So I've given fifa13 demo (ps3) a proper hammering. Here's my thoughts so far;
Game speed seems way too fast, even on slow setting. This seems to be a trend with the demo versions so fingers crossed final retail version will be 'reigned' in. Still a long standing problem I have with Fifa is the way players like Pirlo can't influence the game from the centre of the park. These type of players are the puppet masters, pulling the strings, but in Fifa I just don't get that feeling. They may as well just be another player. As much as I try to slow the play and ping the passes it just doesn't give me that sensation I'm after.*
Liking the new 1st touch system. Having all very highly rated teams in the demo you don't get to see what this system plays like across the whole range of teams/divisions. I like the 'unpredictability' it brings to the game. And as a defender you can get some great timed slide tackles in if the attacker takes a 'Gervinho'. If anything I still think the 1st touch error could be increased as I'm seeing a lot of scenarios where balls are brought down by players as if they was a love child of Pele and Messi.
Yeeeessss!!! The CPU shoot from long range. Finally, after all these years, it's in. And it looks fantastic and the range of shots I've seen them take is impressive. Keeps you on your toes. And again introduces unpredictability into the game.*
The 'telepathic' 'superhuman' reactions of the CPU is still grating with me. Again this is something that's been in Fifa for a while and it's a big frustration of mine. And 1 of the reasons I find playing the CPU so frustrating. They seem to twist and turn on a sixpence where as you can't.*
I'm still not seeing any real variation in team styles and player personalities. But this is always hard to judge in the demo codes due to the lack of teams and the fact they are all of a similar rating. This is a deal breaker for me as far as Career Mode is concerned. For all the progress CM has made unless we have a variation in team player styles and tactics the mode will fail, for me anyhow. I want to have to really think about what tactics to adopt for the upcoming game and what changes of personnel are needed to beat the opposition. As is, doesn't really make a difference. And that brings me to my next point, Team Management. OMFG! How has this been left in this state for yet another year? A major fubar. It's outdated, clunky, ugly. It's a massive pus filled boil on the pretty Fifa face. Whoever's decision it was to skip the badly needed overhaul of this part if the game needs a cat-o-nine tails taken to their posterior. Makes me want to scream everytime I see it on my TV. Agghh! Totally baffled why it's still the same.
Onto a positive, loving the 'matchday' presentation. From the commentary, from the stewards/policeman, to the correlation to real world events. It's stunning. I love all that.
Impact engine clearly is working a lot better, refs still seem biased towards the CPU, still can't get my keeper red carded even though the decisions clear cut, loving quick free kicks and throw ins, feels very polished. I'm sure there's more that I'll think of and will witness with more time. Again, like every year I'm bemused as to why EA give us such short halves. It does the game no favours.*
And the much talked about 'skating' seems worse to me in 13 than any other release.*
Overall, if I'm honest, I was hoping for a bit more of a leap this year. Yes it plays better, of course it does but, like the iPhone, it just feels more of a little update. Maybe that's how it should be, but the game is becoming stale with me. I've played less Fifa12 than any other Fifa or footie game I've ever purchased. I shall be buying Fifa13 but how long before its gathering dust is a big question mark. The same fundamental gripes I have with the franchise are still there. They've not been addressed. And I'm losing faith as to if they ever will be. Not sure EA share my vision.*
I am playing it on PC, slow speed, turn down the sprint slider to 43 and pass speed to 45 but still find the game fast compared PES 0 gamespeed.
