Soccer Manager 2017 is a simple but enjoyable football simulation

In Soccer Manager 2017 you take on the role of the manager of a football team. Choose your team, hire and transfer players, manage your budget, expand and refurbish your facilities and lead your team to victory. This isn’t an action-packed football game, but a business sim that takes place in the big-money world of football (or the not-so-big money world, if you choose a smaller league to play in).

All about the money

Managing your team is done through a series of menus and news events. You won’t have any additional control over the squad during games; instead, victory will come from your player choices and investments. Menus and events are clear and easy to read on a small screen, while the match interface is simple to understand, although it isn’t flashy-looking. Like many free-to-play games, Soccer Manager 2017 relies heavily on additional purchases to acquire in-game currency. You don’t absolutely need it, but it certainly makes things easier.

Taking charge

If you’re interested in the details of team management and know the real-world game well enough, Soccer Manager 2017 can be an engaging way to immerse yourself in your favourite sport. It’s detailed but accessible, although let down by its game economy.