156 replies to this topic

[mikeford]

Rook, your best bet for Free Kicks is go on youtube and watch every tutorial you can find. I've been playing FIFA since I was in high school (3 years removed from college now) and I'm still terrible at them, but the tutorials at least helped it so I wasn't skying every FK into row Z.

[sodenj5]

I just picked this up via Amazon's deal of the day. I played a few FIFA games years ago on the PS2, but really don't know anything about the game. I'd classify myself as an extremely casual soccer fan, but I'd like to learn more. I played 4-5 games last night and am absolutely terrible. Looking for some help on the following:

- Some tips on how to build up an attack. I'm getting dominating in TOP. Good default formations to start with would be helpful.
- Tips to win some one on one matchups. I've only scored two goals and both have been from passing around defenders. I can't seem to put any moves on a single stationary dude. Hmm, that sounds worse than I intended.
- Any basic tips for free kicks would be great. I just spaz it up there right now.
- And finally, what's a good team to start with? I drifted to the EPL and Arsenal, but I'm a free agent. I'd prefer to not have some über team, but I'd be happy to play with a frontrunner while I figure stuff out. You could help direct my future rooting interests. I don't want to be stuck playing with the Padres of FIFA.

I'd also be happy to be online fodder for an 360 people here, but I don't think I'd present much of a challenge yet.

Thanks!

It's a matter of personal preference, and you sort of have to play to your team's strengths. I generally play with Real Madrid. My formation is a 4-1-2-1-2, mainly because that allows me to get both Higuain and Benzema up top, with Ronaldo attacking the middle at CAM. I put Ozil and Kaka at the 2 midfield spots, and have Alonso as my CDM. My usual plan of attack is to play solid D (i.e. not torpedoing the man with the ball at all times) and once regaining possession, immediately looking to get the ball long to Ozil or Kaka down the sides of the pitch. Real's speed is dangerous on the counter, and with Higuain, Benzema, and Ronaldo lurking around the box, goal scoring options are usual plentiful. I'm not a big "one on one make a move" type of player. I almost always look to hit a slashing attacker with a timely pass, or make a subtle change of direction, and use Ronaldo's speed and touch to give myself a clean look at the goal. If you get half a step of separation, and then correctly apply the right stick, you'll have all the space you need to get a very good look at the net. To me, change of direction is far more effective than making and actually move. Probably because I'm not great with the moves, but the success rate of finding a crease seems much higher than successfully leaving your defender with a move.

Also, L1 and Triangle is your friend. Once I started effectively using that, it opens up the game in 3 dimensions like you wouldn't believe.

For free kicks, if you go into the practice mode that you start in, you can choose to practice PK's, then there's another button you can press that will sort of turn on a visual aid as to where you're going to kick it. In short, the key is not holding left the entire time, it's moving the stick left for like 2 seconds, and then the "cursor" sort of stays stationary. It doesn't snap back to center.

My team's Real, as I stated, but there are plenty of other good teams out there. Chelsea is probably my second option because Torres and Drogba up top are just as, if not more formidable than Higuain and Benzema.

Edited by sodenj5, 14 November 2011 - 07:44 PM.

[Infield Infidel]

I've been using the 4-2-3-1. I originally had a 4-1-2-1-2 but my defense was getting killed every time my DM was moving up. So now with two DMs they rotate and one DM always stays back.

I'd always had 2 or even 3 forwards next to each other up top, so it's surprising how effective having a CAM and one forward is. Having a speedy CAM breaks the D down just by running at or by guys and cutting back. The CAM comes up to center whenever the forward moves off center, and vice versa. It's set up some nice one-time goals for me.


For free kicks I've started to use L2 when I shoot for finesse shots, which is still a work in progress.

[Pookie Bernstein]

Anybody play in the online head to head league? Its pretty cool.

You start in division 10, you play 10 games against other people in division 10 and they try to match up the star ratings of the team the best they can. Every division has a relegation minimum and a promotion max. Finish below the relegation minimum and go back a division, get promoted and you go up one.

