Coming Soon: Football manager 2018

[fortheglory]

Has anyone taken a gander at the previews for FM 2018? This edition looks as though it might be something very special.

Football Manager 2018 | Dynamics | Inside FM18 - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmVvc35M4N8)


Football Manager 2018 | SCOUTING REVAMPED COMPLETELY!?! | FM18 New Features | #FM18 #FMTV - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjPK_Yf9msA)


Football Manager 2018 | Tactical Revamp | FM18 - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeXV0MieLmY)


Football Manager 2018 | Sports Science Overhaul | FM18 - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QOchNSxakw)

[whomario]

Might skip it. Definitely will not buy immediately as new features like that almost never properly function in any game and as much as i applaud them for being innovative, i've simply had enough of being an inofficial beta tester for this year already ...

[Young Drachma]

I think I'm probably done until save games are compatible with the future year, which I realize won't ever happen. Or at least editor files. It's just too much work year after year trying to rebuild my universe.

[RainMaker]

Those look nice and all but my problem is it feels more and more tedious with each version. I know I'm not the hardcore fan they might be looking for though. I just don't like spending an hour between every match holding team meetings, tinkering with every little tactic, and so on. Now I've got to talk to the sports scientist and go through all that.

[MrBug708]

I preordered it. I don't care about the playing side, I usually plug and play tactics, I love being the director of football and wish they did that side of it, ala what OOTP finally did.

[fortheglory]

Those look nice and all but my problem is it feels more and more tedious with each version. I know I'm not the hardcore fan they might be looking for though. I just don't like spending an hour between every match holding team meetings, tinkering with every little tactic, and so on. Now I've got to talk to the sports scientist and go through all that.

You can delegate as much or little of the responsibilities to staff members if you so choose. So basically it is as in depth (or not) as you want it to be.

[Izulde]

Is there text of this same information anywhere?

[PilotMan]

I'll be getting it as part of my even year only policy.

[Brian Swartz]

Haven't picked up FM in a few years(Steam says '14 is the last one) but I'm going to this year just because I'm determined to finally accomplish something in it or die(not literally) trying. I'm with whomario though -- I expect some of this stuff will be quite nice eventually and a fairly oppressive mess initially.

[djsatu]

Any early impressions? Match Engine better this year? How's the new scouting system? UI good or bad?

[MrBug708]

I dont like the new scouting system

Havent played it far enough to really care about the squad dynamics

I feel like the interface is a lot different with this one

[Brian Swartz]

I do like the new scouting system. I haven't played since '14 as mentioned but I think the match engine has come a long way. Keeper/defense AI in particularly seems improved over what I've seen of FM17 vids(admittedly not a ton). There's issues to sort for sure though, set pieces are not working exactly as intended I don't think. As far as UI goes, there's lots of complaining about at the SI forums. Some of it is legit, some of it is just whining. One of the 2D views is gone this year(they say it's due to moving forward with the graphics and going to DX11) which has a lot of long-time players in a tizzy. Some of the ease-of-use things were made harder. How much of that gets sorted by the time beta is over and another patch cycle after that, hard to tell.

[Ryche]

May get this at Christmas but I'm quite happy with 17 and still have more I want to try, especially the expansion Minnesota United. Current career has me struggling in the VNL with Slough Town. Managed one promotion but spinning my wheels now.

[vex]

Yeah, I'm happy with '17 as well. Have Crewe up in the Premier League in the 21/22 season and playing in the Champions League with an average team age of 20, so no reason to quit now.

[bhlloy]

Can't say I'm a huge fan of any of the changes so far

Interface including the 2D match engine seems to have got simultaneously more cartooney and more clunkey
3D engine is still as big an immersion breaker as any feature in any game I've ever played
New scouting system seems like a waste of time
Squad dynamics just feels generic and same from team to team
Briefing just feels micromanagey and doesn't seem to do all that much either

Some of this is probably just getting old and kranky, but I don't think I've ever been so unenthusiastic about any of the new features in a previous version. I'm sure I'll get into it at some point, but add all the unpolished stuff that comes with a beta release and I'm distinctly unimpressed so far.

[Mota]

I do enjoy the new scouting system. Makes it more realistic, you can't just find all the top players in your country instantly. Right now my lower level team does not have ANY scouting ratings, I've sent him out to look for some good players. Seems that it will make the game more challenging.

I do like the squad dynamics, my team is missing some leadership and I need to add that into the team. But it also has "cliques" where people of influence will have followers, and you probably have to make sure you take care of them or they could turn multiple people against you.

[NoSkillz]

This is the first new version of the game I've purchased since FM11 (due to my 20+ year Dover dynasty with that version of the game) and while I don't want to use the word "overwhelmed" to describe my thoughts at this point, I will say that the game looks MUCH different than what I'm used to.

