The highly anticipated Fifa franchise is back; bulldozing its way into our high street stores in the shape of Fifa 13. After thousands of eager fanatics queued in wait for this annual gaming monstrosity; pure footballing magic is ready to be reviewed.
Every year you have an idea of what the NEW Fifa is going to be like, asking yourself, will the graphics be enhanced? Will my favourite player actually look like them instead of appearing as the same old default that has an identical brother in every team? Or will EA Sports have the decency to include another Premiership stadium instead of the same old so called top 4?
So firstly calling all Spurs fans, you will be delighted, overjoyed, and ecstatic to know that EA Sports have introduced White Hart Lane to its stadium roster. Long overdue I know, but it’s arrived and they haven’t disappointed in capturing those all important features. The white pillars rise boldly in the East Stand whilst the North and South stand accommodate the large TV screens, not forgetting the sight of the words ‘TO DARE IS TO DO’ displayed around the ground.
EA Sports have produced some seriously realistic game play which enables the gamer to feel that they are trying their upmost to prevail in front of thousands of spectators. Retaining and winning possession is brought to life through the tugging of shirts, competing in the air and making every attempt to win that 50/50 in the middle of the park. Interestingly whilst I was testing out this bad boy, I discovered that players can now be shown a red card for tugging shirts. Notably their early shower came after being shown two yellows; but the fact that being prevented making that final burst into the box or darting run down the flank can result in a red for the opposition makes that hard work on the hallow turf so much more satisfying.
Passing and moving is much more fluid and faster than Fifa 12 but this doesn’t mean that things are easier. Concentration is required when looking for that cross field ball or receiving that short pass as you cannot always predict the quality of one’s touch and distribution. The unpredictability factor encourages the gamer to do all they can to execute precision; giving this title that sense of competitiveness, which always makes each match up worthwhile.
The menu screen looks far busier and crisper than its predecessors. Game Modes, Career and Ultimate Team are all available, alongside the ever present online options and more. However what stands out is the inclusion of Skill Games. Testing yourself at free kicks, passing, shooting and all integral parts of the beautiful game, has never been so fun yet challenging.
It was a pleasure to learn that managers can now be seen on the sideline dishing out orders to their eleven, while the substitutes warm up and even react to situations that arise on field. These fine additions along with Martin Tyler’s latest stats and player information make the match day experience one that you cannot wait to get your teeth into.
Overall FIFA 13 has some excellent game play and realistic features; it still lacks from final details when it comes to graphics and can still be a little daunting getting used to performing eye catching skills on the ball but then again, in real life, it is not easy to perform the same skills as the likes of Ronaldo if you only played 5 a side football.  We will be taking this to the next level and comparing it to Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 thanks to bwin, one of the biggest online sports betting website,  to see which one we like, stay tuned.
