FIFA 13

All from Nicolas Van Hoorde, who just had a four hour playthrough of CM and Be a Pro.
Follow him @NicolasVH

Career Mode #FIFA13

- There are a few more sliders in audio settings. Not 100% sure, but you can now set volume imported chants and 'voices players'. All other settings seem pretty much the same.

- Have been asked this. Saudi Pro League and Polski League are in.

- Here's a BIG one: you can now play in European competitions from the first season in Career mode. No play-off games for season 1, straight to groupstage. Both Champions' Cup and Euro League. Good enough. Also, you can let the CPU pick the teams (randomize) or just pick the teams yourself, so you can replicate the groups from real life!

- New option before starting CM: set financial strictness. This is a percentage that decides how much from a outgoing transfer you get.

- Started CM with Chelsea. Got a bid of 37 million EUR for Mata from Man City. Counter-offered 57. They got back with 49. I accepted.

- Haha, new option when creating your manager. Outfit-style: training, suit or 'shirt and tie'. Can also choose color.for all those wondering where RVP is going. #FIFA13 decided he's going to Bayern for 34 million EUR.

- Wanted list for transfers is a nice addition.

- Menus are much more responsive. Visual style is mainly the same, but it's much smarter presented. Less going back/forth in menus.

- I can confirm that your created manager will be visible during matches. You can also see your teammates warm up during a game. Nice touches. And yes, the managers move. New sub cutscenes. Yes, the managers seem to celebrate/react dissapointed after a goal.

- Still limited to 3 subs in friendlies.

- Also noticing much more noise from the crowd. Especially when alone on goal or before/after a shot. Much more atmosphere.

- Changes in gameplay are much more subtle than last year. But that's fine. It's a much better game than #FIFA12.

- New cutscene before first compeition game. Photographers take team photo. Again a nice little touch. Also captains shaking hands.

- You can hand in a request to the board to receive more transfer budget. It comes with a price though. I requested extra money but had to commit to achieving an League Cup AND FA Cup win. I asked for 50 million EUR extra. Got rejected by board.

- skill games really remind my of #TopSpin / #VirtuaTennis minigames.

- New goalkeeper animations spotted. Looks good

- Fourth official holds up board during sub cutscenes.

- What can you say about player growth/youth academy as of yet? @zackforeman No changes on the foreground. But I'm believed that the system in the background has been improved. #FIFA13 #YouthSystem

- Commentary in CM menus! They talk about next week games and talk short about the game you just played/simmed.

- No changes in Transfer Deadline Day.

- Haha, news message that Mata is injured off-pitch. Media reporting he was caught shopping and his shoe lace got caught in elevator and fell. Mata himself claims he got the injury falling over a step in his home. WTF.

- Both Belgium and Norway have shown interest in hiring me as national coach.