FIFA 12

[GamerMan316]

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'."

[GamerMan316]

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!   

[GamerMan316]

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.

[GamerMan316]

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.

[sambo]

FIFA 12 Trailer - Player Impact Engine Preview

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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.

[GamerMan316]

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.

[GamerMan316]

Shown at half time during our narrow victory this afternoon!   

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yeh, i quite liked the new addy. Rooney flicking the pigeon, was synonymous for the actual match.

[GamerMan316]

Achievements

[Maibs]

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.

[GamerMan316]

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.

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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 >_<

[GamerMan316]

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 >_<

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! 

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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