- Sublime finish!Having played this series since the end of the previous century, this version is the best yet. For long time fans, there have been plenty of tweaks and additions to make the game that much more addictive and consuming. For virtual newbies, the game may at first seem daunting in its complexity. Fear not, SI has your back. This year they've included a tutorial to help get your feet wet. They also got a new assistant function that will give you context sensitive suggestions. Once you've got your bearing, it becomes a bit like the Microsoft Office Paper Clip. Fortunately, it's a feature easily turned off.
In general, the game play is fantastic. All the aspects of an international career in management are present. You've got your first team, your reserve squad and a youth set-up. You train your players to keep them fit and make them better. You design your tactics the way YOU want your team to play. Then you set them loose on game day to watch them ignore your best laid plans and get trounced. ;)
Be warned: The popularity of this game is not based on fancy graphics or fast-twitch muscle fiber. To succeed at this game you've got to be patient and attentive to detail. It's very much a marathon, not a sprint.
