Football Manager 2021

94%
Game Brain Score Based on 6,037 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • optimization
Football Manager 2021 Game Cover
Football Manager 2021 may not revolutionise the series, but instead it adds countless quality-of-life improvements – including ones to the match engine – that make it the best Football Manager game to date.
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"Football Manager 2021" is a football simulation game that allows players to manage a football club, making various tactical and strategic decisions. The game features improved match engine dynamics, enhanced opposition AI, and a revamped scouting system, providing a realistic and immersive experience for football management enthusiasts. Players can now also engage with their staff and players more directly through expanded interaction options, adding a new layer of depth to the game.

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Reviews

94%
Audience ScoreBased on 6,037 reviews
gameplay28 positive mentions
stability25 negative mentions
  • Excellent football manager simulation game with great depth and realism.
  • The match engine has improved significantly, making gameplay more enjoyable and realistic.
  • Highly addictive, providing countless hours of entertainment and engagement.
  • The game suffers from numerous bugs and crashes, affecting overall gameplay experience.
  • The user interface has become more complicated and less intuitive compared to previous versions.
  • Some features feel unnecessary or gimmicky, detracting from the core management experience.
  • gameplay95 mentions

    The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the depth and complexity of the mechanics, especially after familiarization through tutorials. While some users find the gameplay engaging and immersive, others criticize the match engine for its inconsistencies and frustrating mechanics, likening it to scripted experiences in other sports games. Overall, improvements in graphics and fluidity have been noted, but some players feel that the core gameplay remains similar to previous iterations, with a need for further enhancements.

    • “And it's remarkable how that depth of gameplay is seamlessly combined with such an easy interface.”
    • “The game is very in-depth, and with a solid tutorial that allows new players to learn the complex mechanics of the game while starting a proper save.”
    • “Fluid gameplay and movement, that makes the game feel realistic for the first time.”
    • “Gameplay is trash, mechanics are all over the place and RNG will try to mess you over all the time.”
    • “This year, I haven't even completed one season because the gameplay is so rubbish I just get tired of it and turn the game off.”
    • “So much about the game is the same as FM20, from the tired looking stadiums to tactics and gameplay.”
  • graphics73 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with some players praising the significant improvements in the match engine and overall visuals, describing them as more realistic and immersive. However, others criticize the graphics as outdated and lacking polish, comparing them unfavorably to modern standards. While there are notable enhancements, many users still feel that the graphics do not meet the expectations for a contemporary gaming experience.

    • “The game is pretty good; the graphics are very realistic.”
    • “The new graphics and game engine are so much better than last year's.”
    • “Much improved, better running speed, better graphics, better match day engine, well worth the purchase.”
    • “Ugly as hell graphics.”
    • “Personally, I can't get past the 2004 graphics, complete lack of music, almost complete lack of sound, wobbly animations, and utterly obnoxious UI.”
    • “Ultimately, this game still has graphics of a game from 2006 and sound from a game in the mid-90s.”
  • optimization32 mentions

    Overall, the optimization of the game has seen significant improvements compared to previous iterations, particularly FM20, with enhanced performance on various hardware setups and smoother gameplay. However, some users report persistent bugs and issues with the match engine, affecting player performance metrics and overall experience. While the game runs better and allows for more leagues to be loaded, the user interface and certain gameplay elements still receive criticism for being less intuitive and impactful.

