Okay, first off, i want to say i am not much of a football fan, and especially not FIFA games. I never followed the 'hype', in another words, the need to buy a new FIFA every year, when they all are seemingly similar. However, even I have to acknowledge that 09 was getting a little old.

We spoke. Electronic Arts listened. It's nice when things like that happen.

+Captures atmosphere of tournament; +Additional online modes.

-Not great value for money; -No gameplay refinements; -Some modes may have limited appeal

FIFA is the type of game I always imagined would benefit greatly from 3D. The fast-paced fluidity of the visuals and gameplay could only seem much more impressive accompanied by the sensation of shots hurtling towards the player.

When EA originally showcased their all-new defensive system in FIFA 12, I couldn't see any problem with the act of stopping an opponent dribbling towards me. A tap of *circle* sticks a leg out to prod the ball away instead of the player doing it automatically. Simple.

Dribbling is much easier and more fun; Tweaked online head-to-head leagues; Multiplayer is amazing

The AI is an unrelenting beast; Solo experience is frustrating; New defending is tricky to learn

FIFA 11 was a very strange game, in that it brought out a myriad of reactions – often polar opposites – from us at different times during the game experience. The convergence of the offline game modes into one Career mode was a welcome move, as was the move to a less-automated passing system.

Tactical Defending is a great addition; Precision Dribbling gives players a lot more time on the ball; Nice; solid presentation

Impact Engine is a bit wonky in places; Both Online and Offline game modes are plagued with bugs

As hard as it must be for EA to improve the FIFA games year after year must be, they have done it again. From the re-vamped career mode to the Euro 2012 expansion, once again this is a FIFA game with the longetivity that makes it playable for a whole football season and more.

Big improvement in career mode; Ultimate team mode is as good as it has been; Great impact engine

Quite a few glitches in play and in the Career Mode which can cause frustration

It's fair to say that I'm not a big football fan. My sport of choice (Rugby League) leaves little room for the prima-donna antics of soft, overpaid football players. I tend to have the same attitude towards computer versions of the sport too, so whilst I enjoyed Sensible Soccer on the Amiga, the...

If you're readnig this, you're all set, pardner!

Defending feels much more satisfying this time around. Instead of simply pressing "X" to have your defender crash into your opponent, you actually have to time your tackle just like in real life. You have to be very careful inside the box and have to time it perfectly anywhere on the pitch.

So it's still a great game should you love it and get on with the new system, a terrible one should you not. And as mentioned, you can put the old system back on, but why buy a new game if you want to play the old one?