Football Manager 2020

Management sims, and especially sports management sims, have always been my bag. I've won National Championships in the old EA NCAA games, started a expansion team in 2K, and even had CM Punk retire due to a drug addiction in one of my many fake wrestling promotions. But nothing compares to the stories that have come from the various iterations of Football Manager.
Part of it is simply how complex soccer is. There are hundreds of leagues and thousands of players. And the game itself can be very complicated. A player who is amazing in one scheme can be dogshit in another. Even egos and personality types come into play -- I distinctly remember one Liverpool save where I bought Harry Kane and it caused my whole team to mutiny.
Sports games all come with management modes now, but compared to the depth of Football Manager it's like the difference between swimming in the deep end and wading in a kiddie pool. It's not for everyone but if this is your type of game it doesn't get better than this.

Difficult to master but can create real tension hoping for that late equalizer or winner. Fun to play in any division.

Football Manager (FM) isn't just about numbers and text to those who understand its magic. It's a realm where dreams take shape, where the fervor for football finds its digital haven.
Within this simulated universe, every notion and hope a fan harbors for their beloved club can materialize. Whether orchestrating the rise of a prestigious club to triple-crown glory or navigating the challenges of a lower-tier team, each stride forward is a personal conquest. You might assume the guise of a savvy dealmaker, wheeling and dealing for profit, or opt for unorthodox methods, nurturing a squad of homegrown talent like your own progeny. The game allows for hands-on involvement in every facet or the luxury of delegating tasks, assuming the role of a contented overseer.
My journey with FM spans numerous years—just me, my trusty computer, a flask of coffee, and a journal. No breaks, no shortcuts. Ahead of every match, I meticulously analyze opponents, fine-tune tactics, and maintain an extensive library of football literature for insights. The highs of nail-biting victories and the lows of gut-wrenching defeats are etched in my memory. I can still vividly recall the heartbreak of losing a Champions League final on penalties to Atletico Madrid, feeling the weight of defeat akin to Mourinho himself. Yet, there are those indelible moments, like Ruben Neves' last-minute heroics against Liverpool, clinching the Premier League title for my team. At the final whistle, I pumped my fist in triumph, wanting to shout from the rooftops, "I reign supreme!"
Years of leadership have witnessed resignation in the face of board disagreements, accompanied by the poignant departure of loyal staff. Witnessing homegrown talents blossom fills me with paternal pride, while lackluster performances stir frustration, sometimes prompting me to pound the table, yearning for halftime substitutions. These genuine emotions of elation, fury, anguish, and mirth distinguish FM—it's not just a game; it's a slice of life.
This iteration of FM stands as a testament to its predecessors, boasting refinement and depth. Despite its flaws—the missed opportunities, the erratic crossing of wingers—its allure remains irresistible. Launching Football Manager, you can envision yourself on the pitch, amid the scent of freshly mown grass, with players by your side. As you bask in the adulation of fans, their chants echoing, their anthems composed for you, there's nothing quite like it.
For those uninitiated into this fantastical realm, ensure you have your player face packs, team logos, 2D and 3D kit packs, and authentic trophy images at the ready. And for aspiring coaches seeking these enhancements, don't hesitate to reach out.

Football Manager 2020 isn't just a game; it's a deep dive into the world of football management. The level of detail in this game is astounding – from player transfers to tactical decisions, it encapsulates the essence of being at the helm of a football club. What really stands out is the game's realistic transfer market and the dynamic nature of player interactions. You feel the weight of every decision, whether it's in training sessions or crucial matches. The 3D match engine brings your tactical choices to life, adding a visually engaging layer to your strategies. The learning curve is steep, but once you get the hang of it, it's incredibly rewarding. Whether you're a seasoned veteran of the series or a newcomer with a passion for football, Football Manager 2020 offers an immersive experience that’s hard to put down. A must-play for anyone who fantasizes about managing a top-tier football club.

FM20 is the first FM game I really sank my teeth into after becoming legitimately interested in the sport, albeit I didn't start playing it in earnest until 2022. The series as a whole is a monumental achievement in simulation, even with its flaws, and there are many. If you're playing FM, you're not playing it for great graphics or sound, or even necessarily amazing gameplay, but for the sheer depth and detail of the simulated world, with thousands upon thousands of real players and teams meticulously coded in in a way that FIFA could only dream of.
FM is also amazing at giving you moments of pure emotion as you watch a game unfold. It really does feel like a mixture of actually having the game be in your hands, while still watching it as a spectator or fan. One of the most memorable FM20 moments for me was when my Arsenal side came back from 4-0 down to Manchester City at halftime to draw 4-4 with the last action of the game in an absolute masterclass of a second half. The sheer joy when Bastoni scored that header was one of the highest highs I've ever had from a video game, and that includes much bigger achievements in that same save. That was the moment that launched the most successful Premier League season that Arsenal have ever had. But not just joy, but sadness, and anger also. A football season is long and arduous and you will always have failures, and they hurt. But FM is great for all of those moments; it feels like you're really going through a season, with all the highs and lows, and that's what FM is best for.
What I like about this game, over FM 22 and 23, which I've also played, is the interaction interface. In more recent games they've made this terrible change where most of the screen is empty except for a single dialogue bit from your player, and then all of your options crammed at the bottom of the screen. This is awful for my poor eyesight. In this game things are more centered and obvious. Also, the change they made in later games to hide the energy level numbers in favor of hearts? Also not a fan, both because I'd prefer things to be less obtuse, even if it's less realistic, and again for vision purposes.
Of course this version missing things I've grown to quite like, like the date hub and more agent interactions, and players deteriorate in quality too quickly in this game, while in later entries they age a bit more gracefully, which is more realistic. FM23 also has the UEFA licenses, which is nice, though I suspect pretty much anyone who plays this mods in such things anyway.
Overall FM20 is still worth revisiting if you have it, to play out certain kinds of games, even if you have later entries.
I have to give my due to one of the venerable pillars of the simulation genre, which is still going strong today. It quickly became one of my most played franchises of all time, and I don't anticipate that changing anytime soon.

It is the 53rd minute of the game in the Stadio Olympico, and Gustavo Rey starts one of his trademark runs on the right. He crosses the ball to Van der Velde on the left, who makes a direct pass towards the penalty area. Jardel Nascimento is there, and with a powerful shot, he sends the ball into Barcelona's net.
Billericay Town would go on to score two more goals in this Final, eventually winning their first Champions League trophy.
First of the many to come in the following years, making them one of the most decorated Football Clubs of our time.
During the Covid 19 quarantines, I was a free man.

I've played this game far too much...but what can you say about Football Manager? Once you start, well...you don't stop :D