FIFA 12 To be Released on Nintendo 3DS

A very realistic-looking Wayne Rooney

EA Sports have announced that FIFA 12 will be playable on Nintendo's latest handheld platform, the 3DS. While their main competitors, Pro Evolution Soccer, have already released PES 11 on the system, EA Sports wants to revolutionize the handheld gaming experience.



Being a big fan of handheld gaming and the FIFA series, this latest release looks to make up for all the fairly mediocre Nintendo DS FIFA games of the past. What EA calls, "intuitive new touch screen controls" seem to offer a whole new depth to shooting and curving shots. These optional touch-screen controls will add pinpoint accuracy from the player's viewpoint. Along with this, FIFA 12 on the 3DS will feature more game modes than ever, including online head-to-head matches, Tournament mode, Career Mode, 3D Street Football, Be A Pro Mode, and Training Mode. And if that's not enough, there's a total of over 500 officially licensed clubs.



What seems to be the coolest thing to look forward to in FIFA 12 for Nintendo 3DS is the 3D Street Football. You'll be able to utilize your favorite professional players, or re-create yourself and play the game in the streets. The environment will have an "innovative curved pitch and unique lower camera view that maximizes 3D planes,". While the 3D effect will be prevalent throughout the game, EA wants to really impress people with the 5 v 5 matches in exotic outdoor and indoor environments.

Robin van Persie in the 3D Street mode

With over nine different new camera angles to experience the Nintendo 3DS's visual power, the game already looks vibrant in the two vibrant 2D screenshots which EA have released. So far from what I've seen, I'm very impressed. The screenshot of Wayne Rooney looks wonderful, with the stadium and players looking very realistic. As for the 3D street mode, it's something to look forward to, but not expect much out of. While a fully functioning, well-tuned street mode will be much appreciated, I fear that maybe it'll end up to be a small feature.



FIFA 12 looks set to be released in stores world-wide this autumn. The game looks very interesting, and is beginning to nag at me to buy a 3DS in the future. Whether the 3D visuals, new gameplay style, and street football will deliver is unsure, but for now, FIFA 12 for the 3DS looks revolutionary.

First FIFA 12 Screenshot Released

You can click the image to zoom

The time of year has come around when FIFA gamers begin waiting for the next release of the series. The EA Sports FIFA website posted the first FIFA 12 screenshot, much to the mixed reaction of fans. While some are glad to get a look at FIFA 12, many and most are not impressed by the screenshot.



While there seems to be graphical advancements regarding jersey creases, there's little else that has improved from FIFA 11. Some are saying that the grass is looking much more realistic, as is the face of Kaka which when zoomed into a claustrophobic degree can be seen as an improvement.



While I'm not too impressed from the screenshot, it's beginning to raise the familiar hype in me. I'm hoping that behind this screenshot there will be a strong improvement in the game's many aspects. Details regarding actual gameplay changes haven't been announced, but news should come sometime next month.



If you haven't got a chance to play FIFA 11, I highly suggest you start. In case you missed it, here's my review of FIFA 11. FIFA 12 won't be released anytime soon, as it will probably come out in September or early October, and you'll be able to get plenty of practice time in before the new game is released.