One step forward, two steps back...
Now, this year was the big one. Photo-facial technology, a completely revamped manager mode and a totally new dribbling system promised to revolutionise the series and completely blow fans away. But did it?
No...to be totally honest.
You see, the thing is; all this fancy new "virtual pro" shenanigans is a pretty fun idea, but it's essentially just gloss over a game that looks, plays and (in the case of the Be a Pro: Seasons mode) IS last years game. Hell, in some areas it's actually been changed for the worse!
Look first at the new manager mode. The menus are flashy - too much so actually - as the PS3 version takes about four seconds to load when you simply want to scroll down. Then look at this new form-based overall - it's confusing and unnecessary. I want to know my best team, and frankly it's difficult to at times, with green arrows shooting their stats away up, only to see them crashing back down a few games later. Equally, the player progression (which sounded great with it's more realistic system) is terrible - you can't even see how your players are improving - only that they are. And furthermore, the "Assistant manager" will continue to tinker with your team after you switch him off! Which leads to plenty of "where are all my good players?" just when you need them most. Also, the simming feature, which needed work, has been reduced in effectiveness - now you don't even know who scored your goals if you sim a game - all it gives you is the score.
Then there's the Be a Pro, which I mentioned above. It;s the exact same as last year! Down to the menus, the lack of cups, transfers, player improvements and teammates who simply lump the ball out of play at a moment's notice.
There are a few good new features, and EA have been at pains to let you know about them - so I don't need to.
Just don't bother with this one.