Football Manager is probably the most detailed series in history, ever. The series prides itself on the knowledge of the smallest clubs from every corner of the globe and in the footballing world, the globe is huge.
The only problem with such detail is whether the extent of detail still engages with the average FM user. My own personal background doesn’t sit with simulators but the more FIFA and Pro Evo version of footballing events. I am a huge football fan and pride myself on knowledge of players, their previous club history right down to what their preferred foot is. So obviously I am the perfect example of the intended target audience and desperately want to tap into the details of FM and together scour the world and find the next maestro. One problem, even though my laptop is of an age now, I was barely able to control three countries; England, France and Spain. I experienced a few slowdowns especially during the games and when making tactical changes or substitutions. In what is already a time consuming game these extra lagging moments (possibly due to my computer) were making it more difficult.
I practically wept at the thought of all the missed talent when controlling so few countries, missed opportunities, untold riches. Such is the beauty and the beast of Football Manager. It offers you everything but you will find yourself unable to use some of it, and even at a good time the game can feel slow. Then in a blinding flash of light, riding on the back of a valiant steed is Classic Mode. Streamlined and more effective, like a younger brother it steps out of the shadows of the bulky, slower mode and takes the limelight. The general navigation and appearance of the Football Manager Classic beast is more inviting and allows for much faster gameplay. Classic Mode is quite a turn up for the books, after FM have tried so hard over the years to include so much detail into their past releases they have now decided to provide a much simpler version of what is essentially, the same game.
The result means that Football Manager is born again. The addicted players, of which there are many, are still out there playing scheduled under 18’s friendly games long into the night. Football Manager has that impact on you; it drags you in and demands your every spare second of the day. You now get excellent suggestions from your assistant in regards to the game and how you should change things during the match, if at all. It highlights things you may have not considered; tight marking, formations, substitutions or a change in playing style.
The level of detail however may impress most but I am one of the minorities who supports one of the lower league teams Brentford, I also know my club quite well. Our board finance status is plainly listed as ‘okay’ when in actual fact we are better off than that in a lower league kind of way. When a game is as detailed as this and it wears that detail proudly on its sleeve, it needs to be extensive in all areas. Just a minor detail but in a game built on minor details they must be correct. Honestly though? I’m being incredibly picky here.
The Challenge mode within Classic mode is just another massive step for the Football Manager series, Challenge modes sees the game provide you with multiple save files that place you right in the middle of battle. Saving a team from almost certain relegation is one example, and this new addition is valuable to this new look FM.
You promise yourself one more game, but then that turns into a cup run, or a contract extension battle. Then before you realise it you’ve actually grown stubble and haven’t moved for hours. FM is that kind of game, and if you have the time to dedicate to it then more for you, and I wish you every success in your endeavours. I have always found FM hard, but incredibly rewarding and of course a great deal of luck is involved but if you are wondering whether FM 2013 will continue your addiction, I can confirm that Manager Mode classic most definitely will.