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Football Manager 2013 – The Worst in the Franchise?

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Probably this article is going to draw a lot of heat on my head, but it has to be written. And have in mind that before writing it, I have waited for such a long time: I gave the game multiple chances, I waited for Sports Interactive to fix things, I read posts on forums and I tried to right the wrongs, but everything was impossible. And the result was me thinking that Football Manager 2013 is the worst game in the franchise.

I will not start explaining what Football Manger 2013 is – this article is obviously for those who know what I’m talking about, for those as frustrated by the game as I am and for those who somehow manage to get lucky and be completely pleased with the end result. But on my side, there are so many things that Football Manager 2013 fails at as a simulation that it makes it impossible to play. Frustrating and enraging, as opposed to what games should be: fun and relaxing.

In the past, the match engine of Football Manager games was not perfect. It had its flaws, it had its bugs, but in the end you were able to work around them and have a more than decent experience. You were the manager and you were allowed to get all the glory. Now things have been made impossible, stupid and completely unreal (and I am talking about the old school game mode, not the one where you have to pay for extra transfer money – that is obviously for a different audience).

So what does Football Manager 2013 do wrong? Oh, so many things, and all of them are on the football pitch itself. I don’t know where to start, so I will just write the reasons as they pop up in my head:

1. I find it incredible that after so many years, our players are still unable to take a throw in. It’s as if they look after the place where there are none of our own players and throw the ball there. It is true that this happens less often than in last year’s gamen (when 100% of the throw ins were sent to the opposition), but I still find it incredible that it was not fixed.

2. The super-opposition syndrome
No matter if I play Real Madrid or Concordia Chiajna, the opponents are better than Messi. Usually, as soon as I score a goal, they turn into super football players, extremely determined and incredibly skilled and they attack, attack and attack and usually score in the next 5 minutes. On the other side, when my team is scored against, things go from bad to worse and they seem to play worse than a five year old who sees a ball for the first time in their lives. And yes, I did try all sorts of ways to counter-balance this (including issuing team instructions and going defensive, including going extremely offensive after scoring)… nothing seems to be able to stop the opposing team of terminators. And this is unreal, as well as frustrating.

3. Am I the manager?
Sometimes, I just feel that my instructions are there just to look good and don’t matter for the team. And I am NOT talking here about a tactic that we have just started playing, I am talking about a tactic that’s close to 100% on all levels. Take the defenders as an example, the most frustrating one. I instructed them all not to try through balls, I have dragged their creative freedom to minimum, I have dragged their passing to minimum (short passes) and they still drive me crazy wasting balls by blasting them forward over the midfield, trying to “launch” the attackers on goal. They never manage to hit the passes right. And it doesn’t happen when we’re being pressed by the opposition (which would mean that they try to clear the ball). No, they just ignore all my instructions and hit the balls forward despite everything I try.

4. Really, am I the manager?
And there are many other instances in which all the instructions that I issue are ignored. Getting over those that are more or less debatable (like the way midfielders pass and play, for example), let’s take take the goalkeeper. He’s instructed to pass the ball short to my right fullback (so that he can blast it away because he doesn’t care). Of course he never does that and distributes the ball everywhere else BUT at the right defender. Maybe the players simply hate me :)

5. I don’t feel like the manager
Have you tried playing the same match multiple times? I have because I thought that I have to win it. I was on 10 in the league, playing against the team sitting at the bottom of the table. No wins for them in four decades, they meet my team. They win the game 2-0 after my lads play an awful game. I reload and restart the match, using the same players, the same instructions, everything identical. We draw 1-1. I reload and do everything the same. This time we lose 1-0. I reload and try to change my approach (from encouragement to we have to win this) and the game’s over at 2-0, again, for the opposition. In their next match they get hammered at home by the team that’s on 8 in the league 5-1. And I can’t understand anything from this.

I don’t say that if I reload, everything should be the same in the match, but it seems that it’s all so random that it rarely matters what I instruct my players to do, what I tell them and what I want. Instead, we’re always the underdogs, somebody always scores their first goal of the season against us (and it’s usually the crappiest player in the team) and I am left to wonder… what the hell is happening?

