EA Promises "Game-Changing Innovations" for FIFA 13

Now the English Premier League has ended, EA Sports has kicked off the information offensive for FIFA 13, coming to PS3 and PS Vita later this year. The publisher revealed new features it believes will change football games. Again.

First up is the new artificial intelligence system, which EA says is its "most sophisticated" AI ever, though you probably would expect that. Attacking players think further ahead and can change their runs to make the most of opportunities, though there's no word on whether defensive AI will get a comparative upgrade.

Next up is the so-called "Complete Dribbling", with 360º movement and better acceleration promised. EA also claims that players' perfect first touch will be eliminated, adding an element of unpredictability to proceedings, though whether this is one of those gameplay decisions that makes things more realistic but less playable remains to be seen.

Lastly, EA's pledged a much-needed upgrade to its Player Impact Engine, plus more tactical play around free kicks and set pieces.

It's all coming to PS3, PS Vita, PSP and PS2 — yes, really — later this year, likely around September time. The PS3 version supports PlayStation Move, but no word on its implementation just yet.

EA SPORTS UNVEILS REVOLUTIONARY SET OF GAME-CHANGING INNOVATIONS FOR FIFA 13

GUILDFORD, UK. – May 15, 2012 – Electronic Arts Inc. today unveiled five game-changing innovations that will bring revolutionary changes to EA SPORTS™ FIFA 13 along with the largest and deepest feature set in the history of the franchise.

“We are perfecting the best sports game in the world with innovations that capture all the drama and unpredictability of real-world football,” said David Rutter, Executive Producer for FIFA 13. “These are game-changing innovations that will revolutionize our artificial intelligence, dribbling, ball control and collisions to create a true battle for possession across the entire pitch, and deliver freedom and creativity in attack.”

The most sophisticated artificial intelligence ever achieved for the FIFA franchise will drive FIFA 13 on HD consoles and PC. All-new Attacking Intelligence enables players to analyse space, work harder and smarter to break down defenses, and think two plays ahead. Players now possess the intelligence to create, curve, or alter runs to capitalize on openings as they occur, make runs that pull defenders out of position to open passing channels for teammates, and better position themselves for new attacking opportunities.

In FIFA 13 every touch matters with the most comprehensive and intuitive dribbling system ever developed. Inspired by the world’s best footballer, Lionel Messi, Complete Dribbling enables players to face their opponent and use precise dribble touches combined with true 360° mobility with the ball, so it’s easier to be more creative and dangerous in 1v1 opportunities. Players change direction quicker, are more explosive accelerating with the ball, and are more effective shielding defenders for longer stretches. FIFA 13 1st Touch Control transforms the way players control the ball, eliminating near-perfect touch for every player on the pitch, and creating variety and uncertainty around ball control. Factors such as defensive pressure, trajectory of the ball, and velocity of the pass now impact a player’s first touch, creating more opportunities for defenders to win back possession.

The second generation of the Player Impact Engine expands physical play from just collisions to off-the-ball battles between players. Defenders push and pull for position, and use their size and strength to win possession or force opponents into poor touches and decisions before the ball arrives. FIFA 13 Tactical Free Kicks provides the tools to create dangerous and unpredictable free kicks utilising the most skillful players on the pitch. Position up to three attacking players over the ball and utilise dummy runs and more passing options to create elaborate free kicks. Opponents can counter by adding or subtracting players to the wall, creeping the wall forward, or sending a bullet man to intercept the pass or block the shot.

FIFA 13 will also feature:
· Improved Career Mode with major changes developed in response to requests from the most passionate fans of the franchise.
· New features to enhance the massive EA SPORTS FIFA online offering, including improvements to the wildly popular Head-To-Head Seasons mode
· Multiple new features and benefits to EA SPORTS Football Club, the live service that is the heartbeat of FIFA
· Complete authenticity with more than 500 officially licensed clubs.

Additional new modes and features will be announced in the months ahead.

FIFA 13 will be available in stores world-wide this fall for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system with PlayStation Move support, Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system with Kinect™, PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system, Wii™, PC, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo 3DS™, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, iPhone®, iPad®, iPod® touch and other mobile platforms. The game has not yet been rated.