[retired_giara100]

Let me start off by saying, I was one of the original naysayers complaining about the state of the game pre-patch. I still don't think that the game was acceptable out-of-the box, nor was it after the Beta Patch, and I'll stand by that.

However, now the smoke has cleared, I can honestly say that I am enjoying this game as much as, if not more than, any other previous version released. I am utterly shocked at the state of this forum at the moment. If I was a stranger to the series and I came on here for the first time, it would not cross my mind to purchase FM08 and I certainly would not come back to these forums. In fact, after reading everything, my perception of the game is almost distorted. I'm thinking to myself, "what have I missed? Why am I enjoying the game? What on earth is wrong with me?" You see, all you naysayers are doing is tarnishing the game with a highly unjustifiable reputation. I am fairly certain that this is a consequence of the bitter taste still left over from the original debacle surrounding the release and the poor patches, etc. I think it's time to move on fellas. Are you forgetting how immense FM07 was? Are you forgetting that that game was not perfect either? I would venture to say that FM07 was a little more challenging and a lot less forgiving than this version.

I think the game has come on leaps and bounds in the match-engine department. I actually enjoy watching the games now. I see my players reacting to my instructions and playing the way I want them to. Yes there are problems — there always bloody will be — but this constant negativity is cruelly pulling the game down to the depths, and I for one, don't think it justifiable. I'm enjoying the game immensely, I Must say, and I find it much easier to defend than the last version. Okay, perhaps players may miss a few chances that they maybe shouldn't, but lads, take the rough with the smooth eh? This doesn't happen all the time every game. How quick we are to forget the dreaded 4-2-4 of FM07, and the tiny margin of error regarding your tactics, that set up wrong, could make playing Barnsley seem like you were up against Milan.

The best advice I can give is that you judge for yourself before listening to the comments on this forum. I think a lot of people are now arguing for argument sake and probably have barely scratched the surface with the game since they are on here moaning all day. Watch the match in full, get a feel for it — I was amazed at how I could see the flaws in my tactic. I've rectified the issues and I'm in first place now with Portsmouth after 19 games. Regardless of what anyone says, I KNOW IT'S A GOOD GAME.

[retired_ehoff15]

Also, to add to you point, I think there are too many people (especially the Si Bashing Crew) don't actually watch 90 minutes football week in week out. A lot of them watch 2 hours of highlights fotball, see players putting chances away with ease, and expect their team in FM donig the same.

What they don't see is the kind of stupid things that happen all the time in football especially in the lower levels, strikers missing open goal while it's easier to score, defender kick the ball to the other team, players stands back and refuse to close down, etc etc.

[retired_quikity]

Originally posted by andyinuk:
Also, to add to you point, I think there are too many people (especially the Si Bashing Crew) don't actually watch 90 minutes football week in week out. A lot of them watch 2 hours of highlights fotball, see players putting chances away with ease, and expect their team in FM donig the same.

What they don't see is the kind of stupid things that happen all the time in football especially in the lower levels, strikers missing open goal while it's easier to score, defender kick the ball to the other team, players stands back and refuse to close down, etc etc.

I could not agree more with you!!

This seems to be the scenario for most on these forums currently! People need to remember that this is a Football simulation game so a basic understanding of football needs to be had!! Now I'm not saying everyone needs to be experts but just a basic knowledge seems to be absent for the game bashers!

They watch MOTD on a saturday night and expect every chance to be scored. They fail to see who formations work, styles of play, etc. Just see the goals and expect it to happen!

I feel their fundermental ignorance is ruining these forums and the games reputation.

[retired_shahzadmasih]

I disagree, you are basically saying that everyone complaining here doesnt watch football - I have been a football fan for 22 years now and watch Bristol City week in week out I see the mistakes and see the errors. It may not be a problem for you and I am glad your enjoying the game but for the match engine seems to have taken a backwards step since FM07 - irl a big team like Man Utd, Liverpool Chelsea etc will dominate possession while teams try and hit them on the counter. In FM my Liverpool side win 3-0 yet only end up with 30% Possession, as I watch the match I see the team knocking the ball between the full backs and midfielders in their own half never looking to go forward while my players who have had closing down set to all over the pitch stand and watch. There is also a problem with shots on target - you may well say that players miss but have you ever seen Rooney or Drogba miss 5 one on ones each match, no.

Then there is the other problems with registering for competitions that really is a show stopper.

My main gripe is that it doesnt matter to me what the results are, but its about the type of football I am trying to play if I am giving my players instructions and they are not following them, then whats the point in playing the game.

[retired_cr8zjoe]

Seconded Barnzy.

Like you, I have been to hundreds of football matches over the years. I am not even counting the ones on television.

Contrary to the views of some on this thread, I think real football fans as opposed to the armchair variety can see the unrealistic elements in this game

Since when have Farsley Celtic played like Brazil? Since when has Henry finished like Kevin Braniff?

I can see the top Premiership teams playing first touch possession football, but Abingdon?

I would like to see more realism in the form of misplaced passes, foul throws, players tripping over the ball, and some downright awful football which is what the players' stats tell me they should be doing. These are Div 2 footballers.

Then you can sort out the team, make the best of what you've got and try and create some good chances. Six or Eight top chances should be enough to score 2 goals in most games.

[firefighterhilf]

Agree with the two posts above. Although I'm enjoying the game a lot and haven't seen a lot of the issues that others have I've found that when playing in the Blue Square North pre season is pointless.

Whenever you play a team that are useless and consisit entirely of grey player you get battered and moral takes a complete nosedive.

As Gateshead I've just finished pre-season for season 2 and wanted to get moral up for the start of the season so arranged friendlies against two of the worst teams I could find, neither had a single 'real' player. In the first game I got battered 7-2 and in the second one 4-1!! My moral going into the season is now terrible and I'm dreading drawing a team in a lower league in any of the cups.

Also the shot/goals ratio issue affects far too many people for it to just be ignored. The fact is that the only way these issues are going to be ironed out is for them to be pointed out and discussed constructively in the forums.

There is a problem with people just having a pointless whinge though. Something like 'this game is carp so I'm demanding a refund'. These threads help no-one, make no attempt to outline what the problems actually are and just invite comments that cause the forums to degenerate into slanging matches.

[retired_shahzadmasih]

Another thing I have noticed is that this year above all overs the problems have been pointed out by the users that have been around for a good amount of time, those of us that have supported SI through the years. If nobody ever fedback/complained we would probably still be left with a similier game to CM2.