ALRIGHT BOYZ...HERE WE GO...The Football Manager 2012 THREAD!!! - Page 5

EagleFan · 10-27-2011, 06:27 PM

Question from an outsider looking in...

Is there enough of a difference between 11 and 12 to justify the upgrade for someone that is not a hardcore soccer guy. I enjoy the hell out of 11 and love messing with the formations and strategy though I admit that I don't know enough to really know what I am doing, but having fun anyway.

I don't know enough about all the players and leagues to know if there are major flaws in the way the games play out but watching a game play out in FM is one of the most enjoyable experiences that I have had in computer gaming. Sadly, it has almost ruined me on watching soccer as I would rather watch a match play out in FM over watching anything but only the highest level of soccer being played (it is hard for me to watch the MLS as I don't find it as entertaining as a game of FM).

Are there enough reasons to jump to the new version?

Right about now would be the time for me to as I switched to a new laptop so I have to start from scratch for a new career on 11 anyway.

To be honest, the only thing that would keep me from jumping to the next version would be if it gets more complicated. Since I lucked into getting 11 (thanks to the greatest secret santa ever

) I am leaning towards making the jump and really only major bugs or changes which over-complicate the game would keep me from making the jump.

(I think I almost talked myself into it while typing this post)

DaddyTorgo · 10-27-2011, 07:04 PM

Not really anymore "complicated" - although the addition of "tone" to team talks and conversations makes them more nuanced and difficult. But personally I think that's a hell of a lot more realistic...

Sweed · 10-27-2011, 07:24 PM

I think in game action looks a lot more realistic, especially action in the box. The whole thing just seems tighter to me. Goalkeeper passing\distribution, and through balls are much improved, IMHO. Missed shots make sense to me now compared to previous versions where "the game engine makes a missed shot but the graphic display of it just isn't as real looking as it should be". Maybe others don't see it the same way I do but end to end I find viewing a match is so much better in 12.

There are little things like pop-up boxes showing all of a players attributes by mousing over a little "i" icon next to his name. Love this feature when setting up tactics or making opposition instructions during a game. Hell, they are even in the widget boxes on your TV view during a match.

DT has touched on the team talks. Also included in the talks are being able to address each tier of your team IE a message to just your defenders, midfielders, or attackers.

It's all subjective and maybe to you it wouldn't be worth $40. As for me I'm happy with spending the cash and find the upgrade worth the price. If you haven't tried the demo it would be a good way to see new features in action. Of course you could always wait for a sale on Steam, I would think they would be $29 around Christmas.

TroyF · 10-27-2011, 07:39 PM

Some questions here:

1) I've never had an issue pop up because I've always been careful about designating too many first team contracts, but how many games does first team mean? It it 100% for key, 75% for first team, 50% for rotation, 25% for backup? What games count in this?

2) Do the hidden attributes change. Like consistency and big matches ratings?

3) What constitutes a big game. In my last save I wrote about the congestion at the top of the league. It's week 35, I'm playing West Brom, I lose and I'm likely out of the title race. Does the engine know that's a big game or is it only rival games and championship games?

DaddyTorgo · 10-27-2011, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TroyF

Some questions here:

1) I've never had an issue pop up because I've always been careful about designating too many first team contracts, but how many games does first team mean? It it 100% for key, 75% for first team, 50% for rotation, 25% for backup? What games count in this?

2) Do the hidden attributes change. Like consistency and big matches ratings?

3) What constitutes a big game. In my last save I wrote about the congestion at the top of the league. It's week 35, I'm playing West Brom, I lose and I'm likely out of the title race. Does the engine know that's a big game or is it only rival games and championship games?

For #1 - I'd imagine it depends on the player.

RPI-Fan · 10-27-2011, 09:06 PM

Umm, you can easily transfer your save game from your old laptop to your new one.

Big Fo · 10-27-2011, 09:44 PM

I'm not sure what counts as a big game really. I just assumed it meant derbies, cup finals (and maybe semifinals), and games down the stretch when you're competing for a league title. Maybe I'm wrong.

DaddyTorgo · 10-27-2011, 11:03 PM

I really want to start my longterm savegame.

SirFozzie · 10-27-2011, 11:11 PM

I want Mario Balotelli mode, where players randomly burn down their house with fireworks, score a goal in the League Cup, lift your uniform to reveal a top that reads "Why Always Me?", have their mum send them to a shop to get an iron, and come back with a trampoline, a Scalextric, two Vespas and a ping pong table, and then while out on a shopping date with his mega hot GF, get caught leafing through a porno mag.

(yes, all these things happened to Mario this month)

sovereignstar v2 · 10-27-2011, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

I want Mario Balotelli mode, where players randomly burn down their house with fireworks, score a goal in the League Cup, lift your uniform to reveal a top that reads "Why Always Me?", have their mum send them to a shop to get an iron, and come back with a trampoline, a Scalextric, two Vespas and a ping pong table, and then while out on a shopping date with his mega hot GF, get caught leafing through a porno mag.

(yes, all these things happened to Mario this month)

You get to date this too...

SirFozzie · 10-27-2011, 11:45 PM

yes, that is the GF he was out with when photographed leafing through a porno mag.

As I said elsewhere "Dude! you have Filet mignon right next to you in real life, why would you look at pictures of steak in a magazine?"

EagleFan · 10-28-2011, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sovereignstar v2

You get to date this too...

I believe that I hate that man.... or am extremely jealous of him.

MrBug708 · 10-28-2011, 03:13 AM

haha...found out why I dont win any manager awards. Because I quick sim games, my Assman has been getting the nod.

