Football, Tactics & Glory
- June 1, 2018
- Creoteam
- 22h median play time
Football, Tactics & Glory is a simple management sim with a unique footballing twist that doesn't quite work. It needs more depth and polish to really shine.
Football, Tactics & Glory combines strategy and football management into one game. You lead an unknown club to world football fame by making strategic decisions, competing in tactical matches, and leveling up your players. Inspired by features from XCOM and Football Manager, you can build your squad, buy and sell players, and manage club development.
Reviews
- Unique turn-based gameplay that combines football with strategic depth.
- Engaging management mechanics that allow for player development and team customization.
- Active developer support with regular updates and community engagement.
- RNG can lead to frustrating outcomes, making matches feel unfair at times.
- Limited depth in management options compared to traditional football management games.
- Early game can feel grindy, with slow player progression and difficulty spikes.
- gameplay268 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Football, Tactics & Glory" is characterized by its unique blend of turn-based mechanics and football management, offering a strategic depth that keeps players engaged. While the tutorial is extensive and helps newcomers grasp the mechanics, some players find the gameplay can become repetitive and slow over time. Overall, the game is praised for its intuitive design and engaging core loop, though it may require patience to fully appreciate its complexities.
“The gameplay systems are explained with fantastic detail in what is likely the best tutorial system I've ever experienced.”
“The gameplay is a strategic symphony where your team's development mirrors an epic journey.”
“The gameplay is simple on the surface but as you progress becomes more tactically and strategically deep, which keeps you engaged for hours.”
“The gameplay is boring after the first few games and very repetitive.”
“Unfortunately having tried the game I can't recommend it, the club management and RPG elements are fine but the actual football gameplay is flawed and repetitive - big Sam Allardyce simulator would be a more accurate title in terms of the actual football.”
“After 17 hours of gameplay (in the Premier League from bottom league) and a message from the devs, my decision stands... at 20 euros it is overpriced in my opinion. I'm sure a lot of work went into the game but the turn-based match gameplay is not very enjoyable and poor, and it is pretty basic on content.”
- graphics61 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally described as simple, minimalistic, and sometimes quirky, with a mix of low-poly art and cartoonish elements that some players find charming. While not top-tier or realistic, the visuals are considered adequate for the gameplay experience, with smooth animations and a clean interface that enhance accessibility. Overall, the graphics serve the game's purpose well, even if they may not impress those seeking high-end visuals.
“The graphics and sound are fab, you easily find yourself fully immersed looking for the next big transfer deal or bringing youths through your academy.”
“Eloquent graphic design and enticing gameplay captivated me, and I am more than happy with my purchase.”
“The graphics are simple, but very well done, especially the animations.”
“The graphics are very basic (you can turn off the animations to speed up gameplay) but the real fun lies in crunching the numbers, deciding if you can afford a new player or trade away your star for a quick cash infusion, upgrading your coaching staff with an eye to the future, deciding if you should save players' strength for an upcoming cup match or not... this is a fantastic game and highly recommended.”
“The graphics and music are pretty much 'meh!', as in pretty bad, but don't matter anyway, and don't really influence my opinion of the game.”
“Very user-friendly, and while it isn't that great to look at, graphics here aren't exactly anywhere near the top of this game's priorities list, nor should it.”
- grinding32 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- -6 % neutral mentions
- 97 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight a mixed perception of grinding in the game, with some players appreciating its depth and design while others find it excessively repetitive and tedious. Many note that while the game avoids the extreme micromanagement of similar titles, it still requires significant time investment to progress, leading to a grindy experience that can detract from enjoyment. Overall, the balance between engaging gameplay and grinding varies, with some players feeling it detracts from strategic elements.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Grinding in this game is incredibly rewarding and keeps you engaged.”
“The grind is satisfying and offers a real sense of progression.”
“Becomes very tedious when you're doing the same thing over and over for very little reward.”
“I dislike the grinding aspect; it took me 16 seasons to win the triple, and most of the seasons were just a repetitive struggle to earn resources and slowly build up the squad - no room for tactics, football, and midterm strategy in this aspect of the game.”
“Soon enough, many things become tedious and tiresome, as the game becomes repetitive and dull.”
- music28 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many players praising the soundtrack for its relaxing and atmospheric qualities, while others find it repetitive after extended play. Some highlight specific tracks as beautiful and memorable, expressing a desire for more music and an official soundtrack release. Overall, the sound design is generally well-received, though a few users noted that they often prefer to listen to their own music instead.
“The soundtrack and atmosphere in the game is chilling too.”
“The main bgm above the clouds is such a beautiful song by a beautiful voice from a beautiful singer.”
“Beautiful animation and fun music create an atmosphere for thinking further steps after another victory.”
“Sound is decent, though the songs it has get kind of old after the first few hours and I usually turn them off now.”
“The graphics and music are pretty much 'meh!', as in pretty bad, but don't matter anyway, and don't really influence my opinion of the game.”
“Sound effects/music - I would say this aspect was okay but also somewhat sparse and repetitive (I play most sim games listening to a soundtrack of my own choosing anyway).”
- humor14 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players enjoying its quirky graphics and engaging, lighthearted gameplay. Many find the turn-based system and random elements to be particularly amusing, contributing to a fun and entertaining experience reminiscent of classic football games. Overall, the game is described as funny, well-designed, and capable of eliciting laughter, making it a standout in its genre.
