retired_josapa

Well thats it, I finally had enough of FM 2007 and traded it in towards and x-box game today. Before people sigh and roll their eyes thinking "here we go, another moaner" please allow me to explain. My commitment to buying this series of games could never be called into question, I have bought every football manager since its inseption and have enjoyed them all the way through (until 07).

Since the death of the original and best champ series (which I played every season religiously) the game has indeed evolved, impressively to say the least. FM 05 and 06 were excellent games and pushed the boundaries of managerial ability to a good level for the average player. FM 07 in my opinion was a step too far, although impressively detailed and defined I feel that this was a lot to ask of the average player in terms of enjoyment.

The tactical side of the game as all of you know was the main bone of contention amongst all forum users and although I am not one for complaining, I feel that the game has indeed failed to reach out to the people that keep it going. I indeed understand that many better, more skilled players do extremely well on this game and have cracked tactics and when to tweak etc etc., to you people I offer my appluase and admiration. But where does this leave everyone else?....

The only way this game will continue to sell and be as successful as it has is if it still appeals to the average fan. I feel FM has failed to satisfy the people who make it. I for one have found this game harder than the rest and considering the fact that I understand the game well and have played football at a good level, this should not really be the case...

To cut a long story short (apologies for it by the way) the majority of people that make this game survive in the market don't want a game that challenges them to beat the AI and win games through constant tweaking and studying patterns in the game, they just want to play and enjoy. Yes I understand some of the gurus enjoy studying the game and tweaking etc etc. but many do not and long for the days of a good old 4-1-3-2 to conquer the world ;-)

I would not be saying all of this if I was the only person thinking it but I know many other people who own the game and have quite frankly been completely put off by the complexity of it. I do not suggest dumbing the game down to a one tactic wins all level, but I do suggest striking a reasonabe balance suitable to all players. Although many people will slate me for these views, these are the views of a loyal consumer and I hope they are considered.

Despite this, I will now look forward to the release of FM 2008, as one game that I failed to enjoy is not enough to put me off the series totally. I will say to SI however, that I as a fan of the series am a lot more forgiving to the dissapointments of this game than others who share my view.

Many thanks to all, roll on FM 08

retired_Myoplex

i understand how you feel, i can't persuade you to read topics as you have already got rid of the game but (you won't have felt this) making a tactic and watching it work (without hours of studying the game and just using common sense) is the greatest feeling of all in this game!

retired_amgine

This may seem harsh, disrespectful or what ever, you can perceive this however you want!

Football believe it or not is a complex game, which is mirrored by Football Manager. As a result, you can't expect to create a tactic in 30 minutes and cost through the season. It requires tweaks, analysis etc..

A quote comes to mind, " you only get what you put in", thus, if you put more time and effort in, you will be rewarded. If not, you will be filled with frustration and anger.

hdsegal

But you shouldn't have to be Alex Ferguson to enjoy some success. People buy the GAME to HAVE FUN, not as a second job.

But, to be honest, I like the game the way it is. Probably a bit too hard, but still fun nonetheless.

retired_chick

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ntfc:
Football believe it or not is a complex game, which is mirrored by Football Manager. As a result, you can't expect to create a tactic in 30 minutes and cost through the season. It requires tweaks, analysis etc..
QUOTE]

What you have to remember is that this is a game, this is not real football. It is meant to be enjoyable and fun to play, and sadly FM 07 is not enjoyable or fun to play for the average gamer like myself and, obviously, like Louis1984. The reason for this is the tactical side of things are too complex for us. Yes alot of people say "read this and you will understand better" etc etc but when it comes down to it most of us just want to sit down with the game, have a tactic that works and start playing games and signing good players and building a team. We have little interest in changing things like defensive line, tempo, play offside, counter attack etc we just want to have fun, and the majority of FM fans want the same. There are a few hard-core FM gamers, who take great pleasure in tinkering and tweaking tactics week in, week out, and changing things for re-ranking, which is great for them, that is what they enjoy, but this installment of FM has made it alot harder for people like myself to enjoy the game. I, like Louis1985, can't wait for FM08, I only hope it is not nearly as hard as FM07.

retired_amgine

I understand where you guys are coming from, this game is by no means easy. That's one of the reasons why i took a long break.

However, FM is a manager simulation, it is designed to imitate real life football. I am sure you have heard this before, if you want a manager game you can pick up and play, LMA etc is your game.

retired_chick

That is what i am considering doing. But really Fm/CM have always been designed to imitate real life football - and none have been as hard as this one. That is why im hoping SI make the game easier or more forgiving for FM08

retired_fanito

I wholeheartadly agree with all of you. I think SI is running the risk of alienating a large part of their consumers. While it hasn't really happened yet because their consumer base is very loyal and is willing to give SI another try and maybe another try after that. That patience, however, is not infinite and slowly or suddenly their clients will begin to thin. While I also admire all the tactical gurus on these forums that can slice and dice the game's AI, I personally am not in the same boat. I do enjoy a challenge in a game like this but for what it's supposed to be, it should be enjoyable and fun as well. I can certainly understand many people feeling like this is a second job, while it really should be your escape from the daily toils of life.

Just my 2 cents.

retired_amgine

DirtyAce has hit the nail on the head. Excuse the impression but yes i do feel many fans will pull away from the Fm series. But seriously, do you think they will make the game easier? surely that's taking a step backwards?

retired_chick

ntfc - They will have to, or as DirtyACE has said, they will lose alot of their consumers. I hate to say it but im pretty sure the number of casual FM gamers far outweighs the Hard Core number. So SI will have to do something to satify us. If not its simple - they lose us and in turn do not make as much profit which = less money for them - which = unhappy SI.