I tried multiple approaches: a “classic” 4-4-2 (the most successful), an offensive 4-2-2-2 (with two wingers), a 4-4-1-1 and nothing worked. I don’t say that I am a tactical expert, but I am also sure that if you put me in charge of Real Madrid and have me play Concordia Chiajna (which is team in Romania, by the way) and I start the game with all the stars, we’ll win that game, no matter what strategy I employ. And if we’re really unlucky to lose it (hey, anything can happen), we’ll certainly win the next one.

6. And many other problems
The match engine itself this year seems to be a complete miss in Football Manager 2013. From players who simply stay there and dumbly look at the ball getting past them without even trying to run and get it to defenders (always those on my team) who are simply unable to defend and mark a man and strikers missing clear chances when they’re alone with the goalkeeper, everything is possible in the game. Long shots when you tell them not to, long passes when you tell them to keep it short, passes back to the keeper from the middle of the field even though we’re on an attacking strategy and there are many options, wingers who get forward, have a clear line for a cross (and are instructed to cross often), strikers waiting in front of goal, and they pass back to the fullback and so on and so forth…

As a side note, I have played every Football Manager game since 1996 (when it was known as Championship Manager) and I never had such a miserable time and a bad opinion about the game. With FM 2013 this year I only feel sorry for the 50 Euros I spent on the game. And clearly this will make me thing three times before buying another game in the series – a series I love with so much passion.

What do you think about Football Manager 2013? Is this year’s version indeed flawed to the core or you’re having a great time playing?

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8 Comments

8 Comments

  1. alibey

    September 14, 2013 at 12:02 am

    i don’t know why you surprised like that? this is same old football manager since 2005.

    and yeah i played all football manager games and now playing 2013. because there are no alternatives to this game, except sh*tty browser games and worst game in history: fifa manager.

  2. TIno

    October 15, 2013 at 9:08 pm

    Get a grip of yourself! I’ve been playing the series since the very first champ man and every new game gets better than the last. There are minor flaws but nothing worth complaining about. Your clearly just bad at the game and can’t accept that fact

    • Calin Ciabai

      October 16, 2013 at 7:38 am

      Obviously.

    • Brett Flanders

      December 21, 2013 at 9:10 pm

      He needs too play more and play with different tactics and formations and team strategies to improve. The game is good as it is not easy but there is not a huge amount you can change t improve the game. I think the game is good with very few flaws.

  3. Jonas

    October 28, 2013 at 5:53 am

    100% Agreed. I believe SI should come up with some sort of difficulty level choices, so we don’t fell forced to study “60 days” to start playing the game with a slightest chance to sucess. Not that the game shouldn’t become harder, but it should charm new players as well as please old ones. Some of us have less time to spend if front of a PC and we have other games to, so, to NEED to read tons of tutorials, manuals, foruns and such really transcends good sense. It’s easier to keep the old versions of FM, therefore losing a slice of the market that was already theirs…

  4. Brett Flanders

    December 21, 2013 at 8:39 pm

    Your team will occasionally play long balls. For example, in the Barclays Premier League, they don’t always play pretty football. They must mix it up a bit and play long balls. Just keep trying in matches and the scouting system is very useful. You must use the right tactics! A short passing game is best against weaker sides while a direct passing game is best used against more talented clubs and countries. If you keep playing and trying different styles of play, you will get better as a manager as well as quickly figuring out whether you should play with a quick or slow tempo and the correct team and player instructions, along with the mentality of your team (defensive or attacking). Once I was Barcelona and was playing away to Gefate and lost 2-1 as I was playing to attacking. Also, I played a defensive tactic and won with Southampton away 3-2 against Manchester City!

    • Calin Ciabai

      December 22, 2013 at 6:27 pm

      “Occasionally” is one thing, all the time is something different. I understand that every now and then a player might think he has a better idea than my tactical instructions, and I consider that normal. I don’t consider it normal though to be ready to cheer whenever they DON’T do that – and that rarely happens. Still, I purchased the 2014 version. Still a lot of the problems I mentioned in this article. But still the best management game out there. Too bad that there’s no real competition to make them deliver something better.