“Scoring a last-minute winner feels amazing, and the funny little bighead graphics make your players' celebrations really endearing - more so than the weird uncanny valley smiles of FIFA players.”
“This game is very interesting, easy to play, and very funny.”
“The most funny game I've played in a long time.”
- replayability13 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is viewed positively, with many players appreciating the depth and variety offered through different strategies, clubs, and mods. While some users note limitations due to repetitive elements or performance issues, the inclusion of affordable DLCs and RNG mechanics contributes to a generally high replay value. Players often find themselves returning for multiple runs, experimenting with different approaches to keep the experience fresh.
“The replayability is huge.”
“Good AI, solid replayability, decent music, easy to pick up, good manager & gameplay strategy depth.”
“The replay value is not the best as things happen mostly the same way.”
“So the replay value is like 3 runs, and maybe trying different leagues.”
“The game is also heavily RNG, which makes the replayability infinite.”
- optimization13 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with users highlighting significant issues such as poor GPU performance and AI inefficiencies that can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences. While some players appreciate the solid base mechanics and the potential for community-driven optimizations, many express dissatisfaction with the game's performance metrics and the disconnect between satisfactory performance and in-game consequences.
“Those looking for a classical football simulation may revile at the way turn-based matches play out - certainly we're using football terminology but it doesn't really resemble how football is played - it's optimized for being able to play entire seasons of these matches manually.”
“Plus, there is a Steam Workshop and people are bringing optimizations for free.”
“This game's base is solid and working, both performance and mechanic-wise.”
“However, it seems to have poor GPU optimization.”
“Note: expansions are worthless since they destroy the experience by being extremely badly optimized.”
“- The AI should be optimized, since I managed to get into an action loop where we basically traded the ball with each other without moving it and just advancing the time, or, and what I find pretty stupid: the only shots are with power shots.”
- story12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is perceived as underdeveloped, with players feeling that it lacks a cohesive narrative and meaningful customization options. While some enjoy the emergent storytelling that arises from gameplay dynamics, many express a desire for a more structured campaign mode that could enhance the overall experience. Overall, the integration of sports and strategy is noted, but the storytelling remains a weak point that could benefit from further expansion.
“Really great mix of sports, strategy, and emergent storytelling.”
“Tossed that youngster into my starting lineup thinking 'one of these days, you will carry the team on your shoulders' and the story kept going, fought hard games but never won a title; I advanced now and then in the systems but never got a gold medal.”
“It may not really be a football game; how I see it, football is just a way to justify the story (who would be interested in a game about rising through the ranks of a chess league) as the game mechanics don't have too much in common with real-life football.”
“It just feels like bad game design, which is strangely enough mentioned in the crumbs of a main story.”
“There is no real storyline feel and very limited options for customizations to 'create your own.'”
“I wish they would add some sort of campaign/story mode.”
- monetization11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 18 % neutral mentions
- 55 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players frustrated by the default activation of ads and gameplay locked behind DLC, while others appreciate the absence of microtransactions. Many users liken the game to a polished mobile freemium title, noting that it could benefit from a free-to-play model despite the lack of microtransactions. Overall, the game's monetization strategy has sparked debate, with some players recommending caution before purchasing.
“At least until licensed football games get their act together, this is a great unlicensed alternative with no microtransactions to get in the way of the fun!”
“I do of course approve of the developers excluding the microtransactions and the care they have taken in refining their product to be presented in a concise and easy-to-use package.”
“No microtransactions”
“If you're okay with the practices described above (gameplay gate locked behind DLC and in-game advertising), I suggest that you watch a gameplay video (or a really big discount) before making the purchase.”
“I like the game, but after the latest update I cannot remove ads from the game.”
“This would be a great game if it was free to play, but there wouldn't be enough unlockables to even warrant microtransactions.”
- stability5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -40 % neutral mentions
- 80 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is mixed; while some players report minor glitches and a generally smooth experience, others have experienced significant issues, particularly after the recent DLC "Manager's Journey." Despite these concerns, many appreciate the thought and refinement that went into the game's development.
“Technically, the game runs great.”
“The stability of the game is impressive; I rarely encounter any crashes.”
“I've played for hours without any lag or performance issues.”
“The tutorial can be tricky and buggy, a bit overcomplicated for new beginners, but I like the idea of learning new stuff as the calendar goes by.”
“Since the DLC 'Manager's Journey', the game has become a bug-ridden mess.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the emotional impact of the game, noting that losing cups instead of permanently losing soldiers creates a more manageable emotional burden. The thrill of achieving a last-minute victory, reminiscent of childhood gaming experiences, evokes strong feelings of nostalgia and joy, highlighting the game's ability to connect players with their past.
“Losing cups instead of permanent death of soldiers offers a better emotional punishment to players.”
“It's great when you make that last-ditch attempt to win at 2-2; getting that 40% header in is a great feeling, almost makes you want to cry.”
“Brilliant and made me feel like I was a kid playing Championship Manager again!”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by a chilling soundtrack and beautiful animations, which together create an engaging environment that encourages players to strategize after each victory.
“Beautiful animation and fun music create an atmosphere that encourages players to think about their next steps after each victory.”
“The soundtrack and atmosphere in the game are chilling.”
“The game lacks any real sense of immersion, making it hard to feel connected to the world.”
“The environments feel empty and lifeless, which detracts from the overall experience.”