'FIFA Manager 10' (PC)

Also available on: N/A
Developer: Bright Future
Publisher: EA
Genre: Football Management Sim

In recent years, the battle between the football management sims has become a two-horse race. The old firm of Championship Manager and Football Manager have long dominated the genre, but Bright Future's FIFA Manager 10 has also begun to flirt with title contention.

Last year's edition was far from perfect, but it did provide a quirky alternative to its stat-heavy counterparts. With a tonne of stylistic tweaks, some new innovations and a brand new online multiplayer mode, the 2010 edition of the game gains further ground on the big two, but is it enough to pose any real threat to their reign?

Bolstered by literally hundreds of improvements, you would think that the answer to this question is a resounding 'yes'. However, given that most of them are superficial, it isn't nearly as progressive as it could have been. Its most significant addition, the aforementioned online mode, is more like an afterthought than a genuine enrichment, but more on that later.

Almost every aspect of the formula has been tweaked. As anyone familiar with the 2009 version will already know, managing your football team is just the tip of the iceberg. The player is responsible for customising the stadium, media liaisons and maintaining a respectable personal life (although the latter is optional). If it sounds like a handful, that's only because it is, and there are even more aspects to contend with this time around. While it's never completely overwhelming, much of the additional customisation options feel quite gimmicky. It's not until you get out onto the pitch that you realise where the real innovation lies.

The new 3D match engine is streets ahead of its predecessor. A host of varied player animations has been added to the fold, allowing greater depth, flexibility and realism. Players sporting different styles of play can now be distinguished from one another, for instance nimble wingers and powerful fullbacks can now be spotted on the pitch from a mile off. Another welcome addition is the option to bark orders from the touchline. There are 17 commands to choose from, from passing and man-marking instructions to tactical alterations. As it should be, tactical prowess is often the difference between a convincing victory and slumping to defeat but inexplicably unjust losses still leave you bitter in some instances.

When compared to the big two, the game at least puts up a fight with the level of realism it conjures on the pitch, though it does lack the intensity of Championship Manager and the sheer satisfaction of Football Manager's level of match day perfection. Off the pitch, FIFA Manager certainly has more character if nothing else. The media exchanges are entertaining and more colourful than its counterparts, but it still doesn't appear to have gained much substantial ground, despite the myriad bells and whistles.

FIFA Manger 10's most anticipated new feature is its online multiplayer options. Supporting up to seven players at once, this mode could have potentially been the missing ingredient that secured the game's promotion to the top flight. Instead we have a half-baked effort that is essentially a scaled-down version of single-player mode. The number of options and features is reduced to the bare bones and player stats have been streamlined. While some degree of simplification is necessary to allow players to conclude their business before the incredibly restrictive time limit ticks over, what is left feels like a hollow version of single-player mode.

Matches in online mode are limited to text-only descriptions, which further hampers the experience. The action is outlined using brief sentences and there isn't enough data available to establish how each player is performing, thus informed tactical decisions are difficult to make.

Including an online multiplayer component was a nice idea and can provide some ephemeral enjoyment until its restrictions grow tiresome. However, there is certainly some potential for it to be developed into something of substance in the inevitable 2011 iteration.

If there's one area where EA titles consistently deliver, it's on the licensing front, and this game is no exception. With literally thousands of licensed clubs and players, many of whom are represented with photographs, the game has that authentic feel that you won't find anywhere else. A database feature even allows players to add leagues, clubs or players, although official updates will be available via the game's website.

Bright Future should be commended for the amount of work it has put into this season's edition of the game, but many of FIFA Manger 10's gains feel somewhat superficial. This is less true of the improvements made to the match engine, though the highly-anticipated multiplayer mode really needs to strike a better compromise between time saving and substance. As far as novel alternatives to Football Manager and Championship Manager go, there is no better alternative, but FIFA Manager isn't quite ready to mount a title challenge just yet.



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