Player of the Season
Last year I wrote a review for Football Manager 2009 and I said that it was a stepping stone in the series. Although it was a great game, I couldnt wait for 2010. I have not been disappointed. They have made a number of great improvements, while still retaining the feel that makes Football Manager what it is.
To start the completely overhauled look of the game. When I first started it up, I admit I was a bit suprised, I liked the old look. But it is something that has really grown on me. It looks and feels cleaner than previous editions, which I didnt think it could as well as it being extremely easy to navigate.
In FM 2009 the 3D engine was, well, a bit rough round the edges. I still believed it was a good start though but the difference in FM 2010 is massive. The work that they have put into it shows, it feels a lot better. It is smoother, the extra animations allow the players to move slightly more realistically than before. The additions of fans in the stadiums also helps you to feel the atmosphere more than having barren grounds. As with everthing there are occational glitches but those are minor drawbacks in an otherwise pretty functional engine.
The overhaul of the tactics system definately adds a new ease of use to the game. I personally didn't really go to in depth with the tactics in previous editions but this feature made it a lot more accessible to me. The way in which it shows you step by step how to create the exact tactic that you desire for your team is great.
As usual the regular feature are as excellent as ever. The way this game draws you in and allows you to lose hours creating tactics, buying players, leading your team to glory (maybe). This experience cannot be beaten by any other management sim (feel free to disagree). Football Manager veterans will be rewarded for maing the switch to this new edition with its host of new features and newcomers to the series will be drawn in by its accessible interface and compelling gameplay.
It will be interesting to see what direction they take the series for FM 2011. I will be waiting eagerly for the first information.