Not saying it's good or bad...just so much different. I'm going to need some time to figure everything out I think, starting with the massive UI overhaul.

More thoughts to come but I may hold off on starting a career until the game is out of beta. Considering firing up a new dynasty as well...

[djsatu]

Corners on offense and defense is broken in the beta. You will have to manually change each player. Here is a fix:

FM18 Tips | Set Pieces / Corners Issue and How To Fix It | Football Manager 2018 - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-7XeG7YXQY)

[fortheglory]

I think this might be the best release SI has had.

[djsatu]

Anyone else having issues getting through the month of September (Season 1)? My game always crashes on September 12, and I can't get past that date.

[whomario]

Anyone else having issues getting through the month of September (Season 1)? My game always crashes on September 12, and I can't get past that date.

Don't have the game but troubleshooting based on similar issues the past few years:

Have you tried going on holiday and/or retire and then creating a new manager to take over Sept. 13 ?

Also, are you using any editor files at all, especially league files ?

[djsatu]

Don't have the game but troubleshooting based on similar issues the past few years:

Have you tried going on holiday and/or retire and then creating a new manager to take over Sept. 13 ?

Also, are you using any editor files at all, especially league files ?

Thanks for the holiday trick. New patch just dropped, and it worked, but now it hangs 2 days after again which is frustrating. I'm using graphic files and that's it. SI knows of these crashes/hangs, so I guess I will just to have to wait until the full game drops on the 10th to see if its been fixed :banghead:

[fortheglory]

Thought this thread would be “buzzing” by now!

A little confusing really.

[MrBug708]

I like this version a lot. But had an issue where the game wouldn't save and then it crashed. Still needs a little work

[Flasch186]

Thought this thread would be “buzzing” by now!

A little confusing really.


It doesnt have an 'Alrighty Boyz..." handle so no one knows its here

[CrescentMoonie]

If I buy, I don't do it until after the final patch is released. Just my habit and usually saves me money as well. I'm hoping the new scouting system works the way it says it does as that's how I've always wanted to play anyways. Sounds realistic.

[SirFozzie]

I'll probably do my American Premier League file in the next few days as a distraction (my grandmother passed away last night). But I really do like it so far, games feel a lot better

[djsatu]

I love the scouting system. Having meaningful scouts actually matter, and they have found some real gems for me so far. Tactics are easier to create it seems. Mind you this is the first FM in years for me. My Inter are playing exactly how I've instructed them to in my tactic. All in all I'm happy with FM for the first time on a while.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I'll probably do my American Premier League file in the next few days as a distraction (my grandmother passed away last night). But I really do like it so far, games feel a lot better

Sorry for your loss.

[Ryche]

Think there's a good chance i get this at Christmas. Between a long vacation (which includes seeing my first premier league game) and my ongoing Slough Town save I'm not in a rush. Reviews are sounding promising though.

[jbergey22]

A lot of negative reviews on Steam. Mostly having to do with slow load times and not liking the new features. Anyone else purchase yet?

[MrBug708]

I have. I had a lot of lag time early on but it seemed to have gotten better. I like the new features, scouting I'm torn on, but I like access to everyone, but this way is much much more realistic.

[Brian Swartz]

For those who tried the beta, there are a lot of things better in the release version. Set pieces, match engine action improved and response a lot better throughout the UI. Aside from the already-mentioned scouting, I really like the way the possession battles, particularly in midfield, play out. Still situations as always where the animations are not timed perfectly to the action, but overall it's definitely moving in the right direction.

The complaints I've seen that I think are legit are changes to the 2D mode of viewing matches(I use 3D so it doesn't affect me) and some baffling UI stuff that does seem to make it more clunky to do certain things I think this is a significant step forward for FM though. I'd recommend taking a look at the reviews with an eye towards whether they are talking about the beta or the full game -- I wouldn't have advised a purchase at the beta point, but I would now.

As always, YMMV.

[fortheglory]

For one reason or another(and I can't understand it) it seems FM fans have a propensity every year to complain, complain and then complain some more. As a result they dish out bad rating scores like candy.

I really have to admit I don't understand the mentality.

If I were to say to you, what is the best sports management on the planet, what would people's answer be?

FM?
OOTP?
FOF?
Greydog Basketball simulations? (college and/or pro)
Franchise Hockey Manager?

The point is, these are all considered very good management simulations. yet the FM people seem to treat their own favorite product like crap every year. I can understand legitimate criticism, but I feel many of the FM people bash for the sake of bashing much of the time.

[CrescentMoonie]

FM at least tries to fix glaring flaws when they occur. OOTP keeps chugging along with the same broken game while adding stupid features that enhance nothing every year. It's a hard pass.

Best sims right now would have to be:

FM
FOF
TEW

I'm not really fond of much else these days.

