Out of the real world and in to the virtual one. Being of an age where gaming consoles have become beyond my time and interests, I need some help and views from those in the know. The one particular game I am talking about I believe goes by the name Football Manager, I guess something like FM2012. What I am curious to know is how close is the content of the game based on reality? Sometimes I just feel that some people appear to pick up their knowledge from this game rather than the reality version. I have followed the Gills for many decades but I would not pretend to know all the ins and outs of the youth structure, although I clearly accept that some people do follow it closely. However, sometimes when you look around various sites, people appear to be picking up information from nothing more than a reality game, right or wrong, I will leave you to tell me. If I am right is this game really that close to the reality of supporting our club? I expect the more serious question is has football priced itself out of the reach of many fans now, that they have to live their dreams, shut in a room behind a keyboard with FM2012.
Personally, I've constantly purchased these games season in, season out since the late 90's. Sad as it sounds, I'm really missing not having it this time around. I think you've really addressed the dangers, if you can refer to them as such, of this game and the effect it has on people who have grown up spending hours on end playing them. Under Eidos, and the original name of Championship Manager, these games lacked any real structure and some of the transfers were somewhat ridiculous, however in the last few years the Sports Interactive Football Manager games have really picked up in terms of trying to get as close to the "real game" as possible. I play it very much by the book. I will never try and go for players that I personally feel are beyond my club's reach. I play an under-strength squad in cup games, and I like to keep a firm grip on my youth team and transfer policies. I guess my only real bug bear with the game, which only comes about if you're sad like me and have a recurring game going into at least 3 or 4 virtual seasons, is that the amount and nature of some transfers become a bit ridiculous. Clubs squads are generally uncreognisable from the ones that begin the game, due to constant comings and goings. But I guess this depends on how each individual player's views. I will probably always play them, until it becomes socially "uncool" not to. If it's not already...
I have been buying these games for years and I think they are great, I have not learnt much of what I know from them as most of the stuff in the game is general knowledge to a Gillingham fan, You can't find out much about the past from the game.
During the close season they can alleviate bordeom. Sometimes a bit addictive, but more of way of expressing your opinons on formation and tactics 3-5-2 always works best by the way.
Yeah 3 good strong centre backs is great, don't see teams play that anymore, but it is a great way to play, however it isn't always good if you play a team with great wide players, you would then need right and left wingers who are defensive, someone like Bale on the left and Rafael on the right.
