Ever since I got my first copy of Football Manager back in 2005, the subsequent years have always yielded the same question: should I? There is no doubt Sports Interactive have created an outstanding series as far as football simulation games go; the problem lies with the social implications.
The addictiveness is not like some games where it can ruin a week of your life before you get bored of it, it will manage to draw you in and reclaim your life for a few days every month or so. The unique appeal this type of game delivers lies in the control and freedom given to the player to be whatever kind of manager they want, not merely through tactics, but also with personality, player interaction and transfers. The challenge of building up a squad, scouting and developing young talent and getting the most out of players in their prime, is the essential basis of the game. It really gives you a sense of achievement when things are going well, but a few injuries, a bad team talk, or troubled players and everything can turn it on its head. The complexity of this game runs deep, an expansive database and endless tactical options will bestow upon you limitless hours of fun.
The latest version has made big improvements in player interaction; the introduction of team meetings and the ability to add tones to your voice makes the whole game feel more engaging and personal. An updated match engine also makes the matches run smoother with improved graphics. As experienced players will know though, it is not just the big changes that keep Football Manager on top of its genre, the smaller updates and tweaks to the game play ensure value for money. It is also now possible to download the game straight to your computer via Steam; a programme available to download free online on which you can run a variety of pc games that also doubles up as an online gaming community. This may not be a massive breakthrough, but does make installation and purchasing that little bit easier. The perks of a few additional features such as achievements make Steam a worthwhile option.