Tag: Football Manager 26

International Management: The Last Word on FM26

Published on by Chris FullerLeave a comment

About six months have passed since I last touched Football Manager 26.

When the first game of the new FM era launched, it was a bug-ridden disaster that looked like the debut project of a single coder in their bedroom, rather than the latest chapter of a Triple-A studio’s 34-year dynasty. Unsurprisingly, I’ve been focussing on other games during this cycle.

But now, for the first time in ages, there’s a sign of hope for FM26. A big new update came out last week – bringing with it international management, and a bespoke [wink] World Cup game mode. So I reinstalled the demo to see if this game deserves another chance at glory… or if it should be left in the departure lounge like Phil Foden.

Continue reading “International Management: The Last Word on FM26” →

The State of Football Manager 26

Published on by Chris FullerLeave a comment

It’s time to discuss the state of Football Manager 26 – and the series as a whole.

After a launch period that was nothing short of a PR disaster, and a full release that alienated much of its core audience, Sports Interactive’s long-running franchise is at its lowest ebb for over 20 years. The community has been firmly split on FM26 – with many players pointing their fingers at SI or SEGA for producing a pile of rubbish, and other players putting their fingers in their ears and insisting that everything is fine.

How did this happen? Can SI turn their fortunes around? And what does the future potentially hold for FM? Questions, questions, questions… Continue reading “The State of Football Manager 26” →

My thoughts on Football Manager 26

Published on by Chris FullerLeave a comment

After the longest wait, Football Manager 26 is finally here… but is it any good?

That’s a question many people have already answered with an emphatic “no”. FM26 came out on 4 November to unprecedentedly negative reviews on Steam, with a 27% approval rating as I write this. Even the professional gaming critics who consistently heap praise on FM have been much more divided this time around.

So it was with some trepidation – and a little excitement – that I installed the FM26 demo to try out the new game for the first time. I’ve spent half a season managing Walsall in EFL League Two, while also dabbling around with Arsenal in the Women’s Super League.

Is FM26 a massive step forward that will bring the game to a wider audience? Is it a raging dumpster fire that risks the entire future of the Football Manager franchise? Or is the answer somewhere in between? Here are my thoughts… Continue reading “My thoughts on Football Manager 26” →

Women’s football – What to expect on FM26

Published on by Chris FullerLeave a comment

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In 2021, Sports Interactive announced that they were planning to incorporate women’s football into the Football Manager series.

After four years of extensive research and development, those plans will finally become reality on Football Manager 26. Last week saw SI reveal the first major details of what we can expect from women’s football on FM26, including which leagues will be playable.

Having first discussed this topic after SI’s original announcement, I think it’s time for me to jump back in and discuss what we know so far. I will also try to answer any other questions the FM community might have – some of which are sincere, some of which are… less so. Continue reading “Women’s football – What to expect on FM26” →

Blog Update #9

Published on by Chris FullerLeave a comment

Hey-ho, folks. It’s time for my annual Fuller FM blog update – my ‘state of the union’ address, if you will.

Another year of FMing has been and gone, and it’s been the weirdest one yet. With Football Manager 25 turning out to be just a few dodgy Photoshop mockups, we’ve had to carry on with Football Manager 2024 for another season.

I will now look back on everything I wrote on Fuller FM this year, including my 15-season career at Nacka FC. I will also discuss my content creation plans for Football Manager 26, which is absolutely definitely probably maybe being released in the next few months.

But first, I need to draw myself away from Civilization VI for long enough so I can actually write this damn blog update. Just one more turn, and then I’m done…

I’m sure negotiations are fairer than this on FM…

Continue reading “Blog Update #9” →