The Football Manager 2015 beta is available to those who pre-ordered as a bonus ahead of the November 7 release date. It grants access to a version of the full game that's only missing multiplayer and the out-of-game editor, and so it provides a good look at the upcoming release.
Most Common Fan Feedback And Complaints For FM 15 Beta
I've played quite a bit of the beta at this point, sinking in at least 30 hours, and there is plenty to discuss. Below are the highs and lows of this year's version of the game in its current state (subject and likely to change before or following launch).
The UI Is Different, But Is It Better?
The interface now has a sidebar with all of the needed tabs for your squad, tactics, staff, and everything else. The top of the menu now displays a web browser-like bar, which you can just type into to search for anything. The submenus within each section are changed, as well--the tactics screen looks entirely different, and the transfer center is more specific to ongoing transfer offers only.
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All of these changes take getting used to, but I'm not sure the new design is any better. The sidebar itself seems good--I don't have an issue with it, even if things are changed around. But each menu, particularly the tactics screen, aren't exactly better. I preferred the old version, and think it's more difficult to change player roles and duties, make changes to the lineup, and look over your selections. It feels cluttered, and each menu brings out just a little more digging--why don't player profile pages show the star ratings without clicking over to the scouting reports?
The 3D Match Engine Looks Better
Player models look more like people and less like stumpy figures, which is a plus. The animations Sports Interactive mentioned are definitely noticeable, as the players will move the ball in ways they did not previously. The stadiums are shown a bit more, as well, and it otherwise looks similar to the past versions.
Not Sure The 3D Match Engine Plays Better
The new aesthetic additions are all well and good, but fans will be more concerned with how it plays. To be frank, it's a mixed bag, though you must remember it's a beta and could change. SI is collecting feedback and bug information from fans and will undoubtedly implement the needed improvements, but there's no saying what aspects are going to change for sure.
Defense in particular is suspect, with players often slowing down tremendously when chasing a ball back to their own goal, and there are a high number of team collapses and subsequent routs. The midfield play seems improved, and player finishing is as frustrating as always--but such is life in football.
New Interaction Options Are Welcome, Need Some Balancing
In Football Manager 2015, there's more you can say to players (both those you own and those you don't). If an agent does not think his client will sign, you can be offered the chance to speak with the player directly to convince him to come. Failing still hurts, but it's better than being immediately locked out. As a whole, there's more you can say to players who are upset (which admittedly happens a bit too frequently--the whole locker room can turn against you at once for not giving one guy more playing time) and added interactions with press and administration.
These are my first general and preliminary thoughts on the game--more will be on the way with added playing time focusing on more specific aspects, so check back soon.
