Games like Soccer Manager 2020

The Squirrel's verdictFM21 introduced xG data and improved negotiation detail alongside the established transfer, training, and tactics framework. Reviewers who upgraded from earlier entries highlight xG as a meaningful addition; critics point to artificial difficulty spikes and seasonal rivals that scale to your strength. Median playtime is 447 hours at a Very Positive 93.5%—built for players who want systems taken seriously across many seasons.

Not for you if you want Soccer Manager 2020's free price, 3-4 hour season pace, or lighter management depth without long-term artificial difficulty scaling.

The Squirrel's verdictSame core loop as Soccer Manager 2020: transfers, training, tactics, seasons run through in real time. FM22 trades the free-to-play mobile-style scope for a full PC/Mac simulation with deeper scouting, negotiation, and squad management, no microtransactions, no add-on purchases. Built for players who hit SM2020's ceiling on transfer logic and depth and want more of both.

Not for you if you wanted SM2020's quick 3-4 hour seasons rather than a simulation where median playtime runs past 400 hours.

The Squirrel's verdictFM2020 covers the same pillars as Soccer Manager 2020—scouting, youth development, transfers, board expectations—but adds granular squad management, a full match engine, and deeper negotiation. Board demands are described as harsh and illogical by reviewers, and the match engine draws criticism for scripted results. Median playtime of 484 hours fits players who want the full slow-burn career, not a 3-4 hour season.

Not for you if you want fast seasons, a free entry point, or a match engine without scripted-feeling results and rigid board pressure.

The Squirrel's verdictFM19 brings a full tactical overhaul, a restructured training system built around real-world coaching models, and detailed press interactions that Soccer Manager 2020 omits entirely. Reviewers praise the tactical flexibility while consistently flagging a match engine that struggles with finishing, crossing, and one-on-one conversion. At 487 median hours and a Very Positive (86.8%) rating, this suits players who want the full management sim rather than a fast season.

Not for you if you want free-to-play access, quick 3-4 hour seasons, or a match engine without the blocking and finishing complaints reviewers flag.

The Squirrel's verdictBoth are streamlined football management sims built for players who want quick seasons over Football Manager's granularity. New Star Manager trades pure spreadsheet management for a card-based decision system, mini-games, and mouse-driven match involvement, plus a one-time $19.99 price with no in-app purchases. Fits players who liked SM20's pace but want more direct control over each match.

Not for you if you want a free game, deep transfer negotiation, or a traditional stats-only management interface without mini-games.

The Squirrel's verdictSoccer Manager 2026 follows the same free, fast-season structure: youth intake, upgrade trees for scouting and training, and a mobile-derived interface carried over to PC. Reviewers describe predatory microtransactions requiring gold bars for agent fees and a feature set that feels ported rather than built for PC. Mostly Positive at 73.6% with a median of 16.8 hours. Suits players content with the annual squad database refresh in a familiar lightweight format.

Not for you if you want a PC-native interface, no microtransactions for basic functions like agent fees, or meaningful changes to match simulation and transfer logic.

The Squirrel's verdictSoccer Manager 2021 runs the same structure as 2020: fast seasons, continuous youth intake, upgrade trees for scouting, training, and merchandise. Reviewers flag transfer AI that generates implausible moves, match results that feel disconnected from ratings, and board objectives that lead to sudden sackings. Median playtime is 20.6 hours. For players who finished 2020 wanting an updated squad database inside the same framework.

Not for you if you want the transfer AI, match simulation quality, or board expectation balance to be noticeably improved over the 2020 version.

The Squirrel's verdictBoth are free football management sims built on transfers, training, and squad building rather than live match control. 90 Minute Fever runs online against real managers instead of AI, with matches decided partly by scripted engine outcomes and community-reported pay-to-win dynamics via a patreon system. Median playtime near 750 hours suits players wanting a long-term persistent league, not a quick season-to-season loop.

Not for you if you want a solo offline career, quick standalone seasons, or transfers and match results that don't depend on other paying players.