[NoSkillz]

Some initial impressions, keeping in mind that this is the first version of the game I've bought since FM11 due to having a 30+ year career going in that save.

Scouting has seen a massive overhaul and I think it really ramps up the difficulty, especially in the lower divisions (ie: small budgets). Scouting costs are much higher but more importantly, it takes much more time to flesh out players to eliminate the fog of war. In my current game managing a team in the fifth tier in England, I'm having to resort to bringing players in on trial en masse in order to avoid the scouting costs and to get quicker feedback on their abilities and weaknesses.

I'm guessing that things will get a bit easier going forward as my scouting database continues to grow but I must say it was almost overwhelming at first trying to figure out where to start with my scouting. Needless to say, unlike past versions, I'm making offers on some players without having full knowledge of their abilities and that just feels more realistic, especially when managing in the lower divisions.

Tactics are more complex as well due to the introduction of Player Roles (not sure if that is new this year or something introduced in the last couple of years). Essentially, just finding guys to fit my normal tactical scheme isn't enough and it looks like I'm going to have to give much more thought and care to each of my players' strengths and weaknesses (ie: ideal roles).

I've played about four or five preseason friendlies and while I tried to copy my old tactical structure from past games, my team is NOT playing the way I'm used to seeing them play. Little things like my goalkeeper constantly booting the ball deep downfield instead of throwing short to my fullbacks...I can't seem to get things flowing from the back like I used to. I think some more trial and error is still to come.

The 3D engine is leaps and bounds ahead of what I grew accustomed to in FM11 - much more fluid and with so many more animations.

It's still early days but I'm enjoying the game immensely so far and it got a great workout this weekend. Still thinking of doing up a dynasty here but we'll see.

[whomario]

For one reason or another(and I can't understand it) it seems FM fans have a propensity every year to complain, complain and then complain some more. As a result they dish out bad rating scores like candy.

I really have to admit I don't understand the mentality.

If I were to say to you, what is the best sports management on the planet, what would people's answer be?

FM?
OOTP?
FOF?
Greydog Basketball simulations? (college and/or pro)
Franchise Hockey Manager?

The point is, these are all considered very good management simulations. yet the FM people seem to treat their own favorite product like crap every year. I can understand legitimate criticism, but I feel many of the FM people bash for the sake of bashing much of the time.

Is that really the case ? I know we had the whole "chinese invasion" event last year (basically hundreds of chinese gamers organising to downvote the game on Steam and elsewhere after not getting an official translation), but from years on their forum i recall the whole atmosphere surrounding the game as tough, but pretty constructive.

[RainMaker]

Reading some of the reviews it does seem like legit complaints. The scouting system seems to be more a pain in the ass than it's worth. The UI seems worse.

I'm on the fence. I can understand people liking the more complex scouting system but for someone like me, I just hate the tediousness of some of their features. I know I can pawn it off on the AI (which is terrible) but that kind of puts you at a disadvantage.

[fortheglory]

I recommend it. I think it's SI's best offering in years. Once you grow acclaimed to the scouting system, I think you will like it.

It seems to be FM players are being divided into two camps. Those who like the details of real life management, and this who just want a fun game. The problem is, SI does offer up an alternative for those who are looking for a more casual experience (FM Touch) but at the same time, those same people refuse to use it because they feel it's too light.

Not sure what people want....it seems they is just a core of disgruntled users who downrate FM in masses. I am also hearing rumors the ChiComs' aren't happy again this year because some of the translations aren't perfect..(not sure if that's true or not however)

[bhlloy]

I have to say personally the jury is still out for me on some of the new features - for example squad dynamics just seems to have doubled the importance of morale which I think was already overplayed - but I will say I do really like the new way injuries work and that now you have lots of small injuries to worry about that impact your game by game decisions and you have to worry about a small injury turning into a big one.

Seems way more realistic and has actually made that part of the game fun, so way to go SI on that piece.

[Johnny93g]

Got an email, FM2018 is out. I haven't gotten FM in oh 4 or 5 years. Made a decision that ya, sure, lets pick it up.

Click on the website....check on steam...see the same thing. 60 bucks. Pass. I'll keep my eye out for a sale.

I guess im really out of touch if thats the going price for text sims there days.

[MrBug708]

Honestly, its the best version and a nice upgrade from even last year

[whomario]

Got an email, FM2018 is out. I haven't gotten FM in oh 4 or 5 years. Made a decision that ya, sure, lets pick it up.

Click on the website....check on steam...see the same thing. 60 bucks. Pass. I'll keep my eye out for a sale.

I guess im really out of touch if thats the going price for text sims there days.

It's not. It's the going rate for FM, which quite obviously is not comparable at all in scope to any other "text sim" out there. Hard to find numbers, but i doubt that any of them come even close to this either in terms of sales or ressources put in.