MrBug708 · 10-28-2011, 04:02 AM

Just had a 7-7 tie in the 4th round of the FA Cup against the 11th place Championship team. They scored four goals against a grey-out GK in the last 20 minutes of the game. I had a goal disallowed in 2 minutes of stoppage time

jbergey22 · 10-28-2011, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrBug708

Just had a 7-7 tie in the 4th round of the FA Cup against the 11th place Championship team. They scored four goals against a grey-out GK in the last 20 minutes of the game. I had a goal disallowed in 2 minutes of stoppage time

You should send out your tactics. Call it "Fun and Gun" soccer tactics by Mr Bug.

Epi_862 · 10-28-2011, 04:56 AM

Just want to answer to the non-soccer-fan who asked if 12 is worth it - yes it is. The scouting (which is my favorite part) is miles better and more... i guess logical now. Player interaction is miles better. Its just an all around better game. All the additions this year really make it great.

And also, im now going into my third season with newport co., and just got promoted to npower 2. This fucking game has taken every free minute i have had this week. Even skipped gym 2 times. It's seriously un-fucking-healthy good. And i hate to admit it, but im hooked. Hopefully getting my ass handed to me npower 2 tames the addiction a bit.

Mizzou B-ball fan · 10-28-2011, 10:48 AM

Funny story. Went to 'Tony & Tina's Wedding' while out here in Vegas. Sat next to a couple who was from Southampton. First thing I said was 'don't they have a soccer team?'. He gave me a full update on the team and how they were doing. Said they were leading the division just below Premiership and were hoping a promotion was in the works. He was impressed how much I knew about English soccer. All because of this game.

DaddyTorgo · 10-28-2011, 11:14 AM

Getting antsy to start my long-term game, but I started a game as River Plate in Argentina last night before I crashed. Gave myself Argentine/Italian heritage so that maybe I move abroad to Europe at some point in the future.

Kind of want to wait another month or so to make sure the game is ironed out and ready for my long-term game.

bulletsponge · 10-28-2011, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Epi_862

Just want to answer to the non-soccer-fan who asked if 12 is worth it - yes it is. The scouting (which is my favorite part) is miles better and more... i guess logical now. Player interaction is miles better. Its just an all around better game. All the additions this year really make it great.

And also, im now going into my third season with newport co., and just got promoted to npower 2. This fucking game has taken every free minute i have had this week. Even skipped gym 2 times. It's seriously un-fucking-healthy good. And i hate to admit it, but im hooked. Hopefully getting my ass handed to me npower 2 tames the addiction a bit.

i got news for ya, getting your ass kicked just makes you want to come back for revenge. the harder the game is, the more addictive it is

Tim Tellean · 10-28-2011, 05:33 PM

In case you hadn't seen this before.

Football Manager Guide | Ultimate Tactics & Strategy Walkthrough

Have your squad playing beautiful football in FM
Explore and dominate the game like never before! Stop navigating blindly through countless confusing game features and your frustration at seeing inconsistent results - now you can learn the game inside and out with the biggest and most comprehensive strategy manual ever created for the Football Manager series.

The Ultimate FM Walkthrough Guide tackles all the features and is a veritable step-by-step strategy for success from past FM beta testers in all facets of the game including tactics, training, scouting, team talks, squad management and much, much more.

This eBook is 132 massive pages of quality tips, secret hints and in-depth experienced insight on Football Manager you will not find anywhere else. No padding. No filler.

Philosophy of approaching a football management job
Footballer genetics and scouting dynamics
The power of player psychology and team talks.
Training regimes and preparing for each match.
Tactical superiority and statistical analysis
and so much more, we can't even list it all here!

At FM-Britain, Tactical Theorems and Communication & Psychological Warfare provided you with an excellent under-the-hood look at the tactical modules and team talk options, but what it had in depth, it lacked in information in other key areas of the game.

This eBook, produced by Wonderkid of FM Fanboys & Los Wonderkids fame, makes up for those holes and then some. Actually, some of the tactical philosophies inside his guide could be considered an opposing viewpoint to our own - but they're still rooted in fundamentals we do agree upon. He also has written it purposely in a way which is easy-to-digest and relatable to everyone, from complete newbies to experienced vets. As Wonderkid puts it himself:

"FM is a game reaching to be as accurate a simulation as possible; it's not an arcade game anymore. You can no longer be successful under the old 'click, click, click and play a match' mentality; so, if you want to be good at this game and get the benefits from understanding it, you need to grasp the real concept of football management - and this is what the eBook aims to provide. Ultimately, I just hope people enjoy reading it and learn how to enjoy their games like I do."

Here at FM-Britain, we support him and this eBook wholeheartedly. In fact, we've even secured a deal to get you and all of our loyal readers an exclusive 20% discount off the £6.95 price of this massive 132-page guide.

Until this Sunday night at 11:59pm GMT, you can purchase this strategy guide hot off the digital presses for only £5.50. Just type in the discount code NEWSLETTER20 at the secured checkout.

Marc Vaughan · 10-28-2011, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Funny story. Went to 'Tony & Tina's Wedding' while out here in Vegas. Sat next to a couple who was from Southampton. First thing I said was 'don't they have a soccer team?'. He gave me a full update on the team and how they were doing. Said they were leading the division just below Premiership and were hoping a promotion was in the works. He was impressed how much I knew about English soccer. All because of this game.

(wrings hands happily while a white cat purs on the arm of his chair)

Oh yes another one falls into our clutches, its only a matter of time until more succumb and I'm able to watch even more soccer matches on DirectTV .... muhahaha ....

All part of my master plan to be able to follow Brighton more easily from Florida

Grim.Reaper · 10-28-2011, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Tellean

In case you hadn't seen this before.

