Football Manager 2024 Pros & Cons

Football Manager 2024: A Deep Dive into the Pros and Cons

Football Manager 2024 (FM24) is the latest installment in the long-running and highly acclaimed football management simulation series developed by Sports Interactive and published by SEGA. This game allows players to take on the role of a football manager, where they can manage every aspect of a football club—from tactics and player transfers to club finances and staff management. FM24 offers a comprehensive, immersive experience, but like any game, it comes with its set of strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a detailed look at the pros and cons of Football Manager 2024.

Pros

1. In-depth Simulation and Realism:
   • Immersive Management Experience: FM24 provides an incredibly detailed simulation of football management. The depth of the game allows players to manage everything from team tactics and match preparation to youth development and scouting. The game’s attention to detail is unparalleled, giving users the ability to control player training regimes, match-day instructions, and even interact with the media and board of directors.
   • Extensive Database: The game features a vast database of players, teams, and leagues from around the world. This expansive database allows for comprehensive scouting and player recruitment, ensuring that players can find hidden gems and develop star players from the ground up. The database is regularly updated to reflect real-world transfers and injuries, making the game as close to reality as possible.
2. Realistic Scouting and Recruitment:
   • Scouting Network: FM24’s scouting system is detailed and effective, allowing players to scout players from different regions and leagues. This system includes detailed scouting reports, highlighting players’ strengths, weaknesses, and potential. The game also includes the ability to sign scouts, assign roles, and set scouting budgets, offering a sense of control over the recruitment process.
   • Transfer Market: The transfer market in FM24 is dynamic and well-developed. Players can negotiate with agents, offer contracts, and interact with board members to secure funds for signings. The game realistically models transfer negotiations, allowing players to face the challenges of real-world deals, from securing the best price to handling player desires and agent demands.
3. Tactical Depth and Customization:
   • Tactical Flexibility: FM24 provides a range of tactical options, allowing players to build and refine their tactics using a user-friendly yet deep interface. The game includes options for setting up formations, roles, and instructions, providing players with the flexibility to create unique playing styles. The ability to train and develop players’ individual attributes adds an extra layer of customization to how teams perform on the pitch.
   • Match Analysis: The match engine has been improved in FM24, offering more realistic player animations and behavior. Players can watch matches live or simulate them in a text-based format. The post-match analysis provides detailed insights into team performance, individual player stats, and areas for improvement. This allows managers to adjust tactics and make informed decisions.
4. User Interface and Experience:
   • Streamlined User Interface: The game’s user interface has been updated to be more intuitive and user-friendly. The new layout makes it easier to navigate through menus, manage teams, and access key information. The introduction of quick filters and customizable dashboards allows for better organization and reduces the time spent searching for data.
   • Board and Media Interaction: Players can interact with their club’s board and media representatives, handling interviews, press conferences, and club meetings. This adds another layer of realism, as managers must manage their public image, field difficult questions from the press, and handle boardroom decisions that affect the club’s future.
5. Enhanced Social Interaction:
   • Online Features: FM24 introduces new online features, allowing players to challenge friends in head-to-head matches, share tactics, and compete in manager leagues. The online community aspect enriches the experience, as players can compare their strategies, discuss tactics, and participate in global leaderboards.

Cons

1. Steep Learning Curve:
   • Complexity: FM24 is a complex game that can be overwhelming for newcomers. The sheer depth of options, menus, and mechanics may be intimidating for those unfamiliar with the series. It requires a significant investment of time to learn the ropes, especially when managing different aspects of the club simultaneously.
   • Information Overload: With so many statistics and data points available, it can be difficult to know what to focus on. Players may feel overwhelmed by the amount of information presented, making it hard to decide on which areas to prioritize, such as training, scouting, and team tactics.
2. Match Engine Issues:
   • Inconsistent Match Engine Performance: While the match engine in FM24 has been improved, it is still not without its flaws. Some players report issues with unrealistic goals, strange player movements, and occasional bugs in player behavior on the pitch. This can detract from the realism, especially when the engine fails to accurately simulate real football dynamics.
3. Limited Player Interaction:
   • Player Interaction: While the game allows for some player interaction, it is still somewhat limited compared to the depth found in other management simulations. This can make it hard to build strong relationships with players, and players may not always react realistically to changes in team dynamics or tactics.
4. Slow Progress in Career Mode:
   • Long-Term Progression: Building a successful career in FM24 can be a slow process. Due to the game’s complexity, it can take years to achieve success with a club, especially if players are working to develop youth talent or build a competitive squad from scratch. This slow progression can be frustrating for players looking for quicker rewards.
5. Limited Visual Enhancements:
   • Visual Presentation: While FM24 offers an excellent simulation experience, it lacks some of the visual polish seen in other modern sports games. The match engine, in particular, lacks realism in terms of player animations and visual feedback, which may disappoint players who are looking for a more immersive experience.

Conclusion

Football Manager 2024 remains the go-to title for football management enthusiasts, offering a deep, detailed, and realistic simulation experience. Its pros—such as in-depth simulation, tactical flexibility, and enhanced user interface—make it a standout in the genre. However, the cons, including a steep learning curve, limited player interaction, and occasional inconsistencies in the match engine, highlight areas where the game could improve. For those willing to invest the time and effort, FM24 provides a highly rewarding and engrossing management experience.