EA Sports has made significant alterations to the core game play of "FIFA Soccer 12." These changes further solidify the "FIFA" franchise as the dominant soccer series on the market.

The most noticeable modification is to how defenses work on the pitch. Previously, you controlled a defender and tried to shut down opponents individually using button combinations. The vastly improved system now features natural backline teamwork to draw offside calls and execute better takeaway actions such as jersey-tugging and elbow- and shoulder-nudging.

The on-ball animations and game play have seen a nice reboot, as well. The changes create more flopping and play-acting to garner foul calls than necessary, but when running smoothly the improved one-touch passing and ball-control movements make star players such as Luis Suarez or the entire Barcelona roster reflect their real-life counterparts.

The improvements aren't merely on the pitch.

"FIFA 12" has a host of new online features to lure you into playing longer. "FIFA Ultimate Team" was a stellar downloadable offering in years past, but comes with the game now. The EA "Sports Football Club" is another enticement to take your favorite team to the top of an online fan club that is based solely on how much you (and other fans) play and succeed online.

It's highly addictive, and fits right into this overall game that soccer (and sports) addicts must play.