It’s that stage of the year again when the dense grey British weather metamorphosis’s into a slightly less depressing shade of grey, England fans travel to the Euros with a deluded sense of optimistic intent, and unassailable aspirations of european success, and the annual battle for footballing supremacy is once again reignited. Both footballing franchises begin to divulge each of their defining elements they’ve strenuously implemented, that will vastly improve on the previous installment, and bellow with besotted pride how this years iteration “isn’t evolution, but revolution”, and blatantly seduce us with their insightful pandering, that this years installment will be the best yet…..*Yawn*. Am I the only who feels a sense of bereavement when alterations are annually made to the gameplay and adjusted beyond all comprehension? Isnt it time EA concentrated their efforts on more, simpler aspirations?

It seems highly negligible for EA to continue there almost self-proclaimed “perfect” footballing franchise, without first improving relatively simple aesthetic complications? Perfectly illustrated by the glaringly apparent oversight, of the supporters. Come on EA! With all the apparent visual enhancements, developed over the previous FIFA’s; why are the capacity crowds still seemingly inhabited by static cardboard cut outs, flapping their pixellated arms wildly? They look like a collective gang of criminals whose faces and bodies have been protected to protect their identities.

FIFA 12 forced you to become more tactically aware of your defence, which was equally rewarding and infuriating in its proficiency; with the AI seemingly so unevenly balanced in your opponents favour, that a brief lack in concentration would result in handing guaranteed ascendancy to the opposing side, leaving your accumulated possession almost nonsensical. I’m not suggesting that EA should regress back to the reprehensible “Ping Pong” passing of old, but future gameplay integrations should be more simplistic. Even the simple satisfaction of scoring could be refined to allow for less hit and hope shots, and less omnipotent like interceptions from opponents.

Be a pro, which is my prefered choice when aspiring for a successful career, is in acute need of refinement. In previous FIFA’s (I believe it was FIFA 10), when you’re created character is consistently performing well for your selected club, you were granted the honour of playing for your national team, which was then inexplicably removed? (Probably so we would then purchase the Euro/World Cup versions). But the thrill of playing well for your club and being rewarded with an international induction was a satisfying, but sadly fleeting integration, heinously disregarded after a season or two. At club level, particularly when your player is still in his infancy, substitutions are a necessity to prevent injuries and allow ample recovery time. So why then am I playing a full 90 mins against West Brom, a totally irrelevant match at this stage of the season, when my talents will be more suited, for the Carling Cup final in 2 days time? Which I’m now subsequently too fatigued to participate in?! It’s these excessive inclinations used to defeat mediocre teams (no disrespect West Brom Fans) that really irritate’s me; its like employing Jack Bauer as an ASDA security guard.

It’s the small advancements that would help create the illusion of being a professional footballer. Imagine being able to alleviate fans fears that you have no intention of leaving the club, or conversely, stating that your displeased with teams current form and managerial decisions? These little added skits would add a level of immersion that impedes every decision you make, becoming more than just about your performances on the pitch, but the way your character handles situations off it too. But sadly for me, many of my stated preferences will likely be ignored for improved ball likenesses and more advanced technology, specifically designed to augment the glare from Brad Friedel’s head!

Let me know what improvements you would you like to see in this years FIFA, or indeed PES?