Football Manager 2017: A Deeper Dive into Management
Contents
Why does the beautiful game captivate billions worldwide? Why do you love football? These simple questions are surprisingly complex to answer. It’s akin to asking a die-hard Football Manager fan why they’re so addicted to this management sim. A satisfying answer may be elusive, but one thing is certain: since its 1992 debut as Championship Manager, this franchise has enthralled countless players. Every November, fans eagerly await the new release, ready to take the managerial reins and lead their favorite club to global domination.
Football Manager 2017, the latest iteration in this long-running series, arrived on November 4th, marking the 25th installment since the Championship Manager days. Twenty-five years is a remarkable achievement for any game franchise. This year’s version promises a plethora of new features. Does it deliver? Let’s delve in and find out.
Razer DeathStalker Essential 2014 keyboard used for testing
Key Improvements in FM 2017
In-game screenshot of Football Manager 2017
The Social Media Buzz
A significant addition to Football Manager 2017 is the “Social Feed,” inspired by Twitter. Players, fans, managers, and club pages share their thoughts and reactions to in-game events. This feature offers valuable insights into the lives and activities of your players and rivals. A disgruntled player might publicly criticize your management decisions, while positive feedback can boost team morale. The Social Feed acts as a powerful force, influencing your managerial career.
Personalized Management
Last year’s Football Manager 2016 introduced avatar creation. Football Manager 2017 refines this feature, allowing you to upload a portrait photo for the game to generate a realistic in-game likeness.
New Ways to Play
Two new game modes, Fantasy Draft and Create Your Own Club, debut in Football Manager 2017. Fantasy Draft allows you to create a league with up to 31 teams, inviting friends or AI to participate. You control the transfer budget and market rules, crafting a unique league experience. Create Your Own Club lets you build a team from scratch and integrate it into the existing game world, striving to become a football powerhouse.
Shareholder Influence
Football Manager 2017 expands player interaction with club shareholders. They may intervene, dictating playing styles and development strategies. Ignoring their input could lead to difficulties, even dismissal. Shareholder power has clearly increased.
Increased Realism and Challenge
In-game screenshot of Football Manager 2017
Football Manager is renowned for its realism, a testament to Sports Interactive’s commitment to authenticity. Despite player complaints about increasing complexity and time commitment, Sports Interactive remains steadfast, and Football Manager 2017 continues this trend.
Brexit’s Impact
The transfer market in Football Manager 2017 is even more challenging, partly due to Brexit. The game incorporates three scenarios reflecting the potential impact of the UK leaving the EU, adding another layer of complexity to transfers. These random scenarios can significantly affect player values and transfer regulations, forcing managers to adapt their strategies.
Agent Power
Player agents wield more influence in this edition. They can sway player decisions, potentially derailing contract negotiations or influencing transfers. Conversely, clubs can leverage agents to acquire players without directly contacting their clubs. Acquiring and retaining players has become a delicate balancing act.
Enhanced 3D Match Engine
In-game screenshot of Football Manager 2017
Eight years since its Football Manager 2008 debut, the 3D match engine continues to evolve. Football Manager 2017 boasts noticeable graphical improvements. Player movements, shots, and passes feel more fluid and realistic. Over 1500 new animations, along with upgraded lighting and shadows, enhance the visual experience. Pre-match sequences, including warm-ups, managerial handshakes, and player entrances, add to the immersion. The replay system allows viewing goals from multiple angles, offering a more comprehensive match analysis.
Missing Features and Lingering Issues
In-game screenshot of Football Manager 2017
While Football Manager 2017 introduces exciting new features, some omissions are disappointing. The absence of Football Manager Touch and Challenge Mode is a significant loss. Football Manager Touch provided a streamlined experience for players overwhelmed by the game’s complexity, while Challenge Mode offered unique scenarios to test managerial skills.
Furthermore, some issues persist. Inaccuracies in club logos and names, limited player likenesses due to licensing restrictions, and a long-standing bug affecting the German national team roster remain. The 3D face generation feature occasionally glitches, and YouTube video sharing still has resolution limitations.
Conclusion
Football Manager 2017 builds upon the series’ legacy with compelling additions like the Social Feed, new game modes, and enhanced realism. However, the absence of certain features and lingering technical issues slightly tarnish the experience. Despite these shortcomings, Football Manager 2017 remains a deeply engaging and rewarding management simulation for dedicated football fans. Are you ready to take on the challenge?
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