The article discusses the author's longtime passion for sports video games, particularly franchise management modes. However, dissatisfaction with recent AAA sports titles has prompted him to explore alternatives, particularly in management simulation games like Pro Cycling Manager 2024. While he enjoys elements of new card-collecting modes, the year-to-year lack of narrative and continuity undermines the experience. The author expresses nostalgia for management sims that allow deeper strategy and roster building, making them more fulfilling compared to the increasingly transient AAA offerings.
I've been a sports game fanatic as long as I've played video games... but recently, the design decisions around the industry's biggest sports titles have put me off.
My heart instead lies in franchise modes. They allow you to take on the role of roster building and management, building a team of players you choose.
While I have occasional fun playing the new wave of card-collecting game modes that dominate the current AAA sports landscape, I often come away feeling like I've just spent a lot of empty time.
Pro Cycling Manager 2024 is the sim game that has most recently scratched that itch for me - Football Manager 2024 has too many issues.
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