I'm division 7 with 2 games to go and I need 3 points to make it to 6.

So far there has been noticeable jumps in the level of play between divisions.

For someone like me who really isn't into the career mode sims this makes online play very interesting.

I am stuck in the exact same spot. In 7th Division and just missing promotion for the past 4 seasons. 7th certainly feels about right where I belong. Hit me up if you are interested in playing. PS3 ID is tooly22

[ElUno20]

Head to head online season is where its at. Whoever brought that into the fold should get a raise.

Also like how it matches your opponent by team star rating so you can pick a lower side and get a good game in.

Edited by ElUno20, 17 November 2011 - 12:15 AM.

[Rook05]

I love this game. I suck so much, but I love it. I finally picked up a win (it only took 7-8 tries). Granted, it was against a second division squad but I'll take it. I'm not ready to venture online yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

[Pookie Bernstein]

I love this game. I suck so much, but I love it. I finally picked up a win (it only took 7-8 tries). Granted, it was against a second division squad but I'll take it. I'm not ready to venture online yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

I wouldnt hold back playing online as you will be playing people just like yourself for the most part in "Head to Head Season". I played against the computer a bunch when I first got it and couldnt put it all together. Decided WTF and played online and it helped playing against people like myself who were just picking up the game.

[sodenj5]

Head to head online season is where its at. Whoever brought that into the fold should get a raise.

Also like how it matches your opponent by team star rating so you can pick a lower side and get a good game in.

This. It really is a brilliant addition to the franchise, and extremely addictive.

[Zomp]

I'm in Division 6 now, 7 points from 4 games so hoping promotion is likely.

From reading online, I guess once you get in the top 3 divisions it gets really difficult because everyone uses custom formations with 5 defenders, 2 holding mids, and fast strikers that they just hoof it up to.

[Infield Infidel]

From reading online, I guess once you get in the top 3 divisions it gets really difficult because everyone uses custom formations with 5 defenders, 2 holding mids, and fast strikers that they just hoof it up to.

So they are getting pointers from Jose Mourinho?

[Vinho Tinto]

Just played my first online game ever last night. Lost 2-0 to someone using Barca. I'm terrible, and completely reliant on trying to play the game like it's PES, but the game is so much fun. The gameplay is better than 11's and this will probably be the only game I play through the winter.

PS3 ID is AXP103.

[ElUno20]

One amendment to my praise of online head to head seasons, they have to take out use of international teams and pitting you vs someone with the same team.

[Zomp]

Fuck that.

The only way I can beat Real and Barca is if I'm Italy.

[Rook05]

I ventured into the HTH play as well. It really is addicting and the short load times between matches don't help. I scored first in three straight games...and lost all three. I just can't seem to avoid the stupid play and my defense is sieve-like. I did finally muster a draw, thanks to an own goal from my opponent.

This game is going to delay some other game purchases.

[ElUno20]

I have never googled it but i've always though there is a way (on 360) for people to intentionally slow down the connection during an online game. It's typically the guys picking top teams who get down and frustrated and miraculously, after a full game of flawless connection, it starts getting choppy as soon as we get into the final 18.

[PedroSpecialK]

I've definitely experienced the same thing. 1-0 me or a tied match and many times, it just starts to lag out in the opponent's favor in the closing minutes.

Edited by PedroSpecialK, 22 November 2011 - 12:48 AM.

[Batman Likes The Sox]

Though I've been playing video games for a couple decades now, I've never owned a soccer game until now. But I've taken the plunge on the PS3.

I am very terrible at this game. I am pretty familiar with soccer, but the controls are a bit overwhelming. My only win so far was when (offline) I played as Real Madrid against D.C. United. This is on the easiest setting. I was still quite pleased with myself.

Online I get destroyed. My best game so far I lost only like 0-3.

My wife, who played soccer in college and coaches now, has watched me play a couple games and generally non-stop yells about things that I am doing wrong, especially in shooting situations. So I guess that will help me pick up some of the attacking strategies over time. My defense is actually decent, I think in part because it feels somewhat similar to NHL defense (I've played a lot of hockey games) in terms of containment and angles. Also that thing where you hold down X and are able to follow your opponent is very helpful.