[RainMaker]

All those licenses cost money. It's the same with Madden or other sports games. When you're paying a ton of money for licensing, it's going to either jack up the cost or cut the manpower going into the game.

[Johnny93g]

It's not. It's the going rate for FM, which quite obviously is not comparable at all in scope to any other "text sim" out there. Hard to find numbers, but i doubt that any of them come even close to this either in terms of sales or ressources put in.

I guess i just wasn't ready for it!! I'll see what sales come next week....

[fortheglory]

I guess i just wasn't ready for it!! I'll see what sales come next week....

There aren’t going to be any sales next week, or anytime in the immediate future. Maybe by August/September?

[whomario]

There aren’t going to be any sales next week, or anytime in the immediate future. Maybe by August/September?

Christmas always includes at least 25% off for FM.

[MrBug708]

It's also only 49.99, but is that the price in Canada?

[Johnny93g]

It's also only 49.99, but is that the price in Canada?

It's 60 bucks for me. DAMN OUR DOLLAR!! haha

[Johnny93g]

There aren’t going to be any sales next week, or anytime in the immediate future. Maybe by August/September?

How do you know?

If it's 10 months before any kind of sale, well then im out. I know that means nothing but ill find something else to buy by then! haha

I'm gonna assume there wil be some sort of black friday or christmas promo somewhere for it, and i may give it a shot then.

[sovereignstar v2]

How do you know?

If it's 10 months before any kind of sale, well then im out. I know that means nothing but ill find something else to buy by then! haha

I'm gonna assume there wil be some sort of black friday or christmas promo somewhere for it, and i may give it a shot then.

He doesn't know and like whomario said there always seems to be a sale around Xmas.

[GrantDawg]

I'm so in love with the new version. I haven't played much FM for a couple of years, though I have tended to buy them all when they went on sale. This year I got the itch seeing the previews, so I bought during beta. I'm quite happy with that decision, and I've put in hours of game-play.

The main reason I bought was to play Atlanta United. The MLS rules have always been funky and not always well handled by FM. I feel like this year they have done well by implementation, but just by the basis of how crazy the rules are, it is still confusing. You never let your GM do anything because he ignores the salary cap rules, and will put you in a real bad position. Other than that, the play-through went really well if a bit too easy. I destroyed the MLS, won the cup and supporters shield in a complete walk.

I started into the second season, navigating the land mines of the expansion drafts and super-drafts. I went a little ways into the second season but decided I'd move on. I find I have a hard time continuing a play when I'm dominating a top league too easily with really no other challenge on the offing.

So now I'm playing in the English conference for the first time since the Champ man days. I've always started a little higher up in the last few years because I never felt like I would have the patience to bounce around the way-lower leagues for too long. This years version, though, I'm really do feel like this is going to be the game that will dominate my life for awhile. I decided to go with one of my early favorites from those ancient Champ man days (like the 99/00 or 00/01), the Leyton Orient. Surprisingly, they are down in the conference having just been regulated last season. I don't expect to stay down long (which I'm glad, because I forgot the pain of only 5 subs and a huge mass fixtures). I'm really looking forward to the process.

I'll say I love the scouting system. It is much easier to direct, but you still can let your staff control it with good results. The bigger micro-manage issue is training. With the new injury system (which is much more realistic to me, with more short term injuries but fewer long term), you have to watch training much more. I thought it would annoy me, but it really hasn't been that bad. I can't seem to leave it to my assistant like I did in the past, though, because he will overwork or underwork the team.

In the end, this is the best FM I have ever played.

[MrBug708]

What he said

[GrantDawg]

I'll go further. The tactics and match play feels much more realistic and really not as challenging. In past versions, I'd always just punt and find a downloaded version (usually after spending hours studying the internet trying to figure out how to make my own with no success). This year I'm not having nearly the problem. Probably much of that has to do with all that study in the past finally making sense to me, and the other part is just the game makes things easier to understand how things are working together.

I will say if you are wanting to understand the tactics and game engine, read https://teaandbusquets.com/ and follow @cleon on twitter. He is a genius. He makes things simple for a soccer novice to understand, while still going deep into the philosophies involved. The addition of the new roles have added much to the game. In the AU game, I played with Cleon's 4-2-3-1 dm approach with a few role tweaks that made sense with my team. The Segundo Volante role was such a joy to watch play, and made for some fluid attacking soccer. Now, I'm playing with a more structured 4-4-2 in the lower levels with two inverted wingers. So far, I'm having good success a few games in. The main thing I got from Cleon is not to over-step the mentalities. If you set to standard mentalty, then let roles really decide how attacking and defensive your tactic is, your game play will be much better.

[Ryche]

And of course I broke down and bought it. Was at a good spot to end my FM17 career and had 50 extra dollars sitting on a credit card. Hello White Star Bruxelles, going to try to take this about to die club to glory.