Football Manager Guide | Ultimate Tactics & Strategy Walkthrough

Have your squad playing beautiful football in FM
Explore and dominate the game like never before!Stop navigating blindly through countless confusing game features and your frustration at seeing inconsistent results - now you can learn the game inside and out with the biggest and most comprehensive strategy manual ever created for the Football Manager series.

The Ultimate FM Walkthrough Guide tackles all the features and is a veritable step-by-step strategy for success from past FM beta testers in all facets of the game including tactics, training, scouting, team talks, squad management and much, much more.

This eBook is 132 massive pages of quality tips, secret hints and in-depth experienced insight on Football Manager you will not find anywhere else. No padding. No filler.

Philosophy of approaching a football management job
Footballer genetics and scouting dynamics
The power of player psychology and team talks.
Training regimes and preparing for each match.
Tactical superiority and statistical analysis
and so much more, we can't even list it all here!

At FM-Britain, Tactical Theorems and Communication & Psychological Warfare provided you with an excellent under-the-hood look at the tactical modules and team talk options, but what it had in depth, it lacked in information in other key areas of the game.

This eBook, produced by Wonderkid of FM Fanboys & Los Wonderkids fame, makes up for those holes and then some. Actually, some of the tactical philosophies inside his guide could be considered an opposing viewpoint to our own - but they're still rooted in fundamentals we do agree upon. He also has written it purposely in a way which is easy-to-digest and relatable to everyone, from complete newbies to experienced vets. As Wonderkid puts it himself:

"FM is a game reaching to be as accurate a simulation as possible; it's not an arcade game anymore. You can no longer be successful under the old 'click, click, click and play a match' mentality; so, if you want to be good at this game and get the benefits from understanding it, you need to grasp the real concept of football management - and this is what the eBook aims to provide. Ultimately, I just hope people enjoy reading it and learn how to enjoy their games like I do."

Here at FM-Britain, we support him and this eBook wholeheartedly. In fact, we've even secured a deal to get you and all of our loyal readers an exclusive 20% discount off the £6.95 price of this massive 132-page guide.

Until this Sunday night at 11:59pm GMT, you can purchase this strategy guide hot off the digital presses for only £5.50. Just type in the discount code NEWSLETTER20 at the secured checkout.

Is this updated for the latest version? The site did not mention it.

Ajaxab · 10-28-2011, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marc Vaughan

Oh yes another one falls into our clutches, its only a matter of time until more succumb and I'm able to watch even more soccer matches on DirectTV .... muhahaha ....

Hopefully, DirecTV can get their deal with Fox Sports sorted out so that we can keep on getting soccer matches after the end of the month.

Atocep · 10-28-2011, 10:37 PM

Does anyone know what it takes to be able to request your board to move the club from semi-professional to professional?

I'm assuming you need solid finances and you need to be a league with other professional teams. In the past it was also recommended that you sign your players to full-time contracts but that's not an option in this version as a semi-pro club.

MrBug708 · 10-28-2011, 11:52 PM

I was asked a question about the relationship with the chairman. I told the newspaper that we didn't even talk. I wanted to see what was going to happen, but nada

EagleFan · 10-29-2011, 02:02 PM

Just had a weird oddity in my first friendly.

One of my defenders was called for a foul in the box and also injured on the play (talk about a double whammy).

Two team trainers (or coaches, or something) stood with him on the field for a little while then he walked off the field with them. I saw the two trainers walking down the sideline (like they were heading to the back I assume). Then the injured player walked back onto the field to where he was injured and the seemed to take his jersey off and sit in an invisible chair.

For the PK (and follow up play as the keeper made the save) he just sat there on his invisible chair about 8 feet from where the PK was taken.

It was near the end of the match and there were no more plays that showed up down my end of the field so I don't know if he was going to remain.

tyketime · 10-29-2011, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grim.Reaper

Is this updated for the latest version? The site did not mention it.

I never heard of this before. So I just googled it, and The Ultimate Football Manager 2011 Walkthrough Guide clocked in at 108 pages. Current version now states 132 pages. I'm not definite it was updated with FM12 info, but there have been some changes since Nov 2010.

AlexB · 10-29-2011, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EagleFan

Just had a weird oddity in my first friendly.

One of my defenders was called for a foul in the box and also injured on the play (talk about a double whammy).

Two team trainers (or coaches, or something) stood with him on the field for a little while then he walked off the field with them. I saw the two trainers walking down the sideline (like they were heading to the back I assume). Then the injured player walked back onto the field to where he was injured and the seemed to take his jersey off and sit in an invisible chair.

For the PK (and follow up play as the keeper made the save) he just sat there on his invisible chair about 8 feet from where the PK was taken.

It was near the end of the match and there were no more plays that showed up down my end of the field so I don't know if he was going to remain.

I've seen something similar - one of my injured players levitating horizontally about a foot above the pitch on an invisible stretcher while being flanked by two men in white coats!

Oilers9911 · 10-29-2011, 04:46 PM

Anyone having issues with the game freezing? Every third match or so when I click the Play button to start the match, the game freezes to the point where I have to shut the laptop off in order to get out of it. Could it be graphics card related?

DaddyTorgo · 10-29-2011, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oilers9911

Anyone having issues with the game freezing? Every third match or so when I click the Play button to start the match, the game freezes to the point where I have to shut the laptop off in order to get out of it. Could it be graphics card related?

Never seen that. Maybe? Is it an older card? Are your drivers updated? Does it run in 2d?

Miller Time · 10-29-2011, 07:51 PM

Anyone ever seen a guy playing for his NT but not having a club? In my Blackburn season, Owen Hargreaves is playing for England in WC qualifiers and does not have a club (it is mid October or so). Hargreaves also only played 1 game for Man City in 2010-11.

