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.

Zipper Interactive' s first and last Vita game is a promising title that brings quick gameplay bursts, a paper thin story, and tons of content. Unit 13 is a game designed specifically for gaming on the go and will keep you busy for many lunch breaks and bus rides for the foreseeable future.

When it comes to my favourite month of the year, I'd have to nominate the months of August and September as contenders. Why you ask? Because it's during August that the new season of Premier League kicks off, and September is generally when the new FIFA is released.

Superb: A hallmark of excellence. There may be flaws, but they are negligible and won't cause massive damage to what is a supreme title.

So for the most part, FIFA 12 is a great update to the longstanding franchise. With some new online modes, tighter dribbling control, and a new procedural animation engine, the game can feel more like real-life at times.

+ New online and social features are welcome additions; + New defensive system is ultimately rewarding

- Presentation could use improvements; difficulty levels ramp up too quickly

The Bad Career mode could still be more in-depth FIFA 12 is available to buy from Play.com. At HEXUS, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any company representatives for the products reviewed choose to respond, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.

FIFA 12 is the latest installment in the soccer franchise, adding a slew of new features such as a new impact engine to improve hit detection, a brand new passing system, improved AI, new lighting effects, a more ergonomic menu interface, and presentation matches to emphasize the atmosphere of the...

FIFA games are like X-Factor winners. We get a new one every year, they're almost indiscernible from last year's and they hog the top of the charts for weeks. At least, that's what plenty of the franchise's detractors would have you believe.

Usual visual improvements; Better user interface and menus don't lag as much; Great; free-flowing FIFA we know and love; New defending system makes that side of the game as intricate as attacking; New Impact Engine makes a real difference

Refereeing is still inconsistent at times; Commentary as dull as ever

EA haven't had it so easy over the last year on iOS. With PES making a recovery and First Touch soccer really impressing us, the once kings of the beautiful game have had their work cut out for them.  But can FIFA 12 win them back the crown and the cup?

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.