[Flame Eater]

I'm another one of those, "I buy it every year" kind of guys, but I've held off so far. I've been casually watching the Steam discussion boards, #'s of reviews and "positive" rating. Interesting that there are only 2,100ish reviews, the "positive" is at 61% and the game has never been on the "top sellers" page.

It's hard to figure. The two type's of review's are: "I'm so sick of this tired shit!" and "This is the best game ever published!". I'm sure I'll get it, but I think I'll wait until after the Holidays.

Cheers.

[FrogMan]

Hello, long time no see :)

I pretty much never sit down to play on my PC anymore, doing all my playing on my iPad. Used to have an old iPad 4 but after buying a new iPad Pro (9.7 2016) I decided to bite the bullet and come back to FM via FM Touch 2018. Really looking forward to immersing myself again. Last version I played was FM Mobile 2013, I think...

FM

[whomario]

ok, can we really not set scouting assignments anymore when it is set to a staff member ? So you have to do all assigments or none ?

[MrBug708]

I don't understand. You can do it like before, it's just a different screen

[whomario]

I don't understand. You can do it like before, it's just a different screen

Not when it is set to be handled by the Chief Scout. Before i could still go into any scout's "scout assignment" page and assign an area or competition to him, now the button for that is only available when i set myself in charge of assignments and simply not there when the chief scout handles scouting duties. I suppose i could switch it up everytime, but still ...

[GrantDawg]

Not when it is set to be handled by the Chief Scout. Before i could still go into any scout's "scout assignment" page and assign an area or competition to him, now the button for that is only available when i set myself in charge of assignments and simply not there when the chief scout handles scouting duties. I suppose i could switch it up everytime, but still ...


You can still assign "short term" assignments. But if you want to set permanent assignments, then you can't let a staff member do it. It is all easy enough to do, and I do like the way it is set up. It would have been better if they had it like training (you can override assignments there without taking control).

[henry296]

Mark,

In FM mobile, I just had three games in three days. Boxing Day was Friday and the games on Saturday and Sunday in 2025. This was in the English championship.

[Izulde]

I'm pondering biting on it at 25% off on Steam sale. But then I'm like FM16 French save still a thing.

[MrBug708]

I think it's a big enough of a jump. I think it's my favorite edition

[bhlloy]

I just got my best regen I think I've ever had, my head of youth development told me he could be one of the best players in the game, was good enough to play 10+ times in the Prem at age 16 and now at 17 he's just scored a wonder goal and got an 8.4 rating in his first game in 2019.

Is it the best version of the game? Feels like the on-pitch AI is the best it's ever been and in general it's harder to get on a morale roll with inferior teams and get unrealistic results, plus three seasons in and teams are doing a decent job of developing young talent and putting out competitive teams so far. I do love the new injury system and I'm coming around on the social group changes - you definitely can't do shady stuff like promise something to a player and do the opposite any more, especially if he's an important member of your team. Makes those decisions on replacing a player who is getting old or got you promoted but isn't good enough for the next level really tough because it can absolutely destroy your team if you don't handle it well.

On the flip side, I still hate the new scouting system. Once you get into the Prem and have a large scouting staff with global reach it's just the most tedious chore ever. I regularly have 50-60 new items to go through every two weeks and I've just started clearing all. It's also just not very well optimized right now - the number of 19 year old free transfer 2 stars at the start of the season, or the number of repeats I get from agents telling me their shitty player was just placed on the loan list is tedious.

[fortheglory]

Last year, it was the Chinese railing on FM...this year I have no idea, but what is FM getting such bad reviews? I don't see the issue!...lack of interest here also compared to years' past.

What is so wrong with it?

[MrBug708]

I want to play in a league where the teams I play can take on foreign players and get quick nationality 5 years or less, so they become eligible for the national team. Serbia qualifies for this correct? Bulgaria? Any ideas? San Marino qualifies as well, though I think the citizenship takes longer

[Izulde]

I want to play in a league where the teams I play can take on foreign players and get quick nationality 5 years or less, so they become eligible for the national team. Serbia qualifies for this correct? Bulgaria? Any ideas? San Marino qualifies as well, though I think the citizenship takes longer

http://www.footballmanagerblog.org/2017/03/fm17-years-to-gain-eu-nationality.html

FM17 rather than 18 but starting point

[MrBug708]

Are citizenship and work permits or "passports" still the same thing? Once they get that second nationality, do they suddenly become eligible for the national team? Or is there a waiting period?

[dolfin]

50% off on Steam through 3/26

[Young Drachma]

Are citizenship and work permits or "passports" still the same thing? Once they get that second nationality, do they suddenly become eligible for the national team? Or is there a waiting period?

A second nationality makes a player eligible for another national team, so long as they haven't been capped by another nation. It does also make them a national for the purposes of EU/visa requirements. It is a second passport.

