Franchise Hockey Manager 8 is a new game that takes the hockey simulation genre to another level with its deep gameplay, detailed statistics, and realistic management decisions.
Franchise Hockey Manager 8 is a game that satisfies a very particular need. It’s a game for die-hard hockey enthusiasts who desire more than what a conventional console franchise mode can provide. FHM gives a fun, deep, and trustworthy hockey-sim experience every year, despite some usual shortcomings.
If you’re a die-hard hockey enthusiast, FHM 8 is for you. Franchise Hockey Manager is a game that every hockey enthusiast should own at least once. If you’re a general sports lover who isn’t a hockey fanatic like me (Bonjour! C’est moi), you’ll probably prefer OOTP Baseball or Football Manager. At the end of the day, FHM seems like a lesser version of OOTP Baseball, as amazing as it is and as fulfilling as it is to the devoted hockey fan.
What I Like About Franchise Hockey Manager 8
On-Ice Reaction
The new ice feedback mechanism is a fantastic concept. The games are still not quite like hockey games, but they are getting there. Users may now “coach” players during games, making on-ice choices like shooting, passing, skating, waiting, icing the puck, or even starting a fight.
We will eventually get at what I have long believed is FHM’s destiny: NHL ’94-style gameplay. Or, at the absolute least, on-screen players that resemble real hockey players rather than Xs and Os will be available. In any case, the on-ice experience in FHM improves year after year. There’s also more post-game commentary to go through this year than in prior FHM versions, and metrics seem more realistic.
Historical Scenarios/Seasons have been improved.
As someone who almost only plays via historical modes, the increased attention to detail paid to junior, college, and European leagues throughout time is much appreciated. The NHL’s Sponsorship/Affiliate structure, which was in effect until the 1960s, is now replicated in the game. In a nutshell, rather than a free-for-all draft, there was a system of minor league and amateur connections. It’s a little more convoluted than that because, well, hockey, but essentially, pro clubs were permitted to choose players from a range of amateur teams that they funded.
Scouting/Financial System Has Been Expanded
The scouting and finance possibilities have been expanded upon. If you’re the sort of gamer who enjoys delving into the details of ticket pricing and the like, you’ll find enough to occupy your time here. Full scouting teams might be at your disposal, touring the globe in search of the players you want. European clubs may now enhance the players in their junior systems, which has been a long time coming.
What I Don’t Like About Franchise Hockey Manager 8
It should have a more hockey-like feel to it.
In comparison to Football Manager or OOTP, the real hockey games in FHM still leave a lot to be desired. Real footballers may be seen on the pitch in Football Manager and OOTP. The players are represented by squares and circles in FHM. A game of OOTP has the feel and appearance of a baseball game. Football Manager has the same feel and appearance of soccer. FHM 8 still doesn’t seem like an authentic ice hockey game.
It doesn’t seem to be a genuine game of ice hockey. Hockey players aren’t built like models. They are people, after all. (I’m aware that I’m dumping bombshells here.)
Some Work Could Be Done on Fictional Historical Leagues
In FHM, there is no ability to create imaginary historical leagues. You may, however, begin in 1917 and play your way through NHL history, which is astounding. However, with OOTP Baseball, you may construct a fictitious league set in the 1800s and use genuine historical players to completely recreate the sport’s history. Starting in 1871, you may establish a 1000-team, 100-league cosmos with relegation and promotion, and then fast advance to the current day. There is no straightforward method to implement any of this in FHM.
Improvements in the quality of life are required.
The game progresses at a snail’s pace. Patience is required to go through numerous seasons, particularly in current gaming worlds with various leagues all over the globe. The more leagues in the game, the slower the simulation becomes.
Conclusion
If OOTP Baseball is the ultimate sports sim (which it is for me every year), FHM is still a few notches down. This game will appeal to the die-hard hockey lover in your life. However, being a fan of both FHM and OOTP, the hockey game reminds me of how fantastic baseball is. Instead of playing FHM, I’d rather play OOTP.
