FIFA Soccer 12

Game review by Marc Saltzman, Common Sense Media
FIFA Soccer 12 Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 8+

One of the best (and best-looking) sports simulations.

Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Wii, PSP, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 2011
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Parents say

age 8+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 5+

Based on 10 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

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What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know FIFA Soccer 12 is a sports simulation game with no violence, gore, sex, drugs, or alcohol, profanity, or other inappropriate behavior. Some of the versions of the game can be played online, however, with full voice chat, which can create privacy concerns for young kids. Common Sense Media doesn't recommend online play for pre-teens and under.

Community Reviews

Karrie21
Karrie21 Adult
September 5, 2012
age 8+

Good game - never tried online mode

I've played this a few times by myself and with close friends. I really enjoy it and there are obviously things that you and your kid could talk about such as teamwork and good sportsmanship when you lose (controlling your temper). You can also play together. I've never tried any online modes so I can't speak as to the security of that part of the game. One great thing about it is that there is a manager mode (if that's something that interests your kid) where you can be in control of how the money is spent, what players to buy and sell, and what players play in each game.
See all 1 parent review

What’s It About?

As with past versions of FIFA Soccer, the latest from EA Canada is a realistic-looking and authentically-played game of soccer -- housing more than 500 officially licensed clubs and roughly 15,000 players. Along with quick matches, you can indulge in a managerial-focused career mode -- including variables that include scouting, player morale, injuries, and wages -- or build your ultimate team from the world's best soccer stars. You can also play complete seasons and tournaments online with friends. And for the first time in a FIFA Soccer game, all your efforts on the pitch are recorded as you'll earn experience points that can be used to "level up" your status -- and you can spread the news to your friends on Facebook.

Is It Any Good?

The world's most popular sport has never looked or played so good in video game form. Even better than last year's impressive game, FIFA SOCCER 12 offers incredibly realistic physics, including how the players react to one another and ball dribbling, passing, and scoring. Combine this with high-definition graphics shown through broadcast-style cameras and passersby might just think it's a real televised match. Artificial intelligence (A.I.) has also been greatly improved, therefore computer-controlled teammates act in a smarter way, including a more tactical defense that reacts more like the real thing.

From the tight controls and high production values to the depth and breadth of solo and multiplayer matches, FIFA Soccer 12 is simply one of the most gratifying sports games available today. Note: The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of the game look and play the same but the others don't fare as well visually; and they handle a little differently (such as utilizing the Nintendo Wii motion controller). These other versions don't all offer the same robust set of modes and features as the high-def discs.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how prices vary so greatly between the different versions of FIFA Soccer 12. Some, like the Sony PlayStation 2 and Nintendo 3DS are $40, while Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions are $60. Is there a reason for the price discrepancy?

  • Does playing sports video games make you want to play the sport in real life?

Game Details

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