FIFA 13 - don't expect innovation, do expect the deepest FIFA yet

If the current wisdom is correct and the next generation of consoles is just around the corner, then EA's decision to opt for 'evolution' over 'revolution' in FIFA 13 makes a lot of sense. Rather than innovate or overhaul, the developer has simply added new tweaks and tucks to FIFA 13's on-pitch action, which build on last year's work.

EA's main preview drive this year has, so far, focused on the in-game experience, with unpredictability playing a large part. Features such as the new First Touch mechanic and the improved Player Impact Engine call for a degree of finesse in ball control and introduce a heavier physicality to the game. Players also have more options in attack, thanks to the improved attacking AI, and the added options for each free-kick. It's also been revealed that you'll be able to use Kinect to change tactics and formations on the fly, and yell at the in-game referee - although if you heap abuse on them, they tend to rule against your club more often than not.

But decent mechanics are only half the battle. As is the case every year, EA is tasked with winning new converts, maintaining the franchise's sizable fanbase, and keeping both camps glued to its game for as long as possible. To that end, EA Canada has completed a neat trifecta by deepening its Career mode for the core players, offering a new mode to teach newbies how to play its sim, and lengthening the list of unlockables.

Career mode has gone widescreen. The logic governing transfers has been rewritten so the AI now values star players a lot more. In last year's iteration, players like David Silva and Luka Modric would change teams in every single transfer window if the monetary price was met. Now, the AI attaches a value to each star player in the context of the squad they're playing for, making them a lot tougher to acquire.

Managers have to account for more factors in their bids, including form, overall score and contract length. Bagging the likes of Robin Van Persie, for example, may require a manager to clear some space on their roster and guarantee first-team play.

If they renege on any of the promises they've made to an acquisition, that player's morale will drop sharply and they may even hand in a transfer request. Like last year, managers can blur their transfer and salary budgets to free up more funds for the transfer window. They can now also offer players as part of a transfer bid if they're running short on funds.

Those who prefer to play for their club, rather than manage it, also face some changes. In the past, you could simply create a squad member, pick a club to play for and in no time they'd be competing in the first team, while the likes of Messi and Rooney sat on the bench watching them. This isn't the case with FIFA 13, where the emphasis is on realism. Sign with a top tier team, and they'll send you out on loan until you have the requisite skill level and experience to make the first team. In order to get first team play right off the bat, you're obliged to sign with a second league club, or a team in a less prestigious league.

Nothing in Career mode is achieved without hard graft, but this year, EA is offering a substantial pay off for those who put the work in - international call-ups. For the first time in a FIFA game, internationals are now a part of Career mode; you're given a series of objectives to complete on your path to greatness. Those who achieve these goals will have the chance to manage or play for their country in friendlies, qualifiers and major international tournaments.