FM Reviews Thread

Searched around and couldnt find this anywhere

The Football Manager series enters yet another season, and this year, expectations are higher than ever. Strength in depth has been added with around 80 new features, hype has been spread in a promising pre-season and a new superstar performer - a 3D match engine - has transformed the look of the series. But has Football Manager 2009's squad of old and new had enough time to gel in order to create yet another championship-winning combination? [And why aren't there any Liverpool references in this intro? I was quite specific. - Ed]

Revolutionary leaps are always tricky transitions for any series. On one hand they bring about much-needed progress, on the other they throw up a number of new challenges. Cast your mind back to the release of Championship Manager 4, when the new 2D match engine was greeted with a mix of triumphant cheers and disgruntled groans caused by copious bugs that marred the new match-day experience. In many ways, Football Manager 2009 is just like its venerated predecessor.

Of the eighty-or-so new additions, by far the most groundbreaking is the 3D match engine, without a doubt the finest new feature any FM game has ever possessed. It's striking just how much added excitement and immersion the extra dimension provides, with matches transformed from entertaining tactical battles between top-down spheres to genuinely lifelike battles between human-looking players. Further heightening immersion is the full-screen depiction of the action, which can be viewed from several diverse camera angles. Thanks to some fairly lifelike animations, you almost feel as though you're watching a real game, with the action perfectly complemented by an array of optional match information widgets.

'Football Manager 2009' Screenshot 1

Injuries are an all too familiar sight.

What was already the most realistic match engine around suddenly discovers a link you never realised was missing - player realism. While the match engine's visuals are clearly more Sensible Soccer than FIFA, seeing players tackle, dribble, pass, dive for headers and tussle for the ball is terrific. Watching a period of possession rounded off by an incisive through-ball and a sublime chip over the keeper will have you whooping and leaping like a toddler at Christmas. Other small yet welcome additions include correct hair and skin colour for each player and a stamina bar when a player is in possession.

The 3D match engine still has plenty of scope for improvement, though the quality of this first attempt certainly shows promise for the future. But while the added dimension adds immersion, the 3D engine is also riddled with bugbears and lacks polish. Goalkeepers are particularly suspect, often failing to dive for shots and resembling a sack of spuds when they do. In the main they only seem to pull off impressive saves if the ball is fired straight at them, often preferring to run after shots rather than leap for them, while diving seems virtually redundant when facing penalties.

'Football Manager 2009' Screenshot 2

The press grills you on every aspect of your management.

The 3D match engine also suffers from copious other niggling issues, such as players sometimes taking over half a minute to take a throw-in or goal-kick, with the action appearing to stick for a short period of time. Injuries are another problem. There are simply too many of them and it's often your star players that get knackered for months on end. Thirty- or forty-yard shorts also seem rather too commonplace. Other irritants include no visible crowds in the stand (though you can hear supporters cheering and singing), while players and the ball freely pass through advertising boards. Of course if you're a Football Manager purist, you can always revert to the 2D or commentary-only perspective if you wish, but that doesn't so much

Unlike Football Manager 2008, where many of the new features didn't feel as though they substantially impacted on the way you played or viewed the game, Football Manager 2009's additions do genuinely enrich your management experience. If you're a newcomer, you can now rely on your assistant manager to provide pointers as to where you're going wrong, as he'll give you feedback on player performances and the effectiveness of your tactics.

More seasoned players will be pleased to know that press conferences have been added this year, with media sessions before and after games, as well as at key stages of the season. Press conferences help provide an extra layer of immersion and realism, despite some questions tending to be repeated and your selection of answers lacking charisma. You really feel as though you can use the media to send out messages to your squad, whether it's praising a player or admonishing your team for a gutless performance. You can even storm out of a session, or ask your assistant manager to take your place, though you risk them saying something that could compromise your team's morale. Transfer rumours also raise a smile, particularly when a hack starts grilling you about a player you've never even considered buying, while transfer negotiations feel more flexible and satisfying. The ability to teach your players new special skills is another welcome addition. Just don't expect that up and coming midfielder to turn into Maradona overnight.

Clearly, there's plenty to be excited about, but your fervour will be compromised somewhat by another smattering of glitches and shortfalls. You start to notice them as early as the profile creation screen, with anything but the faintest of key strokes resulting in letter repetition. The new manager of Liverpool FC was very nearly MMaaarrttiinn Koorddaa. Try getting that into a pithy headline! Other teams' transfer dealings seem a little erratic at times, while ordering your players to interchange positions can wreak havoc, as they sometimes appear to make bizarre switches you never sanctioned. The press also gets a little confused on certain issues, such as asking whether a youth player who's never even made the bench will be back in the team for a key game after recovering from injury. On a lesser note, navigation isn't the most intuitive (especially for newbs), there's little or no time to read loading tips if you possess a more powerful computer, and team talk options still feel underdeveloped and unclear.

'Football Manager 2009' Screenshot 3

The 3D match engine ramps up the excitement and realism levels.

