Here’s his review…

Best get this clear from the start.

Andy Gray isnt there anymore, with his voice like a smug brick to the temples.

Alan Smith is there.

Hes quiet and studious, like a moth with dreams of academia, and easy to ignore.

Jack Wilshere, the future of English football, pulls a drummers face alongside him.

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Only the brave will choose to play at the back.

Once youve mastered the new defensive system,FIFA 12straddles the boundaries between realism and fun perfectly.

However, Ive played it until my eyes bleed and Im still conceding goals to lower league teams.

But it is still a game you’re able to pick up and enjoy.

Then, if you get the ball back, mount a counter attack.

This requires concentration and a combination of buttons to desperately mash/skillfully manipulate.

You cant get as close to an opponent as before without considerable co-ordination.

Defending is now much harder, more tactical.

In other words, while you are learning this game, for heavens sake go for a good team.

Im a St Johnstone fan.

I know Steven Anderson would put his body in front of a Jorg Albertz free kick for the club.

This does not alter the fact that inFIFA 12he has the turning circle of a particularly large gas giant.

If youre against an opponent with even a modicum of dribbling ability, you are in trouble.

Even if you block all their angles for a shot, here comes Frank Lampard from deep.

However, attacking is different as well.

Crosses are variable, with the emphasis being on clever passing and through balls.

It is still addictive, as you score enough to keep coming back.

I swear you’re free to hear them utter monosyllabic Lundgrens (i.e.

big, booming putdowns.

What is sheer unadulterated brilliance, however, is playing against a human opponent.

No faceless AI mega-bastard with its ruthless undermining of your ineptitude here, oh no.

I find it almost as good making goal-line clearances as I do scoring at the moment.

We thought youd learned, EA, but no.

Not quite, but not far off.

A challenge then, but an assailable one.

Rating:

4 out of 5