In September 2012 gaming giant EA released the eagerly awaited new addition to its hugely successful FIFA videogame series, FIFA 13. Following the decline of the Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) series in the mid 00′s, FIFA reclaimed its crown as the ultimate football simulation game. Last years FIFA 12 sold 3.2 million copies in its opening week, making it the fastest selling sports game ever. With FIFA 12 improving on and outselling FIFA 11 substantially, the anticipation for FIFA 13 was palpable.

So, what are the best reasons to purchase FIFA 13? Is it really that different from the previous versions? Well let’s put the game play to one side and focus on the trimmings. See, what happens on the pitch hasn’t really changed all that much since FIFA 95. Sure the matches are smoother, the graphics are out of this world and there are even button combinations for diving, but the game play is largely the same, 22 over-hyped, over-paid, spoilt millionaires kicking a leather ball around a field. The nuts and bolts never change; it’s the subtle differences, updates and variations that makes the ever-evolving FIFA the ultimate sporting video-game series.

So, what does FIFA 13 have to offer and why should you bother with it? Well, the kits are all up to date for the new and current season; home and away strips across 30 of the biggest leagues in the world. Additionally the game comes with an update, or ‘patch’, to ensure that the game aligns with real life by including updated transfers, such as Robin Van Persie’s move to Manchester United and Andy Carroll’s relocation to Upton Park. Further to this, there is also a feature whereby the seasons, players and fixtures are affected as they would be in real life. If a player is injured at the start of the season then he’s injured at the start of the game.

It sounds trite, but to some these features are as important as the game play itself, if not more so. Why? Because the thing that’s always been so appealing about FIFA is its strive for realism. Some FIFA fans may not necessarily be avid gamers, however the majority of them will be avid football fans, so this connection to real life is important and very appealing. It is features like these that make FIFA 13 so close to real life and make it a ‘must have’ for gamers all around the world.

FIFA 13 can prove an expensive game, especially for those who want to buy each version as it is released. Fortunately for you Tesco now has the latest FIFA 13 videogame, in several formats, at a competitive price.