FIFA 12

I just started playing FIFA 12 for 360 the other day and I must say it's the greatest sports game I've ever played.  I usually just plau head to head online, but there was always a problem with people quitting.  It looks like they are solved this problem (at least for the moment) with the "head to head seasons" mode.  Basically, you have a certain number of games to accumulate points in order to be promoted to the next level up.  I ended up 4-3-3 or something on level 9 and got promoted to level 8.  It's a nice feature.  Anyway, some dude quit on me right after I won and it gave me the same "Connection with Opponent is Lost" bullshit you usually get.  However, a second message popped up saying something lie "determining winner based on blah blah blah".  Therefore, it looks like if someone quits or connection is lost, FIFA can still register the win for you.  That's a main fix from last year's model.

As for the game play, the removal of the "B" button to call a 2nd defender over is fantastic.  Now, the LB is used to have a 2nd defender sort of hold his ground to help you if you're defending 1 on 1.  It's a huge change, because the LB is an awkward button to get to in regards to other controls in the game.  It makes you really have to defend 1 on 1 and get a player in front of you.  The precise dribbing is also a nice feature as you can have better control of dribbling while keeping the ball in play easier making for a more realistic game.  The new animations are crazy too.  Last night, I successfuly slide tackeld Ashley Young with one defender and had another defender over to help.  Young had no where to go after getting snuffed with the tackle and fell backwards into my other defender who was on the ground and rolled over him to the ground.  Hard to explain, but it seems that every collision is monitored so to speak and it registers realistically.

I haven't even got into any other game modes besides head to head seasons and I'm loving tyhe game so far.  Go out and get it.

And if you want a difficult challenge, challenge me.  Gamertag is KnubbyJeezelBub.  (I''m actually not that great.  I got too stoned sometimes and revert back to "B Button" madness.  That button know creates a tackle.  Gets me in ddep trouble until i get used to it).

I'm trying to bust through the head to head season to see if I can reach level 1, but it's proving pretty difficult.  I've had 4 promotions and 1 relegation, so I am currently on level 7.  Im a dickhead at trying to hold a lead and that seems to be my major problem.  I even tried passing it around for 10 minutes just to keep a win, but since I suck sometimes, my opponent stole it and tied the game in the 90th minute.  I was furious, but I also brought it upon myself.  I love the fact that it records a win or loss when someone quits on you.  That's my favorite part of the game.

Haven't gotten into the career mode, but I probably won't with COD, Skyrim, and Assassin's Creed all on the way.

Still stuck on level 7 in H2H seasons.  This game makes defending really tough, but I love the challenge and it's definitely the most realistic soccer game ever created.  I also love how every game in H2H means something now (as far as promotions/relegations go, anyway).  The fact that I've spent 3 H2H seasons on Level 7 is simultaneously frustrating and fair.  It creates a sense of importance everytime you begin a game.  The Cup Window is a nice touch too.  Anyway, I had a highlight goal when Steven Gerrard absolutely blasted one from way outside the box into the top right corner.  Easily the longest goal I've ever scored in my FIFA career.  You know it's satisfying when your opponent sends you a message at the half saying "Best strike ever against me".  Then, he scores in the 88th minute to win 4-3 and I want to hurl my controller through the window.

Can't wait to get back to it tonight though.

This and Horde mode for Gears of War 3 are occupying my time until Skyrim comes out.  Also, I finished Dead Island and I feel that I have way more fun jumping into someone's co-op and just helping them dominate zombies with my upgraded weapons.  The game isn't perfect by any means, but it's a hell of a lot of fun sometimes.  If riding in the back speeding truck blasting dead dudes with a magnum isn't fun, I don't know what is.  Sorry, got off topic a bit.

I'm up to Level 4 now in H2H seasons and I can tell you that the competition gets significantly better.  It was easier to rush the ball carrier, since most players would panic and turn the ball over, especially if you use the "help" button (RB).  Now, you have to hold your ground a lot better and make the opponents make the mistake.  Slowing the game down and creating your own pace really helps you stay competitive.  I'm starting to get addicted (if I haven't already), and I'm trying my best to get to Level 1.  I can't wait to see what the competition is like if I ever get there.  Also, starting at Level 5, you have to earn 18 points rather than 16 to advance.  That's almost an extra win per season.  It's hard, but very rewarding. 

Funny/Most Rewarding victory.  Played some A.D.D. dipshit the other day while I was doing work from home.  I had to send out these reports, so I just let the pre-game cut scenes play out, since I needed some time.  Well, that dude wasn't too happy.  I heard some gems such as "Let's go, faggot!"  "Who watches this shit?!"  And, "You're probably sucking your mom's dick, so it's fine."  He was clearly very clever.  Needless to say, I was pretty focused now and he suddenly quit when I went up 2-0.  i followed up with simple message of "Wow.  You're terrible."   Very satisfying. 

I've played a bunch of seasons now.  I got to level 4, played like an asshole and got relegated.  Then, I played one level 5 season and missed promotion again by 1 game.  I couldn't score.  Hit the post 3 times and almost broke the controller.  The real bitch is that I was up 1-0 in one game and dominating and I lose connection to the EA server.  It resulted in a bullshit loss.  If I win that, I'm back to level 4 goddammit. 

It seems when I focus on the actual soccer game, ball movement, and how the players move instead of trying to rush the ball carrier, I play a lot better.  Need to realize, the game is 12 game minutes long, not 2.  Tough staying focused for a whole game, but that's a fun part of the challenge.

It's so satisfying when you score in this game, since it's so challenging, but it's also super frustrating if scored upon.  Cup window is open.  Looking for the Continental Cup this time (I was eliminated in round 1 of the EA Cup back when I was in level 8).