Just because a guy is eligible doesn't mean he'll get add to a national pool for the other nation, especially depending on his age. But it's still very useful.

[Young Drachma]

I brought my Neloxia league back to FM18 after a two year hiatus. It's a 19-tier pyramid based in Europe (replacing Gibraltar) and a good deal of money injected into it.

There are lots of opportunities to grow a team from the bottom or take over a top-tier team in Neloxia and lead to them European glory.

Available on Steam workshop:
Steam Workshop :: Neloxia (Fictional European Nation, 19-tier pyramid) (http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1348705354)

For safety, use the 18.0 db, not the 18.3, I don't know if it'll work.

[Warhammer]

Saw this on sale for 66% off, is it worth it? I have seen several complaints about player values getting hammered 4-5 years into the game. Have any of you experienced this?

[Arles]

It looks like the player values drop is primarily related to the Scottish league (esp Celtic). It seems to prop up after values get increased by a big run the Champion's League. I think if you avoid the Scottish league, you should be OK.

I'm in year 4 of my Wrexham rebuild in England and having fun. The big improvements I've seen are as follows:
1. When you stockpile talent at a position, current players will get concerned. For example, I had 3 MC players in a rotation and signed a 4th MC/AMR to upgrade my AMR slot. The weakest MC in my rotation got the concerned icon and under his happiness it said "is concerned that [new signing] is going to take his spot in the starting lineup". If you don't play that concerned player for 4-5 games straight, he may get upset and then ask to be transferred.

2. It's not as easy to sell surplus guys. In old versions, I would stockpile young talent or add upgrades with the idea I could sell the current guys of lesser talent. I've had to routinely sell guys valued at 140K+ in the 40-50K range in League 2/League 1. Some guys I just had to try and loan until the end of their contract because no one was interested.

3. The EU/work permit development 2-3 years in adds a challenge for England. You can't just get really good eastern european/african/overseas kids to develop. Most won't get a work permit and even some current stash kids you have won't qualify moving forward. I haven even signed some without WP and tried to loan them, but you can't really use them and eventually just try to sell and make a profit.

4. The board may give you an ultimatum if you keep showing interest in jobs, even if you are "untouchable". I took Wrexham from Conf to League 1 and started getting interest from higher teams in Europe and the Championship England level. So, I answered that I was "flattered" in the press to 3-4 of the teams interested. After the 3rd one, the board said they were very upset and I either needed to resign or apologize for showing interest. I had never seen that before in prior versions.

5. The contract promises are better. Instead of asking for random things, a lot of high players for your level in free transfer will ask that you promise to get promoted within 1-2 years. That makes more sense to me. And, if you reject the promise, some won't agree to sign or ask for a lot more money. If someone is "dubious" and asks for the promotion promise, you pretty much need to accept it to have a chance at landing them.

Overall, I have really enjoyed it. Honestly, even if I did hit a "bug" where a bunch of my player values dropped in year 5/6 - I might enjoy the challenge. Usually by then I have my machine running pretty well and could use something extra to deal with.

[Coffee Warlord]

So, how obnoxious are all the extra interviews/player interactions? I've always glossed through those, and found them to be tedious in prior versions.

Aka...it's still on huge sale, I'm debating buying, but like 90% of the changes they've added are things I honestly don't give a shit about.

- Rob

[Arles]

I always use the FM Touch version. Allowing you to quick sim games and cut down on the daily tasks/interaction. I'm more into the macro team building and tactic refinement over time - so that play style really suits me.

[Critch]

I either choose the second top answer or "no comment" if I'm asked my opinion of the opposition team or manager. Gets me through the press part without too much pain.

[MrBug708]

Press Conferences are still tedious, though now they serve as an easier way of annoying your players

A cool thing I did come across in the inbox was after a particular ugly showing, the players offered a refund to all of the fans who came to watch

[QuikSand]

I always use the FM Touch version. Allowing you to quick sim games and cut down on the daily tasks/interaction. I'm more into the macro team building and tactic refinement over time - so that play style really suits me.

Big into this right now. Love the quick sim option. I'm amidst my usual path of pulling a very low-league team up through the ranks. Amidst occasional struggles, I get pressure to mix up tactics (new to me) and have gotten roster unrest from too many signings... all good facets to a game that gives me a whole lot for my money.

[whomario]

How does the Touch version handle youth academy and development ?

Would maybe want to do an academy-only save in south america and thus would not need many of the bells and whistles with regards to the big database, transfer/scouting. But would obviously need youth intake and such to be not too watered down ...

