Ultimate Pro Football GM
- September 14, 2020
- Games2rk
- 130h median play time
"Ultimate Pro Football GM" is a sports game that lets you step into the role of a professional football GM, with the goal of building a successful franchise dynasty. The game boasts stunning mechanics, but be prepared for lots of grinding and some frustrating bugs. Despite its flaws, it provides a unique and immersive experience for football enthusiasts.
Reviews
- Great game for football management enthusiasts, offering a deep and engaging experience.
- No ads and a fair pricing model for premium features, making it accessible for all players.
- Challenging gameplay that requires strategic thinking and planning to build a successful team.
- Recent updates have introduced a pay-to-win model, making it difficult to progress without spending money.
- The simulation outcomes can be unrealistic, with lower-ranked teams frequently defeating higher-ranked teams.
- The user interface has become cluttered and less intuitive, making navigation more difficult.
- monetization92 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 21 % neutral mentions
- 36 % negative mentions
The monetization model of the game is largely praised for its lack of intrusive ads and reasonable in-app purchases, with many players appreciating the one-time payment option for premium features. However, some users express frustration over the introduction of microtransactions for training points, which they feel detracts from the overall experience and can create a paywall for progression. Overall, while the absence of ads is a significant positive, concerns about the balance between free play and monetization persist.
“I can't overstate how refreshing it is to have a management-focused game not shove microtransactions down your throat, while also having some real substance to it.”
“The only in-game purchase that matters is the one-time $2, which is a steal for dozens of hours I've already played!”
“The monetization feels fair.”
“It is like a cash grab by the company to force players to pay for training points to improve their teams as they don't provide many ways to get free points.”
“The training points system is extremely bad and is obviously just a cash grab.”
“This was one of my favorite games until the devs ruined it with all the monetization.”
- gameplay59 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally praised for its depth, intuitive mechanics, and engaging management elements, making it fun and addictive for players who enjoy franchise modes. However, some users express frustration with tedious mechanics, a perceived pay-to-win model, and certain features that feel ineffective or unimpactful. Overall, while the game offers a solid experience, there are calls for improvements and updates to enhance gameplay further.
“The gameplay is awesome and the franchising is great!”
“Gameplay is fun and addictive.”
“It is clear that the developers of this game take pride in their work and listen to the customer, and the gameplay is smooth and easy. They give the player total control and face you with situations that real GMs deal with, and this is all why I love this game so much!”
“Some of the game mechanics seem to have very little effect (such as disciplining a player), and I wish the mechanic would do something.”
“According to other reviews, it used to not be this way, but as of now it feels impossible to truly progress as a franchise without optimal play or luck, mostly due to progression being tied to the 'training point' system, which mostly seems to be a way for the developers to earn a little extra cash, but ultimately makes the gameplay a little tedious and your decisions during the first 10-20 years feel somewhat unimpactful.”
“It's a very clear and obvious 'pay-to-win' mechanic that was implemented with the training point system, ruins the gameplay.”
- graphics16 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with some players expressing frustration over glitches and poor design choices following recent updates, while others appreciate the simplicity and find them adequate for gameplay. Many users long for the return of previous graphics, citing that the current visuals detract from their overall experience. However, a few players note improvements in the latest version, highlighting better graphics and gameplay without significant bugs.
“I like playing this game; lots of stats, graphics are great, management helps teach how pro teams operate.”
“The new version has significantly better graphics, awesome gameplay, and zero bug issues.”
“This game burns hours because it's just so engaging, and for a game with minimal graphics and which cost me nothing, it's a ton of fun.”
“Close to unplayable, silly pointless characters, bad layouts and graphics, poor menu structure, terrible color choices, just to name a few.”
“Love the game but since a couple of updates ago, the graphics have been very glitchy.”
“Hate this game now; I loved it before the dumb update. The graphics are so bad I want the old ones back.”
- replayability13 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
Overall, the game is praised for its excellent replayability, with many users highlighting the depth, customization options, and varying difficulty levels that encourage multiple playthroughs. While some players note that it may become stale after several games, the majority agree that the challenge and strategic elements keep the experience fresh and engaging.
“Great replay value and a challenge on higher difficulties.”
“So much depth, options, replayability, and genuine strategy makes this a must-have for gaming enjoyment.”
“The different difficulties make a big difference too, which makes it very replayable since different strategies are required!”
“Unimaginable replay value.”
