EA Sports' major debut on Nintendo's newest console should be a hit with most soccer fans.
At least the gameplay in general stays true to the nature of the sport. Everything from sliding tackles to corner kicks to getting a one-timer past the goalie remains a dynamic part of the game, and EA Sports continues to nail it – but casual players may want to start with the simplistic two-button setting (pass and shoot), rather than the deeper set-up that long-time players go with. It'll introduce them to the physics at hand and get them ready for future matches to come. Just a bit of advice.
Along with the huge coaching options that occur on the touch-screen, you can also hop into season modes and try to build your way towards a championship, using various teams from the league. It's not entirely the same without Ultimate Team, but it certainly beats nothing, and some of you won't mind playing through the MLS Cup again, just to see someone besides the L.A. Galaxy take it for a change. C'mon, Colorado Rapids, you can do it again, can't you?
The presentation for FIFA 13 couldn't be better for the Wii U, as it makes an effective debut. Along with great menu systems on both the TV and GamePad, the game also features very fluid animation, superb replays and just the right flow of action when a match is happening. Multiple camera angles are also available, whether you feel like watching the action from the side or point-to-point across the field. The commentary isn't the most energetic out there (NBA 2K13's loops it by miles), but it is authentic, something fans can appreciate. And the crowd noises are second-to-none, especially when the home team is doing well and the audience supports them with mad chants. The soundtrack could've been a little better, but oh, well, it nails the "soccer" part at the very least.
Though it's not entirely fleshed out yet (that's likely to come with next year's game), FIFA Soccer 13 is a fine debut for the series on the Wii U. Soccer fans everywhere will literally get a kick out of it – just as long as you don't use those iffy touch-screen shooting controls. "Shooting" the ball should feel just a bit more natural. Eh, it'll be even better next year, tho.
Score: 8 / 10