Thought that was very bizzare and highly unlikely to ever happen in real life.

RPI-Fan · 10-29-2011, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miller Time

Anyone ever seen a guy playing for his NT but not having a club? In my Blackburn season, Owen Hargreaves is playing for England in WC qualifiers and does not have a club (it is mid October or so). Hargreaves also only played 1 game for Man City in 2010-11.

Thought that was very bizzare and highly unlikely to ever happen in real life.

It's not all that unusual. Sadly, it's happened for the USMNT on several occasions. Nothing to see here, IMO.

Miller Time · 10-29-2011, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPI-Fan

It's not all that unusual. Sadly, it's happened for the USMNT on several occasions. Nothing to see here, IMO.

Might not be a bug but completely unrealistic IMO.

An unemployed 31 year old, who has played 5 competitive matches since 07-08 (it is late 2012) featuring for England in WC qualifiers? How ridiculous does that sound?

He is also willing to join my Blackburn squad for peanuts so his unemployment has nothing to do with his wage demands.

I pay zero attention to the USMNT but I am guessing whoever they capped was not under similar circumstances.

RPI-Fan · 10-29-2011, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miller Time

Might not be a bug but completely unrealistic IMO.

An unemployed 31 year old, who has played 5 competitive matches since 07-08 (it is late 2012) featuring for England in WC qualifiers? How ridiculous does that sound?

He is also willing to join my Blackburn squad for peanuts so his unemployment has nothing to do with his wage demands.

I pay zero attention to the USMNT but I am guessing whoever they capped was not under similar circumstances.

I'll be honest, I thought he had been capped by Canada the first time I read it. In which case it would have been perfectly realistic. In any event, I can easily see a situation like that playing out, even for England (coach needs a veteran midfielder in a qualifying game, presumably verse a crappy team where you don't want to create card or injury problems for your grade-A guys). Agree to disagree, I suppose.

Epi_862 · 10-30-2011, 04:42 AM

Just looking for a little input from some veterans...

I love taking a small team and trying to reach the top. I have no desire to start in the bigger leagues, and thats why i started the game with newport co.

The question i have is, is it possible to take the team to the top without cheating? In a time frame that actually is possible?

I've already taken the team to npower 2, and im currently flirting with a playoff spot 10 games to the season. But i think thats a fluke.

Now the problem is: shitty youth facilities, finances in the toilet, no wage budget... All this meaning that my squad is decent, but theres nothing cooking in the youth team, nothing in the reserve team, and my main squad is a couple of injuries away from putting John Nobody on the field.

So i guess the question is: If i just keep at it, will the attendances steadily rise, is there a chance that the owner throws a couple of million into the team or something... Or am i doomed to mediocrity for 20 years - and should i therefore try to get a job on a team wheres money and facilities for a run at the top.

If anyone has some insight, i'd gladly hear it.

Big Fo · 10-30-2011, 07:53 AM

On the SI boards I have seen people that managed non-league teams all the way to the EPL and started a dynasty with them, winning multiple league and Champions League titles. Eventually they get new stadiums, draw 50,000+ per match, can get money put into their training facilities, etc.

It's certainly possible.

bulletsponge · 10-30-2011, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Epi_862

Just looking for a little input from some veterans...

I love taking a small team and trying to reach the top. I have no desire to start in the bigger leagues, and thats why i started the game with newport co.

The question i have is, is it possible to take the team to the top without cheating? In a time frame that actually is possible?

I've already taken the team to npower 2, and im currently flirting with a playoff spot 10 games to the season. But i think thats a fluke.

Now the problem is: shitty youth facilities, finances in the toilet, no wage budget... All this meaning that my squad is decent, but theres nothing cooking in the youth team, nothing in the reserve team, and my main squad is a couple of injuries away from putting John Nobody on the field.

So i guess the question is: If i just keep at it, will the attendances steadily rise, is there a chance that the owner throws a couple of million into the team or something... Or am i doomed to mediocrity for 20 years - and should i therefore try to get a job on a team wheres money and facilities for a run at the top.

If anyone has some insight, i'd gladly hear it.

yes you can! it will be hard but it can happen. the biggest hindence will be your stadium and facilities. once you get some $$ in the bank ask for your facilities to be upgraded. stadium cost millions to expand though and can take years in the epl before you fully expand or get a new stadium

DaddyTorgo · 10-30-2011, 11:43 AM

It's definitely doable. I took San Marino from Serie C2 to Serie A and got my stadium expanded in 2010. Stadium expansion (if not mandatory, which is a nice benefit of some leagues) is tough, and getting quality youth setups up and producing is likely even tougher - however it might be a bit easier in this version...

Marc Vaughan · 10-30-2011, 11:48 AM

I'm working on it presently in my 'serious' game - Eastbourne borough are in League 1 presently, we've got a new (but compact) stadium already with 9k capacity ....

Me and my board have a somewhat 'spirited' relationship with me continually whinging at them for more resources and them finding new ways to say no, might have persuaded my old chairman to step down which happened a couple of seasons ago now .... can't be much fun having a manager complaining all the time

(I'm in 2020 now - spent quite a while mired in the Conference Premiership)

Blade6119 · 10-30-2011, 12:50 PM

I took AFC Telford from blue square north to the premier league last year, which took about 10 years, and it took me another 6 to actually win the premier league. So I went from bottom to top and it took me 16 years, and I felt I caught a few big breaks with players/games to get me there.

Crapshoot · 10-30-2011, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miller Time

Anyone ever seen a guy playing for his NT but not having a club? In my Blackburn season, Owen Hargreaves is playing for England in WC qualifiers and does not have a club (it is mid October or so). Hargreaves also only played 1 game for Man City in 2010-11.

