One of the most popular soccer games on the planet has gotten even better.
Listening to suggestions from users, of which there were more than 1 million worldwide for the 2009 edition of the game, Sports Interactive and SEGA has released Football Manager 2010 with the promise that this is the best edition of the immensely popular game.
"The thing about Sports Interactive is that they're always trying to hit that next bar to really improve on the game," said Daniel Gallardo, associate product marketing manager at SEGA. "Listening to the fans and understanding what they want, they're implementing those changes while still keeping the core value of what Football Manager really is."
Among the key improvements in Football Manager 2010, formerly known as Worldwide Soccer Manager, is the introduction of a brand new match tactics system, which makes it easier to instruct the team to play in the way the manager wants, the debut of a Match Analysis tool, a completely new look and new user interface among other features.
The Match Analysis tool lets players see where shots, passes, crosses, headers, tackles, fouls and interceptions have been made on the field for all players on the pitch. Managers can view this analysis both live in-game and post-match, allowing them to pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of both their team and their opponent's and adjust their tactics accordingly.
"When you incorporate what was done in the past, each edition just gets more detailed and when the 3-D match view is incorporated, it just adds another dimension," Gallardo said. "Building upon that is a Match Analysis tool that helps you analyze the future matches and teams and see how you matchup against them, the backroom staff and communicating between your internal team structure, all that stuff is really unbelievable."
Gamers on average played last year's edition 240 hours each. While they got more bang for the buck, it also caused for some relationship problems, while one gamer attempted to parlay his success to a real coaching position.
"His experience on his resume was all based on him playing this game," Gallardo said.
Football Manager 2009 spent 22 weeks at No. 1 in the UK (PC charts) and Gallardo believes the 2010 edition will be the best in the series yet, with interest in North America on the rise.
"Like football here, it's only growing and growing," Gallardo said. "We're looking for big things."
The game is available on multiple platforms including the PC, Apple Macintosh and for the first time ever Football Manager Handheld 2010 will be available via download for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system in North America.
The game is available for download purchase at http://store.steampowered.com/app/34000/ and boxed editions are available exclusively at Amazon.com.
For further information on Football Manager 2010 please go to www.footballmanager.com.
Dylan Butler is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