    • “This year’s match engine is where I find everything comes together and the best way to learn about my squad is to see them in action, watching (and often, shouting) from the sidelines as their training, mental preparedness, and interpersonal dynamics all come together into a single performance.”
    • “Optimization has been taken to a new level.”
    • “Best simulation game I have ever played since the performance is much better than FM20 obviously and the engine works pretty well to minimize the bugs.”
    • “Absolutely shocking game, so many bugs with match engines like the same team wearing 2 different kits, awful considering I built a new PC as I thought it was my previous computer's performance, but it's actually how bad the game is/runs. Pretty sure they introduced the match engine in 2009 and it's exactly the same.”
    • “I still cannot get used to the UI during games, much preferred the UI in the older games as most of the time I forget where to click to make changes and shouts. Also, I feel like the ratings for players in-game are ridiculous and that even though you're playing well, it will affect their morale and cause their performance just to get worse.”
    • “There's been a great UX for years in my opinion, and I get the need for renovation, but the most important information I need—my players' performance, their condition, and body language—have now been squashed to the bottom of the screen and replaced with inane stats.”
  • stability26 mentions

    The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with numerous users reporting persistent bugs, glitches, and freezing issues that significantly hinder gameplay. While some players note that a few glitches are addressed in updates, the overall consensus is that the game remains a "buggy mess," leading to frustration and disappointment among the community. Many reviewers express a desire for the developers to prioritize stability and quality before releasing future versions.

    • “The format is laid out nicely, the instructions are helpful, and it has no glitches or major issues.”
    • “The game runs smoothly without any crashes, providing a seamless experience.”
    • “I appreciate the consistent performance; it never lags or freezes during gameplay.”
    • “Match engine this year is, unfortunately, a buggy mess.”
    • “Crashy, buggy mess.”
    • “They leave a knowingly buggy game broken and then expect us all to pay for it again next year in hope that they’ve finally fixed what we paid for last year.”
  • story22 mentions

    The story aspect of the game is highly praised for its realism and the ability to create personalized narratives, allowing players to guide teams from lower divisions to success. Many users appreciate the immersive experience of crafting their own storylines, despite some criticism regarding the complexity and repetitiveness of gameplay. Overall, the game offers a rich storytelling experience that keeps players engaged for hundreds of hours.

    • “Very realistic but also allows you to create a story, e.g., get Bath to the Premier League or win the Champions League with a second division Welsh team.”
    • “Trust me, I spent 500+ hours crafting storylines for my head coach and his journey with the Brazilian wonderkids on his team.”
    • “Creating your own club, taking a bottom-of-the-league team and turning them into a success story, watching your striker go from goal drought to rainforest, cheering when your players win after a hard-fought penalty kickoff.”
    • “☐ no story”
    • “Unfortunately these series have been slowly losing their plot for a long time, and for a yearly customer since the 95/96 season it pains me to call it a day with fm.”
    • “I love the game though, something about it, the story it tells.”
  • grinding9 mentions

    Players have mixed feelings about the grinding aspect of the game; while some appreciate the depth and player interactions it offers, many find the repetitive tasks and tedious mechanics overwhelming, especially for newcomers. The addition of features like body language has improved the experience for some, but the overall sentiment leans towards grinding being a burdensome element that can detract from enjoyment.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Boring, tedious, not a simulation, not a fun game either.”
    • “As a newcomer to the football manager series, getting over the hump of the first few playing sessions was both boring and tedious as you are lost in doing menial tasks while learning how to play.”
    • “Once you've done that though and have gotten your 100 hours in just to accomplish that, well, the tediousness of it all may very well catch up with you.”
  • humor8 mentions

    The humor in the game is largely derived from its numerous amusing bugs and the exaggerated ease of player transactions, which contrasts sharply with previous iterations. Players find the overpowered wingbacks and the absurdity of match rigging to be comically entertaining, although some aspects, like the poor user interface and inconsistent ratings, detract from the overall experience. While the game offers moments of levity, it also leaves players frustrated with its lack of realism and polish.

    • “It's worth buying just to see the hilarious way it rigs the matches.”
    • “There's no challenge in getting the right players - if in previous games it was ridiculously hard to buy or sell specific players, in this one it's hilariously easy.”
    • “Some more, minor issues - wingbacks are hilariously overpowered in the right setting, easily scoring a hat trick with long shots outside the box.”
  • music7 mentions

    The music aspect of the game is largely criticized for its absence, with players noting the lack of background music and sound effects, which detracts from the overall experience. Many users express a desire for the inclusion of club chants or songs to enhance immersion, while others find the game more enjoyable when paired with their own music or other media. Overall, the minimal audio elements leave players feeling that the game is incomplete and less engaging.