Thought that was very bizzare and highly unlikely to ever happen in real life.

Stephen Appiah had thus happen to him with Ghana...

Blackadar · 10-30-2011, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Epi_862

Just looking for a little input from some veterans...

I love taking a small team and trying to reach the top. I have no desire to start in the bigger leagues, and thats why i started the game with newport co.

The question i have is, is it possible to take the team to the top without cheating? In a time frame that actually is possible?

I've already taken the team to npower 2, and im currently flirting with a playoff spot 10 games to the season. But i think thats a fluke.

Now the problem is: shitty youth facilities, finances in the toilet, no wage budget... All this meaning that my squad is decent, but theres nothing cooking in the youth team, nothing in the reserve team, and my main squad is a couple of injuries away from putting John Nobody on the field.

So i guess the question is: If i just keep at it, will the attendances steadily rise, is there a chance that the owner throws a couple of million into the team or something... Or am i doomed to mediocrity for 20 years - and should i therefore try to get a job on a team wheres money and facilities for a run at the top.

If anyone has some insight, i'd gladly hear it.

It's entirely possible. I took a BSN team all the way up and won the Premiership in one dynasty. Took a bunch of years to do it, but I did it.

You really have to start with a young team and develop some players that can launch you up a couple of steps. It's really buy low, sell high and don't get attached to anyone. For example, I had a kid named Dylan McGouch (or something like that) who was perfect for the lower tiers. He was fast, quick and with good finishing skills, he was the ideal target man for the long ball. I managed to get him for a song and he was a superstar. I sold him only a couple of seasons later. Why? Because his over-inflated stats were because he could take advantage of the physical vulnerabilities at the lower tiers. Once in the nPower leagues, he was just another player. So I dumped him while his value was through the roof. Getting over a million for a player at those levels is like mana from heaven.

So my strategy was to assemble a young team that got me from BSN to the nPower 2 division. Along the way, I made some excellent pickups that I turned around for some good cash flow. Once you have a war chest built up, moving up from the lower leagues becomes very easy. Then I dumped just about everyone and put together a stop-gap team of veterans to keep me from getting relegated. I burned through the cash buying the next round of young players. I got those players together and made the next push.

That got me to the nPower league, where I repeated the process. Dumped everyone I could for huge money, brought in vets for cheap with short-term contracts, used the cash kitty to buy young players and held on for dear life to not get relegated. A couple of seasons later, we were competing for the nPower Championship, got promoted and held on for dear life again while I had the stadium rebuilt and the facilities improved. Once the cash started rolling in, I started buying my talent. While I couldn't ever spend dollar-for-dollar with a club like Man City, I had more than enough to put together a top team and we won it all.

The real trick is that you have to play as a cold-hearted bastard. You can't have any sacred cows. Your entire job at the lower levels isn't so much winning, it's getting young players on the pitch in a place to put up obscene numbers and then getting rid of them before anyone figures out that they're a product of the system and not all that talented.

---

I'm currently playing a new dynasty that had me start in Australia with the Brisbane Roar. I took a promotion after a couple of years with Blackpool, but I almost wish I'd have stayed with Brisbane. It's so easy in an environment like that to build a real dynasty. In two short years, I had a $5m war chest from buying and selling players, which is HUGE at that level. It's fun to be in a position to be able to buy any player in the league and no one can compete with you on a cash basis.

---

But a damn weird thing happened to me with the Blackpool offer. I don't know if it's a quirk of the game or the rules of Australia or whatever, but Blackpool made me an offer I couldn't refuse around November. I took it, but for whatever reason I couldn't start until April 1st. With Blackpool 14th in the nPower league, I figured I was looking at possibly having to take over a team headed for relegation to nPower 1 on April 1st. So I led Brisbane to another championship and when I went to take over Blackpool, they had already hired a new head coach for 3 years. But I still got the job and now there's two head coaches!

What's even stranger is that when I took over Blackpool, they had climbed to 8th in the nPower league. We went 3-0-1 in the last 4 to climb into the playoffs, won the 1st series and then won the final playoff game when the opposing team scored an own goal in the 85th minute. So instead of taking over a nPower 1 team, we're now going to the Premiership! Talk about a different level of challenge...they should have torn up my contract and kept the other head coach!

Big Fo · 10-30-2011, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Fo

I just messed around with the editor briefly. I really hope the new field for Random ID will help end my problems with Unique ID conflicts in situations where I want to begin a universe with multiple new national/continental rules.

For example: I plan on creating a new American league system without all the annoying MLS rules that are too difficult for SI to make work correctly. This worked fine in FM 11. But I also want to revamp the North American competition rules, adding a secondary competition similar to the Europa League/Copa Sudamericana. This would not work for me in FM 11 since all new competitions (in new rules files) would be assigned the same new Unique ID. I am hoping the purpose of this new Random ID is to make such conflicts extremely unlikely (with it being a randomly generated 9 digit number).

In case anyone else cares (I think Dark Cloud wanted to know if this worked now), doing something like this is now possible. No more Unique ID conflicts.

Young Drachma · 10-30-2011, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Fo

In case anyone else cares (I think Dark Cloud wanted to know if this worked now), doing something like this is now possible. No more Unique ID conflicts.

Excellent news! Thanks for the follow up.

aran · 10-30-2011, 04:21 PM

How are the AI managers? I just read a user review on metacritic that says that they are in general not particularly good. I have played a several year career in FM2010 but never really knew enough to judge how good the AI is. It was good enough for me not to feel like when I achieved things that it was primarily because the AI was bad. I don't know as much about football as many of you guys do, though.

What do you think of the AI managers?

