PGC NEWS

Football simulation games like EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA) and eFootball (formerly Pro Evolution Soccer) dominate the market with their player-focused gameplay. However, a lesser-known but equally enduring franchise, Football Manager, offers a distinctly different experience. With a rich 19-year history, Football Manager puts you in the manager’s seat, granting complete control over every aspect of your chosen football club. A new iteration arrives each November, and Football Manager 2024 is no exception. This review delves into what sets this year’s version apart.

alt text describing the user interface of Football Manager 2024 with various menus and stats visible

The Immersive World of Football Management

Imagine leading Arsenal to a Champions League victory against Real Madrid in a nail-biting final. The tension, the roar of the crowd, the strategic decisions – Football Manager 2024 captures these moments with remarkable realism. Unlike player-controlled games, Football Manager 2024 focuses on the behind-the-scenes action. You’re not controlling individual players; you’re meticulously crafting tactics, nurturing talent, navigating the transfer market, and dealing with the press.

alt text showing the match engine of Football Manager 2024, displaying player movements and match statistics on the field

The level of detail is astonishing. Whether you’re micromanaging training sessions or negotiating complex contracts, Football Manager 2024 allows you to tailor your approach. Lead your favorite team to glory, or build a dynasty from the ground up. The choice is yours.

alt text showcasing the in-game tactics screen of Football Manager 2024, with various formation and player role options

Key Improvements and Features

Unlike some annual sports titles that offer minimal updates, Football Manager 2024 introduces meaningful improvements. The ability to directly load saves from Football Manager 2023 ensures a seamless transition. Enhanced lighting and refined player animations further enhance the realism of matches. The intricacies of player interactions, contract negotiations, and press conferences add layers of depth to the gameplay.

alt text displaying the in-game news screen in Football Manager 2024, showing various headlines and news articles related to the game world

One notable addition is TransferRoom, a Tinder-like app for football transfers. Clubs and players can “swipe right” on each other, leading to potential deals. This adds a new dynamic to the transfer market, mirroring real-world trends.

alt text showing a transfer negotiation screen within Football Manager 2024, displaying player details, transfer fees, and contract terms

Licensing and Authenticity

Football Manager 2024 boasts a comprehensive range of licensed leagues and competitions, including the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, English Premier League (EFL in-game), Serie A, and La Liga (Spanish First League). The inclusion of official branding, pre-match ceremonies, and award presentations adds to the immersive experience.

alt text showcasing the 3D match engine view of Football Manager 2024, displaying a match in progress with player models and stadium details visible

Areas for Improvement

Despite its strengths, Football Manager 2024 has some shortcomings. Player faces can appear rudimentary, and the impact of press conferences feels limited. Managing player morale can be challenging, and the frequency of injuries, especially ACL tears, feels disproportionately high. The overuse of VAR can also disrupt the flow of matches.

alt text showcasing various in-game screens in Football Manager 2024, including match overview, player statistics, and financial reports

Furthermore, the game’s small font size makes it difficult to play on the Steam Deck.

alt text displaying the main menu of Football Manager 2024 with various game modes and options available

Conclusion

Football Manager 2024 offers a compelling and immersive football management experience. While it has some flaws, the depth of gameplay, realistic details, and significant improvements over its predecessor make it a worthwhile purchase for fans of the genre. The addition of TransferRoom and continued focus on licensing enhance the game’s authenticity. Addressing the issues with player faces, morale management, injury frequency, and VAR overuse would further elevate the experience.

alt text showcasing a conversation screen with a player in Football Manager 2024, displaying dialogue options and player reactions

alt text displaying the squad screen in Football Manager 2024, showing player information, training schedules, and injury status

alt text depicting an in-game notification screen in Football Manager 2024, informing the user about an injury update regarding a player