Rayzor127, I'd like to take the time to formally answer your original question.
The fact that by default the clock stops and then there is still time added on at the end of each half is not only unnecessary but makes no sense. Frankly, the fact that the clock stops on stoppages and you can't have matches at any length you want bothers me to no end.
Basically, FIFA games in general are designed to be a highlight reel. The engine is that of a simulation game in many ways, even moreso than PES, yet the longest half length you can select in-game is 10 minutes. And it's not even like the clock runs at normal speed and the half goes into stoppage time after the clock hits 10:00. The clock runs at a faster speed to get to 45:00 quicker. If I was going to play a match with 10 minute halves, I would like the clock to run at normal speed and go into stoppage time after the 10th minute. (not that I would do that as I only play 45 minute halves with the HALF_SECONDS parameter)
The fact that there is stoppage time added on to the half despite the fact that the clock stops is inherently wrong and incorrect. But, since the stoppage times at the end of halves varies from game to game apparently due to the amount of stoppages (goals, fouls, out of bounds, etc) I believe the way the game works is that even though the clock stops when there are stoppages, the stoppage time is calculated pretty accurately despite the stoppages. This is a good thing because when you set HALF_SECONDS = 2700 to get 45 minute halves, and set the CLOCK parameter = 3 so that the clock runs on throw-ins / after goals are scored and advances several seconds on fouls / corners, the stoppage time remains realistic. I have seen stoppage time vary anywhere from 1-4 minutes in 45 minute halves, which is similar to a real match with the continuous clock.
So, in conclusion, the way the game is designed bugs me to no end. You should be able to play halves to any time you want, and have the clock run at normal speed, instead of the clock speeding up to get to 45 minutes quicker with shorter half lengths like 10 minutes. You should be able to set the clock to be continuous (it should default to that) and you should be able to set the game clock to any half length you want (10 mins, 20 mins, 30 mins, or 45 mins).
With all that said, at least when you change the HALF_SECONDS parameter to 45 minute halves, and set parameters to make the clock semi-continuous(then create a new profile), at least the stoppage time remains accurate based on actual stoppages.
By the way, if you haven't done it, there is a thread in FIFA 10 detailing how to create 45 minute matches with a semi-continuous clock. And it does work well. The only problem is the fatigue levels drop way to quickly and players can't sprint in the second half. This is an issue I'd actually like to figure out ways to fix as in UCL 06/07 when playing 45 minute halves the fatigue levels stayed realistic and you could sprint in the second half.
EA really should try making the game play realistically over a full match of 90 minutes with continuous clock and stoppage time. They really haven't done that ever. (Even in WC 06 where they had the 45 minute half option in-game, in that game there was never more than a few seconds of stoppage time despite the clock running on throw-ins)
So this is a definitely a huge issue for me in FIFA 10. The fact that I can't really play a game and half the clock operate continuously, have the stamina levels be realistic throughout the game, have the CPU use sound logic when substituting (as referenced in the substitution bugs thread in FIFA 10 forums). Basically, I am amazed that for a game that has made so much money for EA, with all the technology we have, that they don't even make the game play like it is on TV. And this isn't just an EA soccer issue. PES / Winning Eleven games also don't have the 45 minute halves option and I believe in those games the clock isn't continuous either.
Frankly, this issue annoys me to no end. Why can't they make the game look right with how the clock operates. I'm not gunna buy a game (like I'll never buy a next-gen console FIFA game because you can't even play a 45 minute half length match with continuous clock and stoppage time, and unlike PC, there's no way to add parameters like HALF_SECONDS and CLOCK in the ini files to fix this incorrect clock issue)
Since most players just like playing a "quick game", there is apparently no real incentive to fix these issues and make it like a real match.
I wish they had stuff like being able to save a match at halftime and come back to play it later. (even online) Then people may be more willing to play 45 minute halves.
So Rayzor127, I think it's important that you observed this issue and commented on it.
There are certainly many annoyances related to this issue. And I just wish soccer games could cater itself to sim-oriented gamers who take football seriously. After all, it's not some out of the blue crazy suggestion.
All we would like to see if the game represented in the game the way it looks on TV. You would think it would be an automatic thing and "the norm" instead of the other way around. (due to the way the developers decide on things like this)
