011, 06:09:42 PM
Picked this up today, couple of things what happens to XP when you hit the daily cap? is it lost or will it add onto tomorrows total?
Also has anyone set up a 360DF club yet? It'll be good to get everyone together for a few cheevos games... :)
You lose it, caps at 2000 a day if you do the challenge it increased to 2600.
360DF club would be awesome, i own a club with a friend "Inter UrMam" that we use for 2v2, if anyone wants to create a 360DF for some 2/3/4 vs games im in.
Sad year for football games! (http://kotaku.com/5849693/this-has-been-a-sad-year-for-football-games?tag=sports)
Quote from: GamerMan316 on October 14, 2011, 10:24:32 AM
Sad year for football games! (http://kotaku.com/5849693/this-has-been-a-sad-year-for-football-games?tag=sports)
Oh SNAP! Pro Evo ...
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FIFA 12 outselling PES 2012 by 25-1
EA’s VP & GM of Northern Europe, Keith Ramsdale, has said that the publishers latest FIFA game is outselling its rival by 25-1.
Speaking at an exclusive press event held yesterday (as reported by Gamerzines), Ramsdale said that there were “big smiles at EA at the moment.â€
“FIFA went out just a couple of weekends ago. We had record pre-orders and record sell-through,†said Ramsdale.
“When you look at Pro Evolution Soccer versus FIFA, only five years ago in the UK PES was outselling FIFA. On its first weekend like-for-like we’ve just outsold PES by 25 times.
“That’s a sign of the momentum and the fanbase and community behind FIFA, and let’s be clear, an absolutely kick-arse game. It’s unbelievable.â€
FIFA 12 sold a whopping 3.2 million copies on its first week on sale, which is impressive numbers by anyone’s standards.
Quote from: Maibs on October 19, 2011, 05:03:27 PM
FIFA 12 outselling PES 2012 by 25-1
Impressive and in no way a surprise!
EA Sports signs Messi as global face of FIFA
Long-time PES cover star jumps ship
Lionel Messi, long-time cover star of Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer series, has signed with EA Sports.
The Barcelona forward signed a multi-year contract with EA Sports to become the global face of the FIFA franchise. He makes his debut in March 2012 on the cover of FIFA Street.
Messi, perhaps the greatest footballer ever, was on the cover of PES 2009, PES 2010 and PES 2011. Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo replaced him for the cover of PES 2012.
"Our FIFA franchise is the number one selling sports videogame franchise in the world, and Lionel Messi is the number one player in the world, so this agreement is a true partnership of superstars," said Matt Bilbey, Vice President and GM of Football, EA SPORTS.
"With Messi on our team we have the world's best and most exciting player to help EA Sports maintain its global leadership in the years ahead."
What did Messi have to say?
"I want to be part of the team behind the best sports football game in the world and be associated with the great EA Sports name," the diminutive wizard offered. "EA Sports is a brand that shares my values of creativity, excellence and social responsibility."
Messi's deal means he is now an EA Sports Football Ambassador. Expect to see his face on marketing and advertising campaigns, packaging and in social media for all things FIFA.
What will big FIFA fan Wayne Rooney, who has been on the cover of the main FIFA series since FIFA 06, have to say?
Messi actually had this to say:
"I love money. Really, I can't get enough of it. When EA parked a fleet of dump trucks filled with money outside my house, I knew right away that I wanted to be part of the great EA Sports name. It's a brand that shares my love of cash."
;D
We are gathered here today to mourn the passing of Pro Evo Soccer.
FIFA 12 gets January transfer window squads update
EA has released the January transfer window squads update for FIFA 12.
Go into a head-to-head seasons match and you'll download the squad update automatically.
To download manually, do this: Menu - Customise FIFA > Edit Teams > Change Squads/Rosters > Download Updates.
Headline January transfer window moves include Gary Cahill from Bolton to Chelsea, Papiss Demba Cisse from Frieburg to Newcastle, Louis Saha from Everton to Spurs, and Djibril Cisse and Bobby Zamora to QPR.
The update also adds midfield maestro Paul Scholes to Manchester United after he came out of retirement. He has an overall rating of 81.
Have Chelsea's misfiring striker Fernando Torres' stats changed?