Currently have a Villareal save going where i am in 2022 and starting to challenge Barca/Real. Lovely thing about the spanish league is that even with CL money you need to sell players to get funds, especially as the salaries go up. Makes it more challenging than Serie A or Bundesliga (Prem is too 'cartoonish' for me and no desire for lower leagues right now)

@QuikSand : Which Team ? Had a stellar save with Canvey Island a in 16

[QuikSand]

@QuikSand : Which Team ? Had a stellar save with Canvey Island a in 16

I'm playing with Havant & Waterlooville, have just managed to promote for a third time. Have had some rough spots along the way, was basically compelled by the fans to reinvent base tactics a couple of times, and have suffered/enjoyed all that typically comes with every CM/FM career. Just was forced to let a fabulous free-transfer-in striker head up the food chain, as someone triggered his L2.4M release clause. Stinks, but that's just how it is as a minnow.

[digamma]

How much deeper is FM touch than FM mobile?

[QuikSand]

FM Touch appears to be the full game, just one cycle behind (my FM18Touch game is apparently the same game as FM17 for PC). It's not stripped-down in the way that FM Mobile is. Fair argument whether that's good or bad (depends what you want, I reckon), but it's a big difference under the hood. I balked a long time before switching but I'm glad I did, FM Touch is more rewarding to me.

[Arles]

How does the Touch version handle youth academy and development ?
I'm not really sure. We got the same 5-6 youth players each year into my Wrexham team (with their quality dependent in part on your youth level score). I'm guessing the touch version isn't that far off the main one in regards to development. You don't need to worry about assistant coaches and setting training areas. I usually just make the player train for the role/position I envision him playing and leave it be. Occasionally I will get a skill recommendation in the monthly training updates. So, when that happens, I'll add that to his regimen. I still loan out around 15-20 younger talents each year and get to watch their progress.

How much deeper is FM touch than FM mobile?I've never played the mobile version. From what I understand, you can use ITunes sharing to load tactics and the gameplay should be almost identical. There is a 30-season limit and a max of 3 nations you can play in the save - but I think that's the only difference. I'd be interested in seeing how it compares to Touch from someone who's played both. I may buy it and start a career when I'm on vacation.

[Mota]

I either choose the second top answer or "no comment" if I'm asked my opinion of the opposition team or manager. Gets me through the press part without too much pain.

Anytime I avoid answering something, I feel like the media puts the bullseye on that topic for ten times as long.

SO YOU DON'T THINK THAT LUIGI IS THE REASON YOU GUYS LOST THE GAME TODAY??? ANSWER!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mota]

I would love to play FM mode where I can control the rosters and interactions, but let my assistant control the actual tactics during the game. I just enjoy watching the games play out but I don't know what I'm doing.

[Critch]

Anytime I avoid answering something, I feel like the media puts the bullseye on that topic for ten times as long.

SO YOU DON'T THINK THAT LUIGI IS THE REASON YOU GUYS LOST THE GAME TODAY??? ANSWER!!!!!!!!!!!

Let them know who's boss.

1st time [Calm] - no comment
2nd time [Calm] - no comment
3rd time [Assertive] - no comment

I'm not saying this is the ultimate approach, just that it gets me through the boredom of press interaction quickly, and my assistant always seems to kick up a scandal if I send him.

[korme]

I would love to play FM mode where I can control the rosters and interactions, but let my assistant control the actual tactics during the game. I just enjoy watching the games play out but I don't know what I'm doing.

Once you get a handle on tactics, it changes everything. IMO, that is the key to taking a team of lesser skilled players and holding your own against a better league. It's very satisfying being predicted to battle against relegation and end up battling for promotion.

And clearly by 'get a handle on tactics', I mean finding a good tactic to download from much smarter people and applying that to your squad. :cool:

[Coffee Warlord]

Oh how typical. So I pulled the trigger. Spend a few hours setting up a 3-4-3 tactic. First friendly against a peon, and ....

Down 1-0 after the half. Me, 15 shots on goal, them, 1 shot on (in) goal.

Yep, it's still FM.

[Arles]

If you are playing the normal FM, there is a "tactic familiarity" period when you change or add a new tactic. In this period, you aren't as effective as the team hasn't learned it yet (in theory). I'm not a huge fan of this because, in reality, a head coach has his tactic when hired and spends a great deal of time training the team before even the first friendlies. That's why I like the Touch version - there is no "feeling out" period with a tactic. I think the "squad harmony" rating is a better use of this and it is in both versions (and focuses more on how happy everyone is and how many new players are on the squad).

[Coffee Warlord]

Oh, I know. I just found it amusing the FIRST match I played on a brand new version gives me one of those Classic FM Matches.

[whomario]

And clearly by 'get a handle on tactics', I mean finding a good tactic to download from much smarter people and applying that to your squad. :cool:

Nah, nothing better than coming up with something yourself :)

Had changed to a 4222/424 (back 4, 2 CMs, RW/LW and then 2 strikers) in games when behind a few times, then set out to create it as a full time tactic. After 2 seasons of scoring a lot but (quite predictably ;) ) also leaking goals i made a few more adjustments and then finished the 2020/2021 season with a new record of 100 goals scored and 'only' conceding 36 in the 38 game spanish season (2 years before i conceded 47 and 48, respectively).