All that being said, my main problem right now is that 85% of my shots go way above the net, like if I was kicking a field goal. I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong there.

Any tips for things to read or modes to try as a total video game soccer novice?

[Rook05]

All that being said, my main problem right now is that 85% of my shots go way above the net, like if I was kicking a field goal. I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong there.

Any tips for things to read or modes to try as a total video game soccer novice?

I could use some help here too. I've evolved from air mailing shots to kicking in straight at the keeper. A friend suggested I try a couple of things: first, avoid holding the sprint button before shooting, and second, hitting the skill shot bumper (RB on the Xbox). These, combined with trying not to wind up all the way seem to have helped, but now I'm hitting the crossbar or the post. An improvement, I guess.

Batman, I'd suggest we play but I don't know of I could handle 180 minutes of no scoring...

[Zomp]

Using the finesse shot is a good idwa but really you have to practice all shots because you'll ned them in your arsenal. If you double tap a shot out will hit it low and hard which is useful.

The only advice is to practice them in the arena. The camera angle us different but ut actually helps to get a feel for the ball physics.

[ElUno20]

Holding the finesse while shooting and aiming for one of the corners is pretty unstoppable in close range situations.

[DLew On Roids]

I haven't played FIFA 12, but I've played multiple past editions as well as PES, and I've found that almost every game will airmail your shots over the bar if you try to blast a normal shot as hard as possible.

[Rook05]

Using the finesse shot is a good idwa but really you have to practice all shots because you'll ned them in your arsenal. If you double tap a shot out will hit it low and hard which is useful.

The double tap is fantastic! I scored more goals in the last three games than I had in the previous 10. Would've beat Liverpool in the last one if not for a dubious foul leading to a PK.

[Zomp]

Suarez is a diving twat in the game too.

[Zomp]

Up to Division 4, but I can't be 5 star teams anymore because Real and Barca are too good and people just play it over the top to Messi and Ronaldo.

Started using Juventus (when live season has them at 4.5) and CSKA more, and usually get results.

[Vinho Tinto]

Find any good tutorials on youtube? I need to beef up my defensive and possession ability.

I was winning every couple of games in the lowest division; but went into a massive tailspin this weekend. I would love to hunt down every 7 year old who uses Barca and KICK THEIR ASS.

[Pookie Bernstein]

I just missed promotion to 5th division by a point the other night. I started playing with Real Madrid to counter all the Barca and Spanish National Teams I was facing. After struggling to get out of 7th division for quite awhile, I have found the competition at 6th division to not be much of a step up.

How is 5th Division Zomp in overall play?

As for tutorials, defense is really just feel. I find clicking on to the guy who is face to face defending the ball carrier gets me in more trouble than its worth my over using the controls. I try to control a player who is one side of the other of the ball carrier, but not directly in front. That way the AI does what it should do and you are effectively playing support D. One of One defending was the hardest thing for me to master coming from FIFA 11 where it was basically done for you.

[Rook05]

Up to Division 4, but I can't be 5 star teams anymore because Real and Barca are too good and people just play it over the top to Messi and Ronaldo.

My god, the midfield lob-sprint offense is infuriating.

I've been trying to hone my game via career mode using Chelsea. I think I'm coming along, but it's a struggle. It's usually a bunch of dinky passes until Drogba or Torres can get free for a nice, boring low shot. Then I played an exhibition against th CPU with Real Madrid. I poured in 6 goals through a variety of crosses and breakaways. Tons of fun! I can see why people pick them online so much.

Edited by Rook05, 05 December 2011 - 02:36 PM.

[Zomp]

I haven't noticed a HUGE bump yet in Division 5 or 6, I've yet to play a game in Division 4 yet though. My advice would be to get good with sub-5 star teams and know them inside and out. You'll face off against guys who want a game and can't score with Ronaldo, Benzema, Messi from 35 yards out routinely.

