This screenshot will explode in 3 seconds.
Contrary to what you might suspect, FIFA Manager 10 is one of the most astoundingly complex games I’ve ever played. Unfortunately, this turned out to be a problem, as the game mechanics are insufficiently explained, and as a long-time absentee from management simulations, this made it incredibly difficult for me to get into the game.
Ok, let’s get one thing straight from the off, it’s been a very long time since I’ve managed a virtual football team. The last management simulation game I can recall playing was Premier Manager ‘98, and although during the interceding years I have glimpsed the gloriously addictive Football Manager series splashed across my brother’s computer screen, I myself have never had the inclination to go back. Pardon my cynicism, but I don’t find spreadsheets particularly exciting, regardless of how colourful they are.
Nevertheless, as I warily slide FIFA Manager 10 into my DVD drive, I feel a faint tingle of intrigue as I wonder how much the genre has evolved over the past decade. And I can’t help but crack a nostalgic smile as the music from Grandstand blares through my headphones while the game loads.
