PlayStation recently announced its newest major signing from SEGA. Football Manager 2023, the popular football-management series, is coming to PS5 this year for the first time. It will be a streamlined version of the PC game and optimised for PS5 and Xbox Series X. Some people may dismiss it for being lesser than its big brother. Sports Interactive, though, have worked hard to make it a great alternative for those without a suitable PC. There’s plenty for football fans on PlayStation and Xbox to be excited about. Here are 5 reasons to play Football Manager 2023 on console.
Football Manager 2023 releases on November 8th for PC, Mac, PS5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Game Pass. A beta is available now for computer players. FM23 Touch will also release for Nintendo Switch and iPad via Apple Arcade, with the latter allowing for Apple TV compatibility. Android and iPhone users, meanwhile, can enjoy FM23 Mobile. Pre-order information is available at the link above.
Kind to Beginners
For players new to the series, Football Manager 2023 possessing less features on console is a great reason to play it. It can be overwhelming to load up a PC edition and see how in-depth the game is right from the start. Here, Sport Interactive have implemented an onboarding process. The studio have ensured that series newcomers receive a level of detail and responsibilities that is suited to them. It’s decided at the start of a save by answering questions. As experience grows, players can then tackle more managerial duties and features.
FM23 will include easily obtainable trophies and achievements. This is to encourage players that they’re doing things right, which is always nice. There should also be no worries about navigating the menus, as tabs can be reached with one click of a controller button. When watching matches, the Touchline Tablet is where all of the necessary information has been condensed into. Pressing four buttons to get to your tactics board will be not the case here.
Improved Matchdays
Managing games is one of the big reasons why FM is so beloved. On console, the matchday experience has improved to become more user friendly and interactive. The aforementioned Touchline Tablet holds all of the information, but actions are made by players through new radial menus. It appears when holding down the X/A button on a player. With a flick of the analogue stick, for example, their position can be changed or their profile can be viewed. It’s quick and easy to change up tactical instructions.
Team Talks are, somehow, a new addition having been present on PC for many years. It allows players to talk to their team at half-time and full-time. During these conversations, you can speak to your squad however you wish. If you’re winning, you can praise them and wish for more goals. If you’ve just lost a UEFA Champions League final emphatically, you can berate them. Whatever you say will make a difference whether it’s positive or negative. The latter is certainly not ideal.
Dynamic Manager Timeline
For players planning to have a long career save, this feature has been introduced to the console version of the game just for you. FM23‘s Dynamic Manager Timeline keeps track of all of your achievements and milestones, over however many number of years, as they occur. These can include promotions and youth players making their debuts. If you end up managing the next Harry Kane, then it would be satisfying to look back on the time he scored his first goal.
If you’re someone who likes to journey across multiple leagues, managing many clubs, then all of your accomplishments will be in one place here. You can reflect on where you perhaps could have done better. This could encourage you to even look to move back to that specific club. Of course, one highlight that you don’t want to be seeing on this timeline is a sacking. Not a fond memory at all.
It was mentioned earlier how navigating the menus of FM23 on consoles was more simple than previous entries, a good reason to buy this game. However, reaching in-depth options can still require a few different button selections. This has the potential to frustrate some players, especially newcomers. Thankfully, the user interface navigation includes some customisation to make things much easier.
By clicking in the left analogue stick, players will now control a mouse cursor as if they’re playing on computer. This is arguably the superior control option. It allows for quicker and easier arrival to the most specific pages, without needing to spend time carefully directing the controller. Some may well view this as a gamechanger that helps make the Xbox and PlayStation title the closest thing to the PC version.
Recruitment Focuses
Another new feature to this year’s game is Recruitment Focuses, which are intended to be more accessible to players than Assignments. Here, players will be able to choose exactly how they want to sign in the transfer market in recruitment meetings. You have the freedom to select what kind of player you want for whatever position that needs to be filled, with the help of your scouts. It’s a great way to be even more invested in your career. Signing that perfect player after weeks of searching can provide that thrill feeling.
Alternatively, players have the freedom to send scouts to any leagues they want with no instructions and see what they can find. The best scouts could discover some young hidden superstars that will help your club achieve long-term success in the beautiful game. Football Manager fans love wonderkids, and this feature will make the experience of finding them even better.
If you’re buying Football Manager 2023 for console on November 8th, what are your reasons for wanting to play it? Let us know in the comments below!