Football Manager

The gameplay of Football Manager 2023 is characterized by its depth and engaging mechanics, appealing to both newcomers and veterans of the series. While the controls are user-friendly and the overall experience is smooth, many players feel that the game lacks significant innovation compared to previous titles, with some mechanics feeling outdated. Despite some frustrations with bugs and repetitive elements, the game remains a solid choice for those who enjoy tactical and simulation aspects of football management.

The game's stability has been widely criticized, with numerous players reporting significant bugs, glitches, and performance issues that detract from the overall experience. While some users noted minor technical issues, the consensus is that the match engine and various gameplay elements are particularly problematic, leading to frustration and confusion. Many players are calling for urgent patches to address these ongoing issues, which have reportedly worsened over time.

The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its smooth performance on various devices, while others report significant issues such as crashes, glitches, and a stuttering match engine despite stable frame rates. Many users feel that the game is poorly optimized compared to previous versions, highlighting a lack of realism and excessive bugs that detract from the overall experience. Overall, while there are improvements in certain areas, the game's optimization remains a contentious point among players.

The reviews highlight that grinding in the game is excessively tedious and time-consuming, often requiring players to invest significant hours to achieve meaningful progress. Many users express frustration with repetitive tasks, lack of substantial improvements, and an overwhelming amount of management details that detract from the overall enjoyment. While some aspects, like scouting, have seen minor enhancements, the core experience remains bogged down by monotonous elements that can make the game feel bloated and unmanageable.

The story aspect of the game is generally perceived as lacking, with many users noting that there is little to no structured narrative. Some players mention the ability to create their own story, but overall, the storytelling is described as simplistic and not fully realized, with a few references to specific characters like Haaland adding a minor layer of interest.

The music in the game receives mixed reviews; while some players appreciate the engaging Champions League walkout music and the overall presentation of match day sounds, others find the music to be minimal or distracting. Some users express a desire for a focus on gameplay improvements over musical elements, suggesting that the music should not overshadow the core gaming experience. Overall, the Champions League features are highlighted as a standout aspect, adding a special touch to the gameplay.

The monetization aspect of the game has received significant criticism for including intrusive ads despite the absence of microtransactions or in-game purchases. Players express frustration over being bombarded with ads related to personal information and promotional content, particularly in a game they have already paid for, leading many to label it a cash grab. Overall, the presence of ads detracts from the gaming experience and has resulted in negative reviews.

The humor in the game is often derived from its absurdities, such as the wild interactions between players and managers, the comically low salary caps in MLS, and the exaggerated media reaction options that force players into self-deprecating responses. While some players find the game's flaws laughable, others feel that the developers are mocking them, leading to a mixed reception of the humor overall. Despite its shortcomings, many players appreciate the comedic elements when they embrace the game's quirks.

Players report a profound emotional experience while engaging with the game, often feeling a range of emotions from happiness to sadness, with some moments eliciting tears. The emotional depth is highlighted as a significant aspect, even surpassing expectations for graphics quality, contributing to a rich and immersive experience. Overall, the game effectively captures the emotional rollercoaster associated with football.

Overall, the game is praised for its high replayability due to various team management options, offering hundreds of hours of gameplay. However, some users feel that it could benefit from additional features to enhance playability, and there are mixed opinions on the depth of replay value in the latest update.

The atmosphere in the game is enhanced by the inclusion of iconic UEFA anthem intros and improved match branding, contributing to a more immersive experience during key matches. However, while the audio elements provide a decent ambiance, they can feel repetitive, and the overall graphical representation of fans lacks the passion expected, particularly in high-stakes scenarios like derbies. Overall, the atmosphere is a strong point but still has room for improvement.