Marc Vaughan · 10-30-2011, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aran

How are the AI managers? I just read a user review on metacritic that says that they are in general not particularly good. I have played a several year career in FM2010 but never really knew enough to judge how good the AI is. It was good enough for me not to feel like when I achieved things that it was primarily because the AI was bad. I don't know as much about football as many of you guys do, though.

What do you think of the AI managers?

They're not "perfect" but one thing people often forget is they're not designed to be - they're designed to be realistic managers with the flaws and personalities of their real-life counter parts, some might fall out with players and refuse to back down even when they're wrong, some might stick to a policy of youngsters and sell on players as they get older even if they might still be able to provide a decent service to their clubs etc. .... some people will see this as 'flaws' in the AI, but really thats by design and meant to be the case.

(which isn't to say the design/implementation is perfect - but please do bear in mind the above)

markprior22 · 10-30-2011, 09:12 PM

How do new players become members of your youth teams in FM12? Is there any kind of draft? Do you just sign players that scouts report on? Do your lower level coaches/scouts keep the players coming? This is such a noob question but I am not sure how it works.

markprior22 · 10-30-2011, 10:25 PM

Also, what exactly is the "minimum fee release clause" included in some contracts. Is that what I would owe the player if I chose to release him before the end of the contract?

Thanks for all the help

Big Fo · 10-30-2011, 10:29 PM

If your player has a minimum fee release clause of $1m, any AI bid of $1m or more for your player would be automatically accepted. You wouldn't get a chance to reject the offer.

It works the same way if you bid for a player with such a clause.

10-27-2011, 06:27 PM	#201
EagleFan Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Mays Landing, NJ USA	Question from an outsider looking in... Is there enough of a difference between 11 and 12 to justify the upgrade for someone that is not a hardcore soccer guy. I enjoy the hell out of 11 and love messing with the formations and strategy though I admit that I don't know enough to really know what I am doing, but having fun anyway. I don't know enough about all the players and leagues to know if there are major flaws in the way the games play out but watching a game play out in FM is one of the most enjoyable experiences that I have had in computer gaming. Sadly, it has almost ruined me on watching soccer as I would rather watch a match play out in FM over watching anything but only the highest level of soccer being played (it is hard for me to watch the MLS as I don't find it as entertaining as a game of FM). Are there enough reasons to jump to the new version? Right about now would be the time for me to as I switched to a new laptop so I have to start from scratch for a new career on 11 anyway. To be honest, the only thing that would keep me from jumping to the next version would be if it gets more complicated. Since I lucked into getting 11 (thanks to the greatest secret santa ever ) I am leaning towards making the jump and really only major bugs or changes which over-complicate the game would keep me from making the jump. (I think I almost talked myself into it while typing this post) __________________ The EagleFan YouTube Channel - Reactions Soarin' & Scratchin' YouTube Channel - We react to music, videos, TV, we talk, we are planning some field trips Soarin' & Soothin' - Meditation, Relaxation, and Sleep Aid; mental health is important

10-27-2011, 07:04 PM	#202
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	Not really anymore "complicated" - although the addition of "tone" to team talks and conversations makes them more nuanced and difficult. But personally I think that's a hell of a lot more realistic... __________________ Get bent whoever hacked my pw and changed my signature.

10-27-2011, 09:06 PM	#206
RPI-Fan Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Troy, NY	Umm, you can easily transfer your save game from your old laptop to your new one. __________________ Quis custodiets ipsos custodes?

10-27-2011, 11:11 PM	#209
SirFozzie Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: The State of Insanity	I want Mario Balotelli mode, where players randomly burn down their house with fireworks, score a goal in the League Cup, lift your uniform to reveal a top that reads "Why Always Me?", have their mum send them to a shop to get an iron, and come back with a trampoline, a Scalextric, two Vespas and a ping pong table, and then while out on a shopping date with his mega hot GF, get caught leafing through a porno mag. (yes, all these things happened to Mario this month) __________________ Check out Foz's New Video Game Site, An 8-bit Mind in an 8GB world! http://an8bitmind.com

10-27-2011, 11:45 PM	#211
SirFozzie Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: The State of Insanity	yes, that is the GF he was out with when photographed leafing through a porno mag. As I said elsewhere "Dude! you have Filet mignon right next to you in real life, why would you look at pictures of steak in a magazine?" __________________ Check out Foz's New Video Game Site, An 8-bit Mind in an 8GB world! http://an8bitmind.com

10-27-2011, 07:24 PM	#203
Sweed College Benchwarmer Join Date: Oct 2003	I think in game action looks a lot more realistic, especially action in the box. The whole thing just seems tighter to me. Goalkeeper passing\distribution, and through balls are much improved, IMHO. Missed shots make sense to me now compared to previous versions where "the game engine makes a missed shot but the graphic display of it just isn't as real looking as it should be". Maybe others don't see it the same way I do but end to end I find viewing a match is so much better in 12. There are little things like pop-up boxes showing all of a players attributes by mousing over a little "i" icon next to his name. Love this feature when setting up tactics or making opposition instructions during a game. Hell, they are even in the widget boxes on your TV view during a match. DT has touched on the team talks. Also included in the talks are being able to address each tier of your team IE a message to just your defenders, midfielders, or attackers. It's all subjective and maybe to you it wouldn't be worth $40. As for me I'm happy with spending the cash and find the upgrade worth the price. If you haven't tried the demo it would be a good way to see new features in action. Of course you could always wait for a sale on Steam, I would think they would be $29 around Christmas.