  5. Skulb

    July 16, 2014 at 5:44 am

    I couldn`t agree more. Have played most of the game sin this series and 2013 is total baloney. No matter what settings or formations I use my players, whether I play Rotherham or Juventus, can`t pass, can`t head, don`t run for balls; indeed they sometimes run as fast as they can away from loose balls to make sure the opposing team can get to it, can`t defend regardless of settings, dont press when you instruct them to press, can`t defend corners, cant create anything offensively on corners, and refuse to score or even create chances in 5 matches in a row before they inexplicably score five in one match for no reason at all.
    In the last game I will ever play in CM 2013 all five of my strikers in Roma picked up from 4 week to 5 month injuries right as the first season started.

    I scored even less than usual after that happened, with all the regular problems remaining, and was sacked after 12 games, my best striker still out with a torn muscle. Having played this franchise since the late 90s I can confidently say that 2013 is utter and complete crap, and I am very glad I tested it before wasting money on it.

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Top 7 Video Game Based Movies You Must Watch on Hulu in NZ

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Are you tired of playing video games all day long? Why not take a break and watch some video game-based movies on Hulu in NZ? With its vast collection of movies and TV shows, Hulu is the perfect platform to satisfy your gaming cravings.

From action-packed thrillers to heartwarming dramas, we would recommend you to get Hulu in NZ, because Hulu has it all. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 7 video game-based movies that you must watch on Hulu in NZ.

Assassin’s Creed (2016)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Director: Justin Kurzel

Major Cast: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons

Runtime: 1 hour 55 minutes

The first on our list is the movie adaptation of the popular video game franchise “Assassin’s Creed.” Starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard, this movie follows the story of Callum Lynch, who discovers he is a descendant of a secret society of assassins. With stunning visuals and breathtaking action scenes, this movie is a must-watch for any Assassin’s Creed fan.

Rampage (2018)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Director: Brad Peyton

Major Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Malin Akerman

Runtime: 1 hour 47 minutes

If you’re a fan of monster movies and video games, “Rampage” is the perfect movie for you. Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, this movie is based on the classic arcade game of the same name. The movie follows a primatologist who teams up with a genetically modified gorilla to stop two other genetically modified animals from destroying the city. With its over-the-top action and humor, “Rampage” is a fun-filled ride from start to finish.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy

Director: Jeff Fowler

Major Cast: James Marsden, Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz

Runtime: 1 hour 39 minutes

For all the Sonic fans out there, “Sonic the Hedgehog” is a must-watch movie. Starring Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik and Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, this movie follows Sonic as he teams up with a human cop to stop Dr. Robotnik from taking over the world. With its fast-paced action and lovable characters, “Sonic the Hedgehog” is a movie that both kids and adults can enjoy.

Mortal Kombat (2021)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Director: Simon McQuoid

Major Cast: Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson

Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes

If you’re a fan of the Mortal Kombat video game franchise, you won’t want to miss the 2021 movie adaptation. With its gory fight scenes and iconic characters, this movie is a love letter to the fans of the game. The movie follows a group of fighters who are recruited to participate in a tournament to determine the fate of the world. With stunning visuals and non-stop action, “Mortal Kombat” is a movie that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Warcraft (2016)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Director: Duncan Jones

Major Cast: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster

Runtime: 2 hours 3 minutes

Based on the popular MMORPG game, “Warcraft” tells the story of the battle between humans and orcs. Starring Travis Fimmel and Paula Patton, this movie follows a group of human heroes as they try to stop the orc invasion. With its epic battles and stunning visuals, “Warcraft” is a movie that will transport you to a world of magic and adventure.

Tomb Raider (2018)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Director: Roar Uthaug

Major Cast: Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Walton Goggins

Runtime: 1 hour 58 minutes

Based on the popular video game franchise of the same name, “Tomb Raider” stars Alicia Vikander as the iconic Lara Croft. The movie follows Lara as she sets out on a dangerous journey to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance. With its intense action scenes and captivating storyline, “Tomb Raider” is a movie that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

Resident Evil (2002)

Genre: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi

Director: Paul W.S. Anderson

Major Cast: Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Eric Mabius

Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes

Last but not least, we have the classic zombie horror movie “Resident Evil.” Starring Milla Jovovich as Alice, this movie is based on the popular video game franchise of the same name. The movie follows Alice and a group of survivors as they try to escape from an underground research facility infested with zombies. With its tense atmosphere and pulse pounding action, “Resident Evil” is a must-watch for any horror or action movie fan.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the top 7 video game-based movies that you must watch on Hulu in NZ. From the high-flying action of “Assassin’s Creed” to the terrifying zombie outbreak in “Resident Evil,” each movie offers its unique take on the beloved video games that inspired them.

