Football Manager 2016

(Windows, Linux, Mac)

THE latest instalment of the relationship-wrecking Football Manager (FM) series is back, and just in time for Christmas.

That’s not to say you should call things off with the other half in exchange for a regular spot on the sofa with FM 2016, but let’s face it, there’s not room in your life for both.

And if the girlfriend has to give, so be it, because there are hours and hours to be spent scouting South American wonderkids, endless tactics to tantalisingly tamper with and silverware-sealing set-pieces to study.

FM has long been my favourite computer game and, despite some subtle changes, Miles Jacobson and the gang continue to produce the most infuriatingly addictive management sim on the market.

Apart from updated competitions, kits, players and back room staff, Football Manager 2016 does offer more deliciously delightful gimmicks than in recent years.

Whether arcade-style features such as Fantasy Draft and ‘touchline manager’, mine resembles more Iain Dowie than Jose Mourinho, will be a hit with the hipsters remains to be seen.

But FM has long boasted a mammoth database, and, for you stats geeks, number-crunching from Prozone means you can spend hours analysing every aspect of your team’s performance, while more realistic injuries have been added and there is better interaction with the press.

I’m yet to try is, but FM’s on-the-go game is earning plaudits for the cross-save option on cloud, while there are updated Football Manager Touch and Mobile editions.

I could go on, but this title won’t win itself.

Just. One. More. Game.

ALEX BYSOUTH