FM27 Mobile: everything new in the Netflix version

FM27 Mobile arrives on iOS and Android on 10 November, only for Netflix subscribers. Sports Interactive has now shown everything that changes in the phone version. So there is a new 2D match engine, Expected Goals (xG), more control over the dressing room and a tab just for the supporters. Also, you can carry on the career you have in FM24 or FM26 Mobile, or start from scratch.

The FM27 Mobile 2D match engine on match day (Image: Sports Interactive)

Index

When and where FM27 Mobile comes out

FM27 Mobile comes out on 10 November, the same day as the PC version, FM27 Console and FM27 Touch. It is exclusive to Netflix subscribers and works on iPhone and Android phones. However, the SI article does not mention the game’s size or the minimum devices.

SI calls it «a game for all levels»: a simpler way to play Football Manager that keeps the depth. So it suits players with years of FM behind them as well as newcomers.

A new 2D engine and xG on match day

First, match day. FM27 Mobile brings the most advanced 2D match engine in the series, with the logic of the FM27 PC engine. But the look stays the same, with the familiar 2D dots. According to SI, matches are smoother, more powerful and more authentic.

Also, you get more information during matches, in graphs and in numbers. The big addition is Expected Goals (xG). You can follow xG during the match, in the league table and in the post-match report. In other words, you can tell whether the team is creating the chances it should, or whether your forwards just had a bad day.

The league table with Expected Goals (Image: Sports Interactive)

More control over the dressing room

The Dynamics system has evolved too. There are new inbox items about squad morale, such as dressing-room conflicts or a striker on a goal drought. For example, if a player speaks out against you and your tactics, the dressing room may split. On one side are those who back you, on the other those who agree with him.

Then you can explore these situations in depth in Dynamics and in player profiles. How you respond can improve relationships and morale. At the same time, you learn more about each player’s personality, so you can predict how he will react. Finally, there are two new responses in conversations: Satisfied and Encourage. They join the existing Praise and Criticise.

Training player traits

In FM27 Mobile, you can now train a player’s preferred moves and traits, or remove them for good. Also, each trait explains what it does and how it fits your tactics. So it is a big change for anyone who likes to develop players.

The training report, with the trait being trained on the right (Image: Sports Interactive)

However, not everything is within reach from the start. Your coaching staff decides which traits you can train. So the quality of your coaches and their specialisms matter more. On top of that, there are new player search filters for personality and traits. For example, you can look only for Model Professional players or avoid any Wind-up Artist.

The supporters get their own voice

Board Confidence gets a new Supporters tab, with its own rating. It shows what the fans think in four areas: team performance, transfers, long-term stability and you as a manager.

What the fans think of the team, transfers, the future and the manager (Image: Sports Interactive)

Also, new inbox items show the highs and lows with the supporters. In other words, winning may not be enough. You also have to prove you are the right person to take the club further.

More help with decisions

FM27 Mobile also gives more advice. For example, it helps you judge whether a player is fit for the next match, and which roles make your tactic work. So there is less guesswork when picking the team.

For injuries, there is a new Physio Report, with each player’s injury risk and match readiness. It has four parts: condition, assessment, advice and recommendations. To do that, it combines injury history, fitness, fatigue and match load. Then you get advice on who to pick and on training intensity.

The Physio Report, with condition, assessment and advice (Image: Sports Interactive)

Finally, newcomers get help too. At the start of a career, the Tactics menu shows the best players in the world for each role, as a reference for what to look for.

And there is more

Vibration: the phone vibrates at key moments of the match (haptic feedback).
Accessibility: a dedicated menu with several new options.
More useful news: messages take you to the right part of the game. For example, if form is poor, you can go straight to tactics.
Colombia: the Colombian league becomes playable, without a licence.

What comes next

With this article, SI closes its series of FM27 feature blogs. Now only the launch is left, on 10 November, on PC, console, Touch and Mobile. In the meantime, see our round-up of what is new in FM27.

Our view

FM27 Mobile looks like a bigger step than usual for the phone version. xG and the PC 2D engine were missing for anyone who plays seriously on a phone. Also, training traits and a supporters tab add depth to long careers. However, it remains to be seen how it all runs on older phones. Even so, being able to carry on your FM24 or FM26 Mobile career is good news for anyone with an advanced save.