[runam0k]

Okay, being new to FIFA, I'm looking for hints, tips, etc to improve my general play.

I'm slowly getting used to the controls (I used to play a butchered set of PES controls--which is annoying when playing (locally) with mates, constantly having to change control schemes). Hopefully this won't take too long.

So, my first question: why am I finding it so difficult to take on Chicago's right/left backs with Henry and Messi? What am I missing? Messi seems particularly weak (which is a shame because in real life, like most of football's great players, he's very strong and difficult to knock off the ball).

Are there any preferred skills (I'm thinking of the PES shift left/shift right) that have a decent success rate against the AI? My timing is probably off but I've yet to throw a defender with a dummy or step-over.

So happy to have a football game that I want to play this year.

[Craigy]

You have to practice this, but holding down left and right triggers (Skilled dribbling) while dribbling is excellent for getting past people.

You can also get pro evo controls by choosing the alternate control scheme (number 2) at the start of the demo, then you can customise any buttons before you kick off.

[bailster]

As Craigy says holding LT & RT allows certain players to perform skilled dribbling. As you approach a defender hold LT & RT and move to the side with the left stick. This should give you a yard of space. Let go of LT & RT and flick the right stick in the direction your player is facing - with Henry and Messi this should easily take you away from Chicago fire defenders. There;s a lot more to the skill system, but this is a fairly effective method for getting past defenders.

[SilverSpider]

I made the jump to FIFA last year like yourself, my biggest tip for you would be to not hold "Sprint" all the time like you can do in Pro EVo at times.

The AI reacts very differently to you when you come off sprint and also hold LT "Slow Dribble" in built up areas so that you are harder to knock off the ball or have it stolen.

Enjoy the change and the challenge of learning a new series of games mate.