Football Manager Classic 2014 is now here for a new section of the handheld market, the PlayStation Vita. As many of you may know that a version of FM14 is already purchasable on mobile devices, but none of the mobile ports add up to the full FMC14 experience. I personally didn’t think it would be possible to take such a large game and put it on the PlayStation Vita. Sega have done a fantastic job putting almost the full complete PC version on to the Vita. It’s mindboggling at times; I never thought I would be able to manage Watford from the comfort of my toilet.
This PlayStation Vita version is almost identical to the PC version. However, it doesn’t avoid its fair share of problems and one of them being the touch screen for the Vita instead of the use of a mouse. The only way to become a manager is sadly limited to only using the touch screen, which unfortunately has a fair few problems which could have been rectified if you had a mouse at your fingertips. The main issue I have with the touch screen is that it can be very unresponsive, causing some issues if you’re making changes during gameplay.
Which the touch-screen a side, the game offers everything from creating training regimes, formations, and tactical instructions from the side-lines which can be accessible by a few touches of the screen, along with on-screen recommendations during gameplay which is great for beginners. You do feel like you have complete control of the game, there are very minor issues, mainly with the speed and responsiveness of the touch screen. Switching between certain tactics can be pulled off very smoothly, but more than not, the issues that occur can be painfully slow.
Just like the PC version there are thousands of teams to pick from across the world, giving the ability of multiple ways to play, many different leagues to enter and cup competitions. There’s a ton of replay value just like the previous instalments. If you choose to play as one team throughout the duration of your career you will be able to gain trophies showcasing your 20 years of reign. The one thing that I love about Football Manager is the opportunity to manage a team you would never imagine, such as Grimsby Town. However, this would be a lot more exciting if the action didn’t slow down. Selecting more than 1 league can significantly slow the game down and it really does struggle.
One key feature which I have thoroughly enjoyed is 3D match engine from the PC titles which makes its way on to the handheld version of Football Manager for the very first time. Although it doesn’t quiet feel the same quality on the Vita, which could be caused by the games speed and processing ability of the title. The 3D element isn’t terrible, it looks good, but doesn’t play as well as it should. It doesn’t demonstrate well throughout gameplay and at times players will do really bizarre things.
Many times I have had to deal with players disappearing of the pitch, making terrible long passes back to the defence from being through on goal and the keeper not diving. I am unsure if this is a common issue or is a minor bug in the system as it only happened on a few occasions, but if you are presented with this issue it may cause you some nail biting moments. On top of this it doesn’t help that there is far too many dodgy camera angles along with a cluster-load of menu items clogging the screen.
During the gameplay itself, FMC14 on the Vita still holds a ton of entertainment and is a much more in-depth and in parts better than the mobile version of the title. Throughout your progress during your career you will notice from the off that the assistant manager will prompt up when something is not going quiet right in the match or a substitution is needed. This is a very welcomed feature and is very quick to interact with the assistant managers’ suggestions, but at times it doesn’t feel like it has benefit or changed the game at all if you do make the changes he suggests.
Football Manager is not game you can pick up and instantly go to the top of the table. The game is a lot more in-depth than just clicking a few formations and hoping for the best. You will need to learn who is the best player for set pieces, player attitudes, formations that will benefit you in certain situations and player training. During a season, especially on the Vita takes a lot longer than it does on a PC, so picking up these skills will probably come sooner than later. Once you’ve managed to get a grasp on things, you will still notice that even choosing to play as a team like Chelsea you can still struggle making your way up the table.
Gamers familiar with the PC version will remember that from time-to-time you will have to respond to journalist. Journalist will request to talk to you depending on your performance. Depending how you respond can actually affect your team. You won’t see them immediately take place however, but it’s an interesting depth off field and also adds a fresh take to a career each time. Players who are still playing the PC version and want to make the plunge to the PlayStation Vita you will be happy to know you can transfer your saves back-and-forth between either version. This is great for anyone who may want to play their career to and from work, or whilst out and about to then return home and continue on with your game, which has the much better layout and tighter controls, meaning the PC version is the far superior version to play on, as you might expect.
Unfortunately the PlayStation Vita just doesn’t have the processing power to fully enjoy Football Manager Classic 2014 to its fullest capabilities which is a real shame and it does affect it quite a bit if you’re looking to take your manager career on the go. The game is still a fantastic Football Manager experience and can be much more enjoyable at times more than not, but I really feel that the speed of the game affects it greatly; making you feel at times you’re playing Championship Manager on the spectrum. If you are inpatient, this is not the game for you, not this version anyway.
It’s not perfect, it’s not bad either. There are a fair few factors that they will need to adjust for Football Manager 15, mainly being the touch screen and the speed of the game. Oh, and cut down the amount of onscreen menu items. There is far too many and they are far too small. Expect to open up sections that you don’t want. Despite some minor pitfalls, long serving fans of the series that own a PS Vita should appreciate this title, it offers great fun at times; just don’t go expecting miracles….even if you do consider yourself to be the “Special One.“