Perhaps the most amazing aspect of the enormously successful FIFA series is not how well it sells, rather its uncanny ability to do so despite the subtlest of changes across iterations. While similar criticisms remain lobbied at EA Sports’ legendary Madden franchise, FIFA, however, manages to escape the wrath of lower reviewer scores afforded to its gridiron counterpart. Also no FIFA cover athlete curse.

In all fairness, FIFA has spruced up the yard a bit more than Madden across its most recent versions, via noticeably improved movement abilities, also ball physics that tame even the most defiant Jabulani. Still – and rightfully so – if it ‘aint broke, there’s no damn good reason to fix it. FIFA’s audio-visuals remain top notch, likewise game flow, available squads, and numerous on/offline modes. Even Lucas Neill could hit this open net.

FIFA 12, however, flashes a defiant and much welcome middle finger to the ‘grow gracefully with old age’ adage. Completely redefined physics and artificial intelligence (AI) – i.e. impact engine, tactical defending, and precision dribbling – combine to change the entire way FIFA is played. These changes, my friends, are for the better and then some.

To elaborate, the introduced impact engine equates to more realistic player-to-player physics, creating entirely new jockey mechanics, slide tackles, and mid-air engagements. Gone is the ability to simply blow by opponents through zigzag maneuvers, also miraculously emerge from a mass of players in the box for an easy chip shot goal. The new marking tactics truly stand out, with shirt tugs, distance closing, and player bumps welcome replacements for kamikaze slides and foot stomps. The saddest part of these additions is the realization of how much rubbish defending you tolerated over the years.

In tandem, your teammates – and opponents – thankfully no longer adhere to strategies indicative of 4^th grade playground norms. (They still, however, may steal sandwiches.) For the first time in FIFA history, friends and foes move intelligently across the pitch, creating a need for better touch passing, soft lobs, and a possibility to truly double team a ballhandler. Most importantly, the ‘run down the sidelines, send a crossing pass to a dude re: formulaic header' days are finally dead. I haven’t had a chance to fully test the limits of the mid-field, cheap long shot bug, but early signs point to a twin killing of these annoying entities of FIFA’s past. To declare FIFA 12 strategy changed since 11 would be an understatement few dare to contest.

Giving credit where it's due, big-ups to EA Sports for a holistic emphaiss on AI this season. All of its '2012' sport titles  (gridion, hockey and now football) feature AI boosts, obvious boons to what was playable experience sans needed realism infusion.

The third leg (pun intended) is better ball control while shielding defenders, the least noticeable of the stated three key additions. I never found ball shielding truly troublesome in recent FIFA versions, but it is admittedly nice to move semi-freely while executing this necessary offensive tactic. Still and even with this addition, FIFA 12 doesn’t hold a candle to Pro Evolution Soccer’s (PES) terrific and natural turn and shoot mechanic.

Speaking of PES, it’s near impossible not to speak of the Capulet's nary a reference to the Montague’s. FIFA 12’s welcome additions still lag short of some of PES’ finer points, most notably the rhythmic, open feel flow to the latter title. On the flipside, PES is in the rear view mirror to FIFA’s presentation, robust licenses, and consistent experience. In the end – and as espoused within the PES review – FIFA versus PES truly is a subjective, personal experience. I can see merits and terrific experiences stemming from either side of the BluRay aisle.

With this being said, I confess respectful awe of the incredible differences and attached leap forward across but one year’s development cycle. FIFA 12 plays a lot slower and with it more realistically. Defence is now King (long live His Majesty), replacing end-to-end, arcade rushes and through balls ad-nausea of matches past. Commentary is doubled with a second set of announcers, and now includes Arabic language (roll those r's, my friends). In-game sound and graphics are again improved, making arguably the most beautiful sport title to date even prettier. Gameplay modes are ridiculously robust, with so much to do that there’s something in it for everyone. Even Harry Kewell. For the Manchester City obsessive, FIFA 12 sports several City-centric goodies stemming from an exclusive licensing deal between them and the title.

Playing devil’s advocate, is there enough in the new car to warrant a trade-in of ol’ reliable…noting an Online Pass purchase potentially required (for used copies)? Tough call. Having played PES...plus a simulation-centric gamer, this reviewer found FIFA’s gameplay changes substantial enough to - in fact - justify a full-blown purchase of this now 19^th version of FIFA Soccer. Others, however, might see a few bells and whistles, but not enough wrong with 11 to justify an $80 swap.

Related and don’t be mistaken: FIFA 12 does not equate to successfully merging the best of FIFA with aforementioned PES legacy. Yes, it gets closer to the authentic football feel of the Konami competitor, but does not imitate. For instance, FIFA 12 still struggles with the frustrating pass to the wrong guy (seriously?), wonky camera angles for free kicks (a close-up too far away), also throw-ins to nobody (follow the overhead arms, people). Moreover, newfangled realism comes at a significant speed reduction in overall play. Veterans of FIFA 11 will find 12 arguably 1/3^rd slower paced than its predecessor. Akin to NHL 12’s physics adjustments, I welcomed this drop in gear for more realism.

In closing, however, it’s safe to say that FIFA 12 is arguably (by the smallest of margins to PES 12) the best videogame football experience to date, period. Yes, there are some quirks and trade-offs in its changes, but the former produces but minor warts, the latter an entirely new FIFA experience. For PES loyalists, it’s worth giving FIFA 12 a good run for its money to see where new division lines stand. For FIFA newbies, get ready to be blown away by an overall package that does its sport proud.

A few times a year, certain titles emerge that remind us of what next-gen consoles are capable of. FIFA 12 is one of those titles.