As far as defending, not sure of any tutorials online. I just used tutorials for tricks and flicks. This is a good one:



When I defend, I try to keep the attacker at arms length and strafe in front of them. If they try to get by usually I can flick the ball away with the standing tackle. You have to be careful though because if the attacker gets by you and you take him out its a dangerous free kick if you're in your final third.

[Rook05]

Is there a way to play with a friend online against the CPU? I can do this at home on the couch if he's sitting right next to me, but can't seem to do it online....Really irritating.

[javaisfun]

I'm playing in division 2 as Real Salt Lake (a 3 star team) and haven't really found it to be too bad. I'm not using any gimmicks, I'm just making fewer mistakes. I haven't found a great deal of gimmickry, either, just better players.

I've played a couple of 5-man defenses, but those you can break down by utilizing your midfield advantage: Pass it around the defense, pull them out, then take advantage of the gaps that result. Keep the ball.

On defense, to deal with counters, breaks, etc., I like to control my supporting defense players: my outside backs and CDM (Beckerman). That way, if I miss on a tackle, it's not a catastrophe. Tackling by catching up from behind is remarkably effective.

You have to be ready to react quickly with balls over the top: the primary advantage comes because you're likely controlling someone who's going one direction, and then the game quickly switches to your CB who needs to immediately go the other direction. Anticipate a little bit, and then use your CB's height to head the ball away.

[Zomp]

I'm playing in division 2 as Real Salt Lake (a 3 star team) and haven't really found it to be too bad. I'm not using any gimmicks, I'm just making fewer mistakes. I haven't found a great deal of gimmickry, either, just better players.

I'm in division 4 right now and have 10 points from my first 3 games so things are looking good.

I'm curious to see if you've played with any other team in division 2? I'm not sure if the teams that you will play with Real Salt Lake can just loop it over to a really fast guy. Whenever I need a point I go to the lesser teams for a more realistic game, which I can hopefully win. I've also downloaded live season, so when a team is in form and move up to 5 star it gets frustrating. I'll use Juve or Napoli a lot of times but when they go up to 5 star is extremely difficult to play against Real, Barca, Spain, and City (Joe Hart doesn't let anything in).

[Vinho Tinto]

If you haven't purchased it for yourself, or as a holiday gift, Amazon has it as a lightning deal for 40 bucks.

[Zomp]

The only thing they ABSOLUTELY NEED to fix in next years game is to show which team you'll be playing against in online leagues before you go to kick off.

I'm so sick of playing against Real and Barca with Tottenham or Napoli.

Yes, I'm bitter because I needed 3 points out of my last 4 games to stay up in division 3 and lost 4 times but fuck you.

One dude was Brazil!!

[Vinho Tinto]

The only thing they ABSOLUTELY NEED to fix in next years game is to show which team you'll be playing against in online leagues before you go to kick off.

Agreed.

The weird thing is that I've yet to play Real Madrid; but I think Barca and Napoli make up half my games.

[cromulence]

Interesting that you all solely play online. I tend to play only against the computer, and I'm desperate for someone to confirm my observations that the computer is a huge asshole. I swear, some games it decides ahead of time that you simply will not win. I'm also frustrated because I played on Legendary in prior games, and now it's pretty much World Class.

[Zomp]

I guess I like playing online because it adds in a human factor that the computer doesn't have. There is always a glitch when playing against the computer, some are just harder than others to discover. Playing online allows you to play against all kinds of tactics, lineups, etc...

[Rook05]

I'm back to sucking at this game, and am definitely averaging less than a goal a game over the last few days. although it's funny how one brilliant moment over three matches can completely redeem the time suck that FIFA has been for me. I've gotten more involved with changing the formations and lineups which is fun, but I'm still mostly just playing the computer.

Two friends of mine and I played some online matches that were pretty fun. I wish you could just play the CPU with online friends, but most matches were relatively fair. Although we could not defend corner kicks to save our lives.

