Player Career Mode When the user joins a new club they have the option to turn on
Action Mode. If they go for it they then have two modes they can
select, Player Career (where you follow the same player through their
career) or Match to Match Decision.
Player Career
The aim here is for the user to train up a pre-selected player, and
once they achieve certain targets in training, the user then has the
ability to take control of the player in the 3D match. This feature is
already proving popular. The manager can also switch to a new player by
simply selling or loaning out the current player (or if the player
retires). You cannot switch by simply moving the player to the
reserves. If the player is injured or banned, you can not play this
mode.
Match to Match Decision
This allows you to select different players depending on your
Manger rating. All players in the starting eleven and the bench players
are listed, but those you cannot control due to a low Manager Rating
are greyed out. This will encourage you to try and improve this rating
if you want to control the better players in your squad.
In either mode you can not play the goalie, and most people will
probably go for strikers in the hunt for glory. Switching between
players during the match is not possible.
Gameplay
Unlike the FIFA action game you control one set player so there is
not the same amount of action. So for example if you are a defender you
should hang back, even if the ball is up the other end of the pitch.
You will notice more about the tactics, formations, man marking,
offside etc. Initially it will be tempting to run after the ball all
the time but your player will soon run down on energy and slow down.
You can call for the ball, but do it too often and they will start to
ignore you. Also check the different info bars you can have above your
player’s head, the rating will be a good way to check how well (or bad)
you are playing, and they will add post match analysis stats so you can
see how you performed in the match. In the post match comments the
manager can also comment if you have had a good or bad match. During
the game text will appear at the bottom of the screen to represent the
coach shouting instructions/comments. There are 10 different comments
for this.
Solo will depend more on the radar since you spend a lot of the
time off screen (hence defaulting to a high up camera seems might be a
good choice).
Manager Career
The new manager transfer market will make the manager career really
exciting. The user can always see their status and which clubs would
currently sign them.
Club Status When?
Arsenal You are definitely not the first choice. Now!
Liverpool You are one of the preferred candidates. Next Season
Additionally the manager has the option to control the squad of the
new team after signing (suggestions for new signings and for selling /
not selling existing players).
Transfer Market
The player clearly states his wishes now. Swap deals with up to
three players are possible. After the completion of a loan deal,
negotiations about an extension or a full transfer are possible.
Youth Team Managers love to develop their youth players and FIFA Manager 07
will make their dreams come true. The game has youth teams (generated
players) with line-ups, match reports and full tables for the various
age groups. There are youth days, a youth transfer market, and special
international youth tournaments.
Another key area is the extendable international youth camps
section. The manager has to compete with other big clubs for the most
talented players all over the world. It is possible to hire special
head coaches for the camps to get the best players possible.
There are also many little new features. E.g. it is possible to
change the name of a new youth player to make it possible to add
friends and family members to a running game. There are also special
negotiations if a really talented young player is looking for a new
club, and finally the manager can win a yearly trophy for the best
youth department.
2D Club Grounds A new Sim City like feature replaces the old 3D club grounds. There
are lots of new buildings (about 100 in total) and other options (like
building roads).
Cooperation Contracts It is possible to sign a cooperation contract with either a bigger
or a smaller club (farm teams) to exchange players and to give talented
players a chance to play.
A satellite club will add a whole new meaning to securing the
future of the club. Are certain players showing potential but are not
good enough to play in your first squad, put them in the first squad of
the satellite club so they can develop into the player you would like
them to be. A satellite club also gives you the advantage to have a
local youth academy in the country the satellite club is situated. Test
new youngsters and train them at the satellite club and simultaneously
you can do this for your own club, but you won't be bothered by a huge
squad.
Private Life
The private life section returns! The player can now take their own
family into the game. As usual, it is all about relationships,
children, real estate & cars, and ultimately about your son making
it into the first team! New smaller features include personal
sponsoring contracts, twins, your partner’s character, playing golf and
your personal diary.
Playing golf can for example improve or damage your relationship with the chairman.
Stats
The
statistics section of the game has more than doubled in size this year.
There are about 60 screens with statistical information in the game.
New ones include:
- Season Stats
- Scorer Lists International Competitions
- Scorers by Competition
- Overview Team Tactics
- EC and WC Top Scorers
- Cup Tables
- Scorer Lists Youth Teams
- Most Expensive Players
- Manager with Longest Stay
- Etc.
3D-Match
Probably most realistic 3D match engine in a manager game has been
improved even further. We use the UEFA Champions League 2005 engine
with improved AI, a free camera, and the option to save highlights and
to exchange them with other players. It’s also possible now to play
more attacking or defensive with just one mouse click, or to substitute
players without leaving the 3D view of the match.
New Text Mode
A new calculation system for the attacks creates an infinite number
of possible variations. Fan chants were added and are further
extendable by the user.
Videotext Mode
For the first time, the player can watch the matches in videotext
mode including the scorers and live tables. Rules for automatic
substitutions can be defined precisely.
Instant Calculation
At the moment 30% of our players play the game by calculating the
matches using "Instant Calculation". We support these players with a
quick videotext mode and an "Automatic Substitution" feature that
allows them to define rules for automatic substitutions.
Calendar
Many well-know and new events can be planned in the calendar, such
as Short-Term Camps, Open Days and End of Season Parties, as well as
Emergency Meetings, Club Anniversaries and Sponsor Days.
Revised Budget Negotiations
These are now divided into two parts. First, the season objectives
are discussed and the Board proposes the corresponding budgets. Low
season objectives care for job security, but result in low budgets and
have to be compensated by special tasks as for example rejuvenation of
the team. High season objectives are a risk for the manager but
sponsors and the Board will be thrilled and provide you with more
money.
In the second round of the negotiations, the final amounts can be negotiated.
During the season, the budgets have to be adjusted up or down when
special events occur (Drop out of the Cup, win of the EC). Moving the
money between the individual budgets and applying for more money are
both possible.
Starting in a higher or lower league
This year, the player can find out how his club would manage in a
different league. At the beginning of the game, the player can set the
starting league for his club. The players’ skills will be adapted
correspondingly- this ensures an exciting game!
Subject: Fifa Manager 08 