Whether you are a die-hard gamer or a movie enthusiast, these movies are sure to satisfy your craving for pulse-pounding action and adventure.

Hulu in NZ offers a fantastic selection of movies and TV shows that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. With these top 7 video game-based movies, you can immerse yourself in the world of your favorite games and enjoy them on the big screen.

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Top Fighting Games on Android

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Fighting Games on Android

Fighting games have been a major sub-genre of the industry since the dawn of gaming. While the original fist-fighting game came out in 1976, the genre arguably peaked in the 1980s. Dozens of franchises came smashing down arcades, from Mortal Kombat to Tekken.

But gamers do not need to visit the local gaming center anymore to get in on the action, as platform fighters and hand-to-hand combat have long gone mobile. So, are you up for a brawl? Whether you’re into brutal MMA fights or formidable superhero battles, let’s round up some of the best fighting games to play on Android.

Marvel Contest of Champions

While movies and comic books are still at the core of its extended universe, Marvel has also expanded to the gaming medium. Much to mobile gamers’ dismay, though, exhilarating brawler games like Marvel’s Avengers and massive crossovers like Marvel vs. Capcom never made it to smartphones. But Marvel Contest of Champions is more than epic enough to make up for it.

Developed by Kabam, this versus-fighting action game features a pretty strong line-up comprising virtually every Marvel character in the book. Beloved heroes like Wolverine, Spider-Man, and Hulk are all set for battle throughout iconic Marvel locations, such as Asgard, Stark Tower, and Wakanda. Yet players may as well pick supervillains to pit against the good guys. So, assemble the strongest super-heroic team and combine each champion’s unique set of devastating attacks and special abilities. Better yet, this mobile Marvel game allows for competitive multiplayer fighting.

Skullgirls: Fighting RPG

Skullgirls is a solid contender for best mobile fighting game out there. This fighting RPG by Autumn Games has got some incredibly responsive battle animations going for it, and just enough grind to keep players engaged for hours on end. Fun special moves and combos take fast-paced combat to the next level, serviced by colorful background visuals and a jazzy soundtrack that may feel out of place but gives the game that much more flavor.

And all kicking and pummeling aside, Skullgirls has much in the way of the story, too. In an original twist on the genre, this 2D RPG features an all-female cast of quirky yet fierce hand-animated characters. Players may even customize their fighter while searching for the elusive Skullgirl and stopping her from destroying the city of New Meridian.

Mortal Kombat

Alongside Capcom’s Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat is probably the best-known fighting franchise in the world. The series stemmed from the idea of making a video game starring action movie superstar Jean-Claude Van Damme. Funnily enough, JCVD would eventually play center stage in the live-action adaptation of Street Fighter. Still, Mortal Kombat spawned countless installations, TV series, and feature films.

And gamers can now experience the visceral fighting and trademark Fatalities that made the franchise so infamous straight on mobile. Mortal Kombat shows off a whopping roster of over 130 warriors, who level up through challenges of increasing difficulty. Teaming up fighters with matching synergies, mobile players can tackle ferocious enemies in online competitive mode or all on their own. This mobile version of the legendary game also includes a card collection feature.

EA Sports UFC

The intensity of the Octagon translates superbly to the gaming medium. Released by Electronic Arts on multiple platforms, EA Sports UFC quickly became the go-to title for gamers with a knack for mixed martial arts. And the mobile version doesn’t disappoint, pitting up to 97 UFC fighters against one another in heated fashion – and even martial arts legend Bruce Lee as an unlockable bonus. EA Sports UFC may thus be the perfect mobile game to dive into while waiting for the next big superstar comeback.

Meanwhile, prominent fighters like Valentina Shevchenko and Nikita Krylov will keep fans on the edge of their seats in upcoming UFC events. And MMA enthusiasts can even spruce up the experience with a gamble. Reviewers like SBO have laid down the most profitable online bookies for punters to explore. The best sportsbooks offer a range of betting options on MMA, ranging from method of victory to total rounds. Lofty bonuses and welcome packages also await newcomers. And online punters can make bank out of even more sports, from the ultra-popular to the niche.