All of which means Football Manager 2009 is a mixture of good and bad. On one hand it's the finest, most complete and visually fulfilling game the series has ever enjoyed, but on the other it contains so many niggles you'll feel irritated almost as often as you feel elated. The good news is that a patch has been promised soon after release, but in the meantime we have no choice but to mark it down accordingly. Strip away the hiccups and this is a must-have game, with the added excitement provided by the 3D match engine worthy of the entrance fee alone. And while it may not be quite the finished article, Football Manager 2009 still has more than enough quality and strength in depth to be considered championship-winning material.

8/10

http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=289363

I would say their review of the 3D match engine is spot on.

Another review

http://www.snappygamer.com/2008/11/10/football-manager-2009-review-pc/

Seems like the review embargo time was today.

The press grills you on every aspect of your management.

It does? :\

I agree on the goalkeeper.

I would say their review of the 3D match engine is spot on.

I would say that 3d engine is ruining tactics , MR + AMR kind of wizardry looks to work okay.

Good review and spot on. Once these "niggles" are sorted it'll be the best yet

I would say that 3d engine is ruining tactics , MR + AMR kind of wizardry looks to work okay.

The tactics thing has nothing to do with 3D, its the match engine.

As the first reviews have started coming in I thought it's best if they were all kept together in one place:

http://www.snappygamer.com/2008/11/10/football-manager-2009-review-pc/

To be honest, I think this first one pretty much sums up how I felt about the game from the demo. I said in an earlier post I love FM, but it now feels like I'm working on a spreadsheet rather then playing a game. Has anyone else found reviews of it yet?

can you really give your verdict on only a half season demo of the game?

I think it's a good idea to keep them to one thread, so you get a thumbs-up from me.

I hope the mods agree. Unfortunately, I'm at work so I can't properly read and digest any of the reviews at the moment, and therefore cannot comment on them.

Not a great review tbh - uses screenshots that are well out of date now, and mentions bugs that will be fixed on release day.

But it's a great idea to keep them in one place!

can you really give your verdict on only a half season demo of the game?

Erm... Yes? I thought that was the idea of the demo?

eurogamer.com has a review gave it 8/10. Said pritty much what every

one else has said in the forums

Erm... Yes? I thought that was the idea of the demo?

for some parts of it yes. you havnt yet had a chance to see the "big picture" of the things that happen after a season or 2 for the parts of the long-term carrer game. the new regens for example.

for some parts of it yes. you havnt yet had a chance to see the "big picture" of the things that happen after a season or 2 for the parts of the long-term carrer game. the new regens for example.

You can tell the general feel of the game after four or five hours play though can't you? And that's much more significant then any thing that follows.

I much prefer FM07's style of game without all the repetative press conferences, 'how will the team do?', speculation and such. I used to be able to hit continue and it would play through three days unless I had an injury or some news of note, now you hit continue and it takes four mins to get through three days of speculation and choosing one of five answers to the same questions you keep getting asked.

Like the reviewer said I don't feel enthusiastic about playing the game for three days at a time on 12 hours sleep. It can feel like coming home from the office to work on spreadsheets for three hours.

If regens have been fixed and player development worked on, then that's great and I'm sure it will add to my long term enjoyment of FM09, but as much as I love the series I do feel there are too many elements now which are just repetative and detract from the fun.

...Any which way, none of that's got anything to do with the reviews

Erm... Yes? I thought that was the idea of the demo?

I only agree in part.

I expect many of the tweaks and improvements to be visible just a few years into your saves.

yes it is true you can get a general feel for the game. but with something like FM it takes a while to get the whole picture.

yes it is true you can get a general feel for the game. but with something like FM it takes a while to get the whole picture.

There's at least 80 additions to the game, I'm looking forward to discovering them over the seasons

exactly my point. cant wait for the full verison myself

Not a great review tbh - uses screenshots that are well out of date now, and mentions bugs that will be fixed on release day.

But it's a great idea to keep them in one place!

Yeah, sorry about the screenshots! I always forget to capture some when I'm playing so I wound up using the press release screenies from SEGA. As for the bugs, I can't really rely on promises of patches - that wouldn't be an honest review

Heres the first review I've seen. FM09 was given 9/10.

http://www.videogamer.com/pc/fm_2009/review.html

Just like to say well done SI! Just sort the minor gliches and you'll have a perfect 10 title:)

What do you guys think of the review?

Great read, sold Jenas and Huddleston and Zokora for Arshavin? Plonker?

Great read, sold Jenas and Huddleston and Zokora for Arshavin? Plonker?

Haha he seemed to rely too much on his staff help to find players, didn't try to attempt to find the hidden gems in FM:eek:

Nice read

Haha he seemed to rely too much on his staff help to find players, didn't try to attempt to find the hidden gems in FM:eek:

HaHa, that's why he is 10th, to be fair though I bought Arshaving and had to pay £23,000,000

I think that is a fair review of the game. He is right in saying the game is just as enjoyable as ever and it was interesting to hear how his season with Tottenham went as they are the club I am starting with.