[cromulence]

I'm back to sucking at this game, and am definitely averaging less than a goal a game over the last few days. although it's funny how one brilliant moment over three matches can completely redeem the time suck that FIFA has been for me. I've gotten more involved with changing the formations and lineups which is fun, but I'm still mostly just playing the computer.

Two friends of mine and I played some online matches that were pretty fun. I wish you could just play the CPU with online friends, but most matches were relatively fair. Although we could not defend corner kicks to save our lives.

In past games, you could sometimes get away with just using the stick to jockey for position, but in this game you really have to use L2 (PS3) to jockey. Otherwise, they'll win balls in the air almost every time.

[ElUno20]

Either last year or before you could go online and download peoples tactics they created. Has this been removed?

[mgoblue2]

Picked this up on Xmas Eve, so far:

D9. Halfway through, not getting relegated.

Career Mode: Picked Norwich, though I may do one with Swansea or a Championship team. Drew 2 friendlies, lost to Real Madrid 1-0. Beat Wigan to start the season, 2-0.

Playing on Professional, is moving sliders a good idea?

[biollante]

Seems like everyone I play is either Barcelona or Real Madrid. Sometimes when I am a lesser team, I end up playing the Chicago Fire or something. I am so bad at this but I might get into the 9th division.

[Rook05]

Seems like everyone I play is either Barcelona or Real Madrid. Sometimes when I am a lesser team, I end up playing the Chicago Fire or something. I am so bad at this but I might get into the 9th division.

My god, if I lose one more match in the 80th plus minute I might throw my Xbox out the window. I have two games to get a draw to advance and blew both of them.

[Tangled Up In Red]

Playing career mode vs PS3 simming half the games, playing half. Simmed games... never a goal past the 80'. Ever. Either way. (2 season sample size)
Played games, far more real, and goals both directions...
Observation.

[PedroSpecialK]

Just your regular everyday 4-4 draw Liverpool v Napoli to advance to division 7. Now that I'm unemployed and near my xbox, this is my first real shot at gaining ground, though it's tough not to play down to your competition.

[Zomp]

I'm stuck in division 3. This will be my third season in it...both times before I had to win one of my last two games to stay up.


One tip...if you can afford it buy Live Season. Whether you have it or not the ratings will change in online play but the only way you'll know is if you buy the live season.

[biollante]

Stuck in 9th division now. I play as Everton. 4 stars but I get different teams to play.
Barca and Real got boring real fast when I played as a 5 star team. I would be England or an Italian team and would always play the Spanish teams.
I will have to try the tutorial for free kicks.

Just for the record, Borussia Mochengladbach is better in the real world than on fifa (might have spelled it wrong).

[Vinho Tinto]

I was playing last night vs. Spurs and my controller froze up. Just blinking lights and no response. While I was looking for my 2nd controller, I gave up a goal.

Final score? 1-0. I was ready to take a hammer to that stupid piece of plastic.

[Rook05]

I hit 8th division last night. Baby steps. I generally dominate possession (55/45 or more) and shot attempts, but remain vulnerable to over-the-top foot races. I've had a number of draws despite my opponent getting only one or two shots. If I can crank up my offensive efficiency a little more I could have some less stressful matches.

Edit: I've been using Ajax online. Four star games seem much more enjoyable.

Any Xboxers want to do an informal tournament? I could scrape together three or four local friends if there's interest.

Edited by Rook05, 31 January 2012 - 12:16 PM.

[Pookie Bernstein]

I'm stuck in division 3. This will be my third season in it...both times before I had to win one of my last two games to stay up.


One tip...if you can afford it buy Live Season. Whether you have it or not the ratings will change in online play but the only way you'll know is if you buy the live season.

Same here with division 3. Consistently sitting around 14 points with no chance of getting the necessary 18 points to get promoted to division 2.

[mgoblue2]

Just got into D8 after beating United on the road to get in. It seems like D9 was much harder. I had an easy 3-0 win my first D8 game, then lost to an OSU fan 3-2 after scoring 2 early goals. CSKA Moscow is crazy, Love and Doumbia up front just murders. So much so that I bought Love for Everton in my Career Mode.