10-27-2011, 07:39 PM	#204
TroyF Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000	Some questions here: 1) I've never had an issue pop up because I've always been careful about designating too many first team contracts, but how many games does first team mean? It it 100% for key, 75% for first team, 50% for rotation, 25% for backup? What games count in this? 2) Do the hidden attributes change. Like consistency and big matches ratings? 3) What constitutes a big game. In my last save I wrote about the congestion at the top of the league. It's week 35, I'm playing West Brom, I lose and I'm likely out of the title race. Does the engine know that's a big game or is it only rival games and championship games?

10-27-2011, 09:44 PM	#207
Big Fo Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2005	I'm not sure what counts as a big game really. I just assumed it meant derbies, cup finals (and maybe semifinals), and games down the stretch when you're competing for a league title. Maybe I'm wrong.

10-27-2011, 11:03 PM	#208
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	I really want to start my longterm savegame.

10-28-2011, 03:13 AM	#213
MrBug708 Head Coach Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Whittier	haha...found out why I dont win any manager awards. Because I quick sim games, my Assman has been getting the nod.

10-28-2011, 04:02 AM	#214
MrBug708 Head Coach Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Whittier	Just had a 7-7 tie in the 4th round of the FA Cup against the 11th place Championship team. They scored four goals against a grey-out GK in the last 20 minutes of the game. I had a goal disallowed in 2 minutes of stoppage time Last edited by MrBug708 : 10-28-2011 at 04:04 AM.

10-28-2011, 04:56 AM	#216
Epi_862 Mascot Join Date: Mar 2008	Just want to answer to the non-soccer-fan who asked if 12 is worth it - yes it is. The scouting (which is my favorite part) is miles better and more... i guess logical now. Player interaction is miles better. Its just an all around better game. All the additions this year really make it great. And also, im now going into my third season with newport co., and just got promoted to npower 2. This fucking game has taken every free minute i have had this week. Even skipped gym 2 times. It's seriously un-fucking-healthy good. And i hate to admit it, but im hooked. Hopefully getting my ass handed to me npower 2 tames the addiction a bit.

10-28-2011, 10:48 AM	#217
Mizzou B-ball fan General Manager Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kansas City, MO	Funny story. Went to 'Tony & Tina's Wedding' while out here in Vegas. Sat next to a couple who was from Southampton. First thing I said was 'don't they have a soccer team?'. He gave me a full update on the team and how they were doing. Said they were leading the division just below Premiership and were hoping a promotion was in the works. He was impressed how much I knew about English soccer. All because of this game.

10-28-2011, 11:14 AM	#218
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	Getting antsy to start my long-term game, but I started a game as River Plate in Argentina last night before I crashed. Gave myself Argentine/Italian heritage so that maybe I move abroad to Europe at some point in the future. Kind of want to wait another month or so to make sure the game is ironed out and ready for my long-term game.

10-28-2011, 05:33 PM	#220
Tim Tellean High School JV Join Date: Dec 2005	In case you hadn't seen this before. Football Manager Guide \| Ultimate Tactics & Strategy Walkthrough Have your squad playing beautiful football in FM Explore and dominate the game like never before! Stop navigating blindly through countless confusing game features and your frustration at seeing inconsistent results - now you can learn the game inside and out with the biggest and most comprehensive strategy manual ever created for the Football Manager series. The Ultimate FM Walkthrough Guide tackles all the features and is a veritable step-by-step strategy for success from past FM beta testers in all facets of the game including tactics, training, scouting, team talks, squad management and much, much more. This eBook is 132 massive pages of quality tips, secret hints and in-depth experienced insight on Football Manager you will not find anywhere else. No padding. No filler. Philosophy of approaching a football management job Footballer genetics and scouting dynamics The power of player psychology and team talks. Training regimes and preparing for each match. Tactical superiority and statistical analysis and so much more, we can't even list it all here! At FM-Britain, Tactical Theorems and Communication & Psychological Warfare provided you with an excellent under-the-hood look at the tactical modules and team talk options, but what it had in depth, it lacked in information in other key areas of the game. This eBook, produced by Wonderkid of FM Fanboys & Los Wonderkids fame, makes up for those holes and then some. Actually, some of the tactical philosophies inside his guide could be considered an opposing viewpoint to our own - but they're still rooted in fundamentals we do agree upon. He also has written it purposely in a way which is easy-to-digest and relatable to everyone, from complete newbies to experienced vets. As Wonderkid puts it himself: "FM is a game reaching to be as accurate a simulation as possible; it's not an arcade game anymore. You can no longer be successful under the old 'click, click, click and play a match' mentality; so, if you want to be good at this game and get the benefits from understanding it, you need to grasp the real concept of football management - and this is what the eBook aims to provide. Ultimately, I just hope people enjoy reading it and learn how to enjoy their games like I do." Here at FM-Britain, we support him and this eBook wholeheartedly. In fact, we've even secured a deal to get you and all of our loyal readers an exclusive 20% discount off the £6.95 price of this massive 132-page guide. Until this Sunday night at 11:59pm GMT, you can purchase this strategy guide hot off the digital presses for only £5.50. Just type in the discount code NEWSLETTER20 at the secured checkout.

10-28-2011, 10:37 PM	#224
Atocep Coordinator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Puyallup, WA	Does anyone know what it takes to be able to request your board to move the club from semi-professional to professional? I'm assuming you need solid finances and you need to be a league with other professional teams. In the past it was also recommended that you sign your players to full-time contracts but that's not an option in this version as a semi-pro club.