“Decent depth and replayability.”
“Love this game; it took me a while to get to the Super Bowl, but that's what made it fun—always more room for improvement for replayability.”
- grinding13 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- -15 % neutral mentions
- 92 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively tedious and frustrating, particularly due to the cumbersome training point system and a cluttered user interface that complicates decision-making. While there are enjoyable elements and depth to the gameplay, many feel that progress is heavily gated, often requiring a premium pass for a smoother experience, which detracts from overall enjoyment. Overall, the game is described as fun but marred by repetitive and slow-paced mechanics that can make long-term play feel unfulfilling.
“The grinding in this game feels rewarding and engaging, making each session enjoyable.”
“I love how the grind leads to meaningful progress, keeping me motivated to play.”
“Unlike other games, the grinding here is balanced and doesn't feel like a chore.”
“It is awful trying to train coaches or switch players' styles, and getting training points is very tedious for the amount everything costs.”
“According to other reviews, it used to not be this way, but as of now it feels impossible to truly progress as a franchise without optimal play or luck, mostly due to progression being tied to the 'training point' system, which mostly seems to be a way for the developers to earn a little extra cash, but ultimately makes the gameplay a little tedious and your decisions during the first 10-20 years feel somewhat unimpactful.”
“It is grindy and snail-paced.”
- stability11 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 82 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is mixed; while many players initially experienced smooth gameplay, recent updates have introduced significant glitches, particularly in critical moments like the fourth quarter. Some users report occasional bugs and crashes, but others have had no issues at all, indicating a varied experience among players.
“The game is clean and not bug-ridden.”
“Yes, it's good; there are no glitches.”
“Game ran great and smooth, then like most, had to do an update and now it glitches in the fourth quarter every single time.”
“Great game but the update is so buggy!”
“I paid for the game because I enjoyed it and as soon as I do, it glitches and now I don't want to play it.”
- story7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with players appreciating the new missions and upcoming modes but expressing disappointment over the lack of background and character development. Many feel that the recent updates have detracted from the overall experience, particularly in terms of storytelling and accessibility to missions without additional costs.
“I do like the new missions and the new 'goat' mode that's coming soon.”
“Especially when you want to do storytelling.”
“This was an incredible game, but with the new skin/update/daily missions, this game is now terrible.”
“Especially if we had some background/backstory to the players.”
“Can't even complete level 1 missions without paying.”
- optimization7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its solid optimization, providing a smooth experience without performance issues. Players appreciate the layout and functionality, although there is a desire for more statistical information on team match-ups and historical data. Overall, it effectively meets the expectations for a management simulation in the NFL genre.
“Good optimization and layout of the game; this is literally what I look for in an NFL GM!”
“No performance or play issues at all.”
“But if you get carried away or spend too much money, the owner takes control or they fire you for bad team performance.”
“I would like to see more statistical information on team match-ups, historical data, and performance data.”
“I have played a few games in the past that included GM duties along with play calling (coaching) and performance on the field (player), but this is strictly GM duties.”
- music5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
Overall, players feel that the game lacks sufficient background music, expressing a desire for more musical elements to enhance the experience. While some appreciate the gameplay, the absence of music is a common critique that detracts from the overall atmosphere.
“I really enjoy this game, but it needs some kind of background music.”
“Needs background music in the worst way though.”
“Good franchise builder, although I think it needs some music.”
“I like it so far, but I kind of wish it had some sort of music.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its ironic take on football, as players find amusement in the absurdity of not actually playing the sport while still enjoying the experience. Additionally, the comedic commentary from fans about the training facilities adds a layer of humor that resonates with players.
“Honestly, one of the most fun football games I've ever played, which is funny because you don't actually play any football.”
“It's funny when fans comment that the gym and training facility are inadequate when they're already at level 5.”
“Very funny.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a strong emotional connection to the game and its characters, highlighting their attachment to players and the desire for deeper interactions. The absence of frequent ads enhances the experience, allowing for a more immersive and engaging gameplay that fosters emotional investment. Overall, the game successfully evokes feelings of control and attachment, making it a worthwhile purchase for players.
“No ads every 2 minutes, and I've even become emotionally attached to players that I don't want to let go.”
“If you haven't bought the $2 pass, do it! I promise it's well worth it, and trust me, I was hesitant at first, but wow, I'm glad I did. It made me feel more in control of what I can do with the team!”