At the end of his review he mentioned the injury bug, which was to be expected, and I think this is another shout to SI that it is a serious problem (his example of 6 serious injuries in one match is just crazy). I really love FM and I am really desperate to enjoy the demo and stay positive but this bug has ruined all my saves so far. I hope this is fixed in the patch but I have not read a confirmation yet? just about graphics cards and data. Someone please correct me and say its confirmed !! haha.

Finally, well done SI, a good review for you guys.

I think that is a fair review of the game. He is right in saying the game is just as enjoyable as ever and it was interesting to hear how his season with Tottenham went as they are the club I am starting with.

At the end of his review he mentioned the injury bug, which was to be expected, and I think this is another shout to SI that it is a serious problem (his example of 6 serious injuries in one match is just crazy). I really love FM and I am really desperate to enjoy the demo and stay positive but this bug has ruined all my saves so far. I hope this is fixed in the patch but I have not read a confirmation yet? just about graphics cards and data. Someone please correct me and say its confirmed !! haha.

Finally, well done SI, a good review for you guys.

Don't tell anyone but there will be a patch on release day (as confirmed by PaulC) which will lower the injuries by 33%, to be fair my only injured player 9 games into the season is Jo, Im lucky aye?

I think that is a fair review of the game. He is right in saying the game is just as enjoyable as ever and it was interesting to hear how his season with Tottenham went as they are the club I am starting with.

At the end of his review he mentioned the injury bug, which was to be expected, and I think this is another shout to SI that it is a serious problem (his example of 6 serious injuries in one match is just crazy). I really love FM and I am really desperate to enjoy the demo and stay positive but this bug has ruined all my saves so far. I hope this is fixed in the patch but I have not read a confirmation yet? just about graphics cards and data. Someone please correct me and say its confirmed !! haha.

Finally, well done SI, a good review for you guys.

SI have said that they are going to have discussions with their "consultants" on injuries - I think that it's physioroom.com (or something), and then if necessary they will tweak it (I'm sure they will).

http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/footballmanager2009

My player twisted his ankle and was out for 2 months. Surely things like that won't be happening post-patch?

25 hours to do a season , ouch I am used to 10-15 hours per season with 25+ leagues running.

maybe your computer needs more "go-go" juice

25 hours is what the guy in the review said.

the eurogamer review of the demo is excellent, and says pretty alot of what I would say about the demo. It gives a very good overview contexualisation of FM09, whilst the Videogamer review is poor and subjective. I don't care how he approached managing Spurs - that's not the point of a review.

Er...............

Where has my post gone???

Not a great review tbh - uses screenshots that are well out of date now, and mentions bugs that will be fixed on release day

The review specifically says they have been promised a patch, but as they are not playing with a patched version they have to mark it down.

To be honest, the most surprising thing in that Eurogamer Review for me is that Martin Korda is still writing game reviews. I remember reading stuff written by him many many years ago now...

Not a great review tbh - uses screenshots that are well out of date now, and mentions bugs that will be fixed on release day.

But it's a great idea to keep them in one place!

Yeah but with the bugs you got to review the copy as it is, you cant just not mention the injury but because SI said it would be fixed, not that i dont trust you guys but something could go wrong and blah blah.

Another review

http://www.snappygamer.com/2008/11/10/football-manager-2009-review-pc/

There’s so much to do it’s almost stressful. Gone are the days where we’d lose hours and hours playing Football Manager, craving a game when we were away from the computer. Now, we find it so complex and full of micro-management that after a few hours of play we need a good sit down in a dark room, thinking about absolutely nothing. The craving is gone, replaced by a feeling of “I’d really like to steer Middlesbrough to Champions League victory, but I just can’t be arsed with the hassle”. Once you’re into a game, it’s just as time consuming and brilliant as ever, but we’ve lost all enthusiasm to get there. We play games to have fun, perhaps after a hard day at work. We don’t play them to simulate a second, even harder and more stressful day at work. We’re certain everybody will lap this up as they do every year, and fair play to them. Football Manager remains the finest, most detailed and comprehensive football management game you can possibly buy, but we’re just… bored of it.

I've been saying this for years. All these new features they keep on bringing year after year are really nice, but it has reached a point where the game is over-complicated.

The demo showed me I'm not completely bored of the game yet, but as I always do, I keep on being distracted by micro-management tasks even when I try to play as fast as I can. I always end up doing about 20-24 hours per season which is far too much.

Why would you play as fast as you can? What's the point in that? Rushing somewhere?

Some people have jobs and not much free time. I'm not actually at that point yet, heh, but will be very soon.

The game just feels more rewarding to me when I have an actual career spanning several years. When I start thinking "damn, this season just goes on and on and never ends", that's not much fun.

Yeah but with the bugs you got to review the copy as it is, you cant just not mention the injury but because SI said it would be fixed, not that i dont trust you guys but something could go wrong and blah blah.

Actually, I think it's important to mention in a review that patches to fix problems have been promised - then people know to look out for them. But yeah, I agree fully, the reviewer has to grade the game and review it 'as is'

Anymore reviews? Found this on metacritic: http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/footballmanager2009?q=football%20manager%202009