Fighting games are as old as time. But with improved gameplay and ever-so-striking aesthetics, they’ve remained fresh throughout the decades. And players can now get their fists to do the talking on mobile, from retro titles to inventive entries.

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What to Expect from Gaming and Online Casinos in the Next 10 Years

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Cards,Mouse,Coins and dice.

The 21st century has been a great time for gaming and online casinos. We’ve seen explosive growth in both sectors, with new technologies and platforms emerging constantly. The following 10 years promise to be even more exciting, as we’ll see even more innovation and growth in the gaming industry, as well as the online gambling industry.

In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the trends that we think will shape the next decade of gaming and online casino development. So whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore gambler, read on to find out what the next 10 years have in store for you!

The increasing popularity of online casinos and gaming

With many people stuck at home, they turned to digital platforms for entertainment, including gaming and slots sites. As a result, these sectors have seen explosive growth over the past few years. With the increasing popularity of technology, games have moved from physical pieces to digital pixelated ones, allowing for even more immersive and engaging gaming experiences.

With the online world ever-growing, it was only a matter of time before gambling followed suit. Nowadays, casinos are looking for ways to pull in more business through rewarding online slots promotions, as opposed to the regular operations in brick-and-mortar casinos. In addition, advancements in technology have allowed for the development of online slots, poker rooms, and other casino games that are not only secure and safe to play but also offer a level of quality that is comparable to land-based casinos.

Although we have made a lot of progress, especially with online casinos and online slots games, there is still more to come. Here are some of the changes we predict for this billion-dollar online casino industry in the next ten years:

The increasing legalization of online casinos globally

As online gaming becomes more and more popular, we are seeing an increased push for the legalization of online gambling in countries all around the world. With more people playing on digital platforms and experiencing the benefits of online casinos, governments are recognizing this trend and moving towards changing laws to allow for wider access to these online gambling sites.

For example, in the United States, more states are beginning to implement legal gambling solutions due to the US federal government softening its regulations. And this trend will likely continue in the coming years, as more countries begin to recognize the benefits of legalizing online casinos which include increased tax revenues and a better way to regulate gambling in the digital age.

Virtual reality gaming

With the rise of virtual reality technology, we can expect to see casinos offer more immersive gaming experiences. Players will be able to experience realistic casino environments and games through VR headsets, allowing for an even more realistic gaming experience. Game developers are constantly releasing new concept games to online casinos, and we can expect these same sorts of fun, attractive experiences to be available in the next few years.

Blockchain Technology for Transparent and Fair Gambling Systems

Another major trend that we will see in online casinos and gaming over the next decade is the use of blockchain technology. With this technology, players can rest assured that they are getting a fair chance to win while enjoying secure transactions and transparent gambling systems. Blockchain technology allows for all casino transactions to be recorded on an open ledger, making it difficult for casinos to manipulate the outcomes of games. As a result, players can enjoy more trust, transparency, and fairness in their online gaming activities.

Casino

Game development

When visiting an online casino, it is essential to find an operator that provides a good variety of games. For instance, slots games are very popular in the digital environment, finding a provider with a good variety of slots games will chance your experience. You could find different slots themes and choose the slot game you like the most. In the next ten years, we could be expecting new games integration with better graphics, creative and fun. Game developers will have a higher demand and they will be providing cool slots themes and other casino games.

Top of the line Live Dealer Games

Finally, we will also see more sophisticated live dealer games in online casinos and gaming over the next decade. With the rise of 4K and 5K resolution cameras, online casino providers have been able to offer gamers a much more realistic viewing experience.

These live dealer games can be streamed from various locations, allowing more people to join and play different types of online games. With a more advanced streaming quality, players can now interact with real dealers in real time and enjoy a variety of table games such as roulette, slots, blackjack, and baccarat. With so many exciting changes coming our way, we can look forward to even more engaging gaming experiences in the years ahead!

In Summary

Overall, it’s clear that the gaming and online casino industries are undergoing major changes as we look toward the future. Whether you’re an avid gamer or just a casual player, there are exciting developments on the horizon that will shape how we interact with these platforms – and how they affect our daily lives. So if you’re looking for the best possible experiences from the gambling and casino industry, in particular, be sure to keep an eye out for these exciting online casino trends as well as online slots promotions that suit your playing style.

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