10-28-2011, 11:52 PM	#225
MrBug708 Head Coach Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Whittier	I was asked a question about the relationship with the chairman. I told the newspaper that we didn't even talk. I wanted to see what was going to happen, but nada

10-29-2011, 02:02 PM	#226
EagleFan Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Mays Landing, NJ USA	Just had a weird oddity in my first friendly. One of my defenders was called for a foul in the box and also injured on the play (talk about a double whammy). Two team trainers (or coaches, or something) stood with him on the field for a little while then he walked off the field with them. I saw the two trainers walking down the sideline (like they were heading to the back I assume). Then the injured player walked back onto the field to where he was injured and the seemed to take his jersey off and sit in an invisible chair. For the PK (and follow up play as the keeper made the save) he just sat there on his invisible chair about 8 feet from where the PK was taken. It was near the end of the match and there were no more plays that showed up down my end of the field so I don't know if he was going to remain. __________________ The EagleFan YouTube Channel - Reactions Soarin' & Scratchin' YouTube Channel - We react to music, videos, TV, we talk, we are planning some field trips Soarin' & Soothin' - Meditation, Relaxation, and Sleep Aid; mental health is important

10-29-2011, 04:46 PM	#229
Oilers9911 College Benchwarmer Join Date: Jan 2006	Anyone having issues with the game freezing? Every third match or so when I click the Play button to start the match, the game freezes to the point where I have to shut the laptop off in order to get out of it. Could it be graphics card related?

10-29-2011, 07:51 PM	#231
Miller Time H.S. Freshman Team Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Ottawa,Ontario	Anyone ever seen a guy playing for his NT but not having a club? In my Blackburn season, Owen Hargreaves is playing for England in WC qualifiers and does not have a club (it is mid October or so). Hargreaves also only played 1 game for Man City in 2010-11. Thought that was very bizzare and highly unlikely to ever happen in real life.

10-30-2011, 04:42 AM	#235
Epi_862 Mascot Join Date: Mar 2008	Just looking for a little input from some veterans... I love taking a small team and trying to reach the top. I have no desire to start in the bigger leagues, and thats why i started the game with newport co. The question i have is, is it possible to take the team to the top without cheating? In a time frame that actually is possible? I've already taken the team to npower 2, and im currently flirting with a playoff spot 10 games to the season. But i think thats a fluke. Now the problem is: shitty youth facilities, finances in the toilet, no wage budget... All this meaning that my squad is decent, but theres nothing cooking in the youth team, nothing in the reserve team, and my main squad is a couple of injuries away from putting John Nobody on the field. So i guess the question is: If i just keep at it, will the attendances steadily rise, is there a chance that the owner throws a couple of million into the team or something... Or am i doomed to mediocrity for 20 years - and should i therefore try to get a job on a team wheres money and facilities for a run at the top. If anyone has some insight, i'd gladly hear it.

10-30-2011, 07:53 AM	#236
Big Fo Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2005	On the SI boards I have seen people that managed non-league teams all the way to the EPL and started a dynasty with them, winning multiple league and Champions League titles. Eventually they get new stadiums, draw 50,000+ per match, can get money put into their training facilities, etc. It's certainly possible. Last edited by Big Fo : 10-30-2011 at 07:54 AM.

10-30-2011, 11:43 AM	#238
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	It's definitely doable. I took San Marino from Serie C2 to Serie A and got my stadium expanded in 2010. Stadium expansion (if not mandatory, which is a nice benefit of some leagues) is tough, and getting quality youth setups up and producing is likely even tougher - however it might be a bit easier in this version... __________________ Get bent whoever hacked my pw and changed my signature.

10-30-2011, 11:48 AM	#239
Marc Vaughan SI Games Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Melbourne, FL	I'm working on it presently in my 'serious' game - Eastbourne borough are in League 1 presently, we've got a new (but compact) stadium already with 9k capacity .... Me and my board have a somewhat 'spirited' relationship with me continually whinging at them for more resources and them finding new ways to say no, might have persuaded my old chairman to step down which happened a couple of seasons ago now .... can't be much fun having a manager complaining all the time (I'm in 2020 now - spent quite a while mired in the Conference Premiership) Last edited by Marc Vaughan : 10-30-2011 at 11:48 AM.

10-30-2011, 12:50 PM	#241
Blade6119 Coordinator Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona	I took AFC Telford from blue square north to the premier league last year, which took about 10 years, and it took me another 6 to actually win the premier league. So I went from bottom to top and it took me 16 years, and I felt I caught a few big breaks with players/games to get me there. __________________ *Underachievement* The tallest blade of grass is the first to be cut by the lawnmower. *Despair* It's always darkest just before it goes pitch black. *Demotivation* Sometimes the best solution to morale problems is just to fire all of the unhappy people. http://www.despair.com/viewall.html

10-30-2011, 04:21 PM	#246
aran High School Varsity Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New Jersey, USA	How are the AI managers? I just read a user review on metacritic that says that they are in general not particularly good. I have played a several year career in FM2010 but never really knew enough to judge how good the AI is. It was good enough for me not to feel like when I achieved things that it was primarily because the AI was bad. I don't know as much about football as many of you guys do, though. What do you think of the AI managers?

10-30-2011, 09:12 PM	#248
markprior22 High School Varsity Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: springfield, il	How do new players become members of your youth teams in FM12? Is there any kind of draft? Do you just sign players that scouts report on? Do your lower level coaches/scouts keep the players coming? This is such a noob question but I am not sure how it works.

10-30-2011, 10:25 PM	#249
markprior22 High School Varsity Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: springfield, il	Also, what exactly is the "minimum fee release clause" included in some contracts. Is that what I would owe the player if I chose to release him before the end of the contract? Thanks for all the help

10-30-2011, 10:29 PM	#250
Big Fo Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2005	If your player has a minimum fee release clause of $1m, any AI bid of $1m or more for your player would be automatically accepted. You wouldn't get a chance to reject the offer. It works the same way if you bid for a player with such a clause. Last edited by Big Fo : 10-30-2011 at 10:30 PM.

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