FIFA 13 Season Ticket Early Release Impressions

[Gnemi]

Quick question for you all: I wonder if load times will be better with a downloaded version of the game versus using the disc.

I'm tempted to cancel my pre-order with Gamestop in favor of just downloading it.

[Panicshade]

Quote: Originally Posted by Gnemi

Quick question for you all: I wonder if load times will be better with a downloaded version of the game versus using the disc. I'm tempted to cancel my pre-order with Gamestop in favor of just downloading it.

I believe the PS3 version will be the only one that can be downloaded tomorrow unless something has changed.

If that is the version you are talking about then you should be ok.

[bwiggy33]

Well I really didn't have any intention of getting FIFA on release day as I am enjoying the heck out of the PES demo. It just feels like a better representation of soccer to me. But anyway that's not what this thread is for.

I have spent probably about 15 hours or so with the game the past few days and I have to say it's both good and bad. To me the gameplay just feels the same as years past. It's still a game that is so back and forth attack, attack, attack. I've been comparing it with NHL 13. EA's goal with both FIFA and NHL is to cater to the masses or non traditional hockey/soccer fans by making the game fast paced with very few whistles. That's why we get lack of fouls in FIFA and lack of penalties and offsides in NHL. They are virtually the same exact game just one played on a field and the other on the ice. That's why I don't like NHL 13 that much either. To me neither game represents their sport enough to satisfy me. I also believe that EA is huge in online play and not many online gamers want to play a game that has a bunch of whistles. Sadly this has a trickle down affect to offline IMO. So overall I love the feel of FIFA with manual control but the AI itself just doesn't produce a replication of soccer enough for me to fully enjoy it.

The one thing that I've absolutely loved is Career mode. I started one with Chelsea and it is one addicting mode. The fact that they added being able to play in a more realistic UEFA/Champions Cup is awesome. Obviously it's not licensed but I still felt like I was playing in it. I also love the addition of being able to manage a national team. In my time I was offered Italy's job. I took it and am 4-0 in WC qualification. Sadly my time with the Early Release will end before I can get to the World Cup. It was way too easy to gain a job offer from such a prestigious national team but I'm fine with it since I have the game for a limited time. Overall though this mode is making me want to buy the game. There is just so much more to do now that you can play the Champions cup, National squad, and all the other cups in year one and beyond. Terrific decision by EA to put this in.

Overall I think if you are big into career modes (like me) this game is for you. Also the game is just fun, maybe not in a realistic way all the time but if you are someone who is looking for a more fast style of soccer it's great. I'm thinking I may pick it up when it's cheaper. The gameplay still feels great it's just that the AI is so focused on attack rather than set the ball up and create space. That's what I dislike. The player separation is another thing that I like way better in PES. If EA can ever steer away from the fast attacking AI and actually create a game that more replicates the different teams and styles in soccer it will easily be one of the best games because it just has that fun factor. However, until this happens I won't ever be purchasing this game until it drops in price even if I do have as much fun as I had with career mode.

[J-Unit40]

What the heck is with the Early Release expiring already? Weak sauce.

Thanks for shorting us a night of FIFA gaming EA.

[bwiggy33]

Quote: Originally Posted by J-Unit40

What the heck is with the Early Release expiring already? Weak sauce. Thanks for shorting us a night of FIFA gaming EA.

Ya it's absolute bull crap. We spend $25 and get that kind of service. In no way surprised though.

[Gnemi]

That's what I keep thinking. $25 is a really significant price and they should have done everything possible to ensure the game was available right up until the midnight release at the very least.

I'd love to hear the rationale here, especially since it didn't even last until the posted times!

[Gnemi]

Whoa, good news for PS3 owners though:

EA Tweet:
The #FIFA13 PS3 digital pre-order for North America will be available to download at 9pm PT/12am ET tonight.

That settles it for me. I'm gonna cancel my Gamestop pre-order and just download it.

[bad_philanthropy]

Damnit, why did the early release expire already? I didn't have as much time with the game as I wanted this weekend, but I have the day off tomorrow. I was going to play all night, sleep, and go buy the game. What's the point of it expiring already?