I mean, it isn't stellar but respectable enough, especially considering i had to sell my best CB and my very attacking LB/RB mainstays turned 33 over the season :)

Have a real neat mixture of young talent and veterans, also some that revived their careers. Bought Miguel Layun after a couple disapointing seasons with Sevilla, one season bossing the right side for me he generated interest from big hitters like ManU and even Real. Heck, before the past season i signed Modric on a free after he was let go by Madrid after playing 5 games all season due to massive injuries. Steadied my midfield and was great for me on a budget contract (2.5 mio per year).

Lucked into a great Youngster who was already there when i signed at the end of the 2018 season (part of that years youth intake) and who has now 90 goals in 130 games, not a bad start to a career. From a pure ability point of view he is not world class talent but half a step below, so decent chance of keeping him longterm :)

[Coffee Warlord]

Yeah, I too can never bring myself to just download a tactic. Read up on them, sure. Straight download one...never!

[Izulde]

Anyone have a good guide on FM18's new shit? I'm staring at the scouting screen and looking at positions like Data Analyst going WTF?

[Izulde]

Wow, this game is total ass in its interface. They made scouting unnecessarily complicated and the staff search is a damned clickfest.

Glad I spent only $17 on this because this is horrible. I'm going back to 16.

[PilotMan]

hater


It's still better than 16.

[Izulde]

16 is way better. The only thing that saddens me is Classen's FM18 leagues pack won't work with FM16 :( Got the FM18 logo pack to work with FM16 though

[bhlloy]

hater


It's still better than 16.

It is better than 16, but the scouting system and screen is the kind of over architected, frustrating and ultimately counter productive thing that FM seems to love to do every few years. Hopefully it's something that is either completely reworked or at least made way more helpful and useful for next years version. Because I agree, it's a shitty clickfest as it currently stands.

[whomario]

I do agree that scouting is a step in an entirely wrong direction, with some stuff that just doesn't make sense. I get that the general idea is to either do it yourself or let your Chief Scout handle it. But if have no idea why for example you can't have the CS do it but still give him multiple general long term guidelines rather than just 1. Surely it should be possible to tell him to look for both experienced midfielders and young defenders at the same time ...
Or that i can't have it handled by my CS and still tell him to scout this tournament or that area of the world (and then do his thing on top of that). Meanwhile, when i handle scouting myself and select a tournament as short term focus all my damn scouts go there as a group.
Or that you can't do 'OR' criteria anymore (only 'AND') when searching for players.

there are also a few inexplicably complicated screens and some stuff where you can't help but think the guy doing the design just had enough and just wanted to move one. For example the fact that you can't use the same custom screens (what info gets displayed) on the regular search and the shortlist screen despite both those screens sitting in the same place/using the same width.

But overall, this version has been great i think ...

[Critch]

It's still better than 16.

It's better than 16, but it's not as good as 17.

[Izulde]

Just give myself a splitting migraine with FM18 and then made it worse diving back into FM16. Needlessly wasted $5.49 on the FM In-Game editor when what I wanted was the free Editor - then spent 3 hours fixing the bug in the Estonian file and then figuring out how to verify it. FML.

[Young Drachma]

I've gotten more hours out of 18 than any previous version I think, but that's largely because I've just let it sim in the background a lot and I like seeing the different outcomes. If you pair it with FMRTE and a file that spikes all youth development around the world, then you start to see pretty cool (aka strange) outcomes with unlikely countries becoming world powers and lots of chaos.

I haven't even felt the need to jump in and play yet, but agreed they've made the game more of a clickfest somehow.

[Young Drachma]

Though I must say I started playing with a team (for the first time) and this dramatic ass team dynamics bullshit is really off-putting. What a hassle. It's "realistic" but annoying.

[whomario]

Though I must say I started playing with a team (for the first time) and this dramatic ass team dynamics bullshit is really off-putting. What a hassle. It's "realistic" but annoying.

Give it a season or two and it'll have balanced itself out nicely. Don't think i even had to actively look at that screen/content for the past 2,3 seasons in my current save. As long as you don't switch out half your team every season or hold onto bad veterans (in terms of character) it really isn't going to haunt you.

[MrBug708]

I've never had an issue with the team chemistry and dynamics past what has happened in earlier editions. Win and it sorts itself out

[Young Drachma]

Give it a season or two and it'll have balanced itself out nicely. Don't think i even had to actively look at that screen/content for the past 2,3 seasons in my current save. As long as you don't switch out half your team every season or hold onto bad veterans (in terms of character) it really isn't going to haunt you.

Okay. My turnover explains it, also the veterans need to be purged they infect.