7 Free Steam Games Better Than Expensive Blockbusters
3. Soccer Manager 2017
Play Instead Of: Football Manager 2017
Whilst Football Manager sees new features and off-pitch improvements to mechanics like transfer negotiation and training year on year, match simulations remain questionable (I'm looking at you, Bristol Rovers - how did you beat my Championship winning Aston Villa 3-0 if not for messing with the game mechanics?!).
Soccer Manager 2017 is a streamlined version of Football Manager 2017, although the latest version has made some big improvements. Players and teams are up to date, and this year sees new facilities added to the teams, allowing for greater oversight of training, scouting and youth development.
Wannabe managers can keep track of players development both mentally and physically, and reinvest tournament winnings into upgrading their stadium so as to profit even more from home matches.
It's not as in-depth as its priced cousin, and some of mechanics lead some to question if the game is pay to win, but it runs smoothly, is a fully realised simulator, and offers the added benefit of scoring you against your online buddies; just in case you want to see who of your friends should be the next England manager.