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Football Manager 2006FM06
Football Manager 2005FM05
Released: 21/10/2005
Platforms:
Football Manager 2006 was the first time the series was opened up to a console audience in addition to traditional PC and Macintosh players. Thanks to the new Xbox 360's hard disk drive, it was finally possible to build a football management game on console without compromising the depth of the simulation. (This was also the first year for Football Manager Handheld, which you can read about separately.)
New audiences were also on our minds when we introduced the comprehensive in-game tutorial, with over 30,000 words of tips and suggestions. Wherever you were in the game, you could hit F1 to receive guidance, and while this feature was designed primarily for new players, veteran managers told us they also benefited from the occasional refresher!
FM06 was notable for the introduction of half-time team talks. It didn't always help but it was a useful tool to have in your locker room.
Match prep was also assisted by a revamped training system, with individual schedules and additional roles for back-room staff, while fussy managers could now look up referee profiles and perhaps adjust tactics when yellow cards were likely to be in the offing.
Significant Innovations
- Console Players Welcome! In addition to full-bodied PC and Mac versions, Football Manager 2006 was released on the new Xbox 360 console, using its vital HDD.
- Comprehensive Tutorial - Not sure how to do something? FM now offered in-game support on every page for the first time.
- Negotiate With The Board - Managers could push the directors to invest in the team and facilities, but everything came at the cost of increased expectations.
- Team Talks - You could finally get into the players at half-time - and then talk them down again after the final whistle.
- Revamped Training and Injury Modules - Set unique schedules, task coaches with specific roles, and receive reports from the physio; all part of keeping the squad trim.
WHAT THEY SAID
9/10
"But what you really want to know at the end of this dissection is whether it's worth shelling out for all over again? Yes, if you want the best version of the best football management game ever made."
PC Format
90%
[December 2005, Page 89]
"It's imposingly deep and demanding."
8/10
"Many of the best next-gen games released so far for the 360 have impressed with their stunning visuals, but there's nothing flashy about Football Manager 2006; It doesn't need to be when it's head and shoulders above all other football management games released on consoles to date."