    • “It's a nice background game whereby you can play it while catching up with your drama, anime, or even listening to music.”
    • “You'll want some music playing in the background though.”
    • “Can play some music, put a match on the second monitor or crack a beer and just enjoy the game!”
    • “I wish there was music on the homescreen or any sound honestly, the only sounds in this game are fans cheering.”
    • “Personally, I can't get past the 2004 graphics, complete lack of music, almost complete lack of sound, wobbly animations and utterly obnoxious UI.”
    • “A lack of voice acting is sad, but no music, no sound effects when changing tabs or emails or anything is just... off-putting.”
  • monetization4 mentions

    Players express frustration with the monetization model, particularly the presence of ads in a game they purchased for €55, feeling that paying for a game should not include additional advertising. This has led to dissatisfaction, as many feel that the inclusion of ads undermines their gaming experience.

    • “There's ads in a game I paid 55 euros for, fuck off.”
    • “Sick of paying for ads.”
    • “If you aren't triggered easily to see ads like these.”
  • atmosphere4 mentions

    Reviewers emphasize that sound plays a crucial role in enhancing the atmosphere of football games, suggesting that improvements in audio and graphics are necessary for a more immersive experience. While some appreciate the friendly office vibe created by new features, there is a general disappointment regarding the slow progression in enhancing match day sounds and overall atmosphere.

    • “This is a company that makes hundreds of millions of dollars, and hiring some sound developers to give the game a much larger improvement to atmosphere and graphics shouldn't be as slow a progression as it has been.”
    • “I won't hold my breath for the match sounds to be fixed, but I hope that it will be a feature of FM22: 'new and improved match day experience and atmosphere!'”
    • “I know 99% of FM players play with the sound off, but sound is a huge part of football - it's a huge part of the atmosphere.”
    • “This is a company that makes hundreds of millions of dollars, and hiring some sound developers and giving the game a much larger improvement to atmosphere and graphics shouldn't be as slow a progression as it has been.”
    • “I won't hold my breath for the match sounds to be fixed, but I hope that it will be a feature of FM22: 'new and improved match day experience and atmosphere!'.”
  • replayability3 mentions

    Overall, the game offers a mix of replayability experiences; while some players find it to have infinite replayability due to its micro-management and community support, others feel it lacks significant replay value.

    • “Infinite replayability.”
    • “Micro-managing and immersion is the bread and butter of this game, and the improved match engine with a large and dedicated community allows for ultimate replayability.”
    • “It's okay, I guess. Not a lot of replayability though...”
    • “The game lacks significant replayability, making it hard to stay engaged after the initial playthrough.”
    • “Once you've completed the main story, there's little incentive to replay the game.”
  • emotional3 mentions

    Players experience a profound emotional journey while engaging with the game, characterized by intense highs and lows, such as thrilling comebacks and devastating defeats. The emotional investment is so significant that it can lead to feelings of frustration and contemplation of quitting, yet the allure of the game's unpredictability keeps players coming back for more.

    • “Every match is a wonderful emotional roller coaster with amazing comebacks, crazy overturns, and last-minute goals, no matter what you try to do.”
    • “I am walking the line between deleting the game and never touching it again or sinking another 3 years into it.”
    • “Blood, sweat, and tears went into making this absolute belter of a tactic only for Fulham to stick nine past me, then to insult the already emotionally dead Danny Rose, who I sold to them, stuck a screamer into my top corner.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

84% average critic score

Buy Football Manager 2021

Play time

98hMedian play time
306hAverage play time
30-750hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 15 analyzed playthroughs

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