[Colorado]

Honestly, maybe it'll grow on me but I can't help but feel underwhelmed.

The main features just seem a bit gimmicky and unrealistic, and that's precisely what I want from the game - a realistic management sim.

A pop-up for a player to pass, shoot or whatever just feels way too unrealistic, although the potential for setting lines would be a very good addition.

The finance screen looks better, but do you actually think an NHL GM deliberates over the budget for pre-game entertainment?? Again, it's gimmicky and not for me.

The hockey cards are a nice addition but I really do feel that they look out of place on the pre-game screen.

There has still not been anything added to the trade block - i.e being able to set specific team needs. Ok, trade rumours have been included which is great but it's long overdue and EHM is still ahead of FHM in this particular aspect of the game, even after all these years. I find that very frustrating.

The 2D engine still doesn't convince me, not least when the actual shape of the rink isn't even accurate.

The setting of player roles/tactics seem as vague as ever. I have to say that the new post-game data screen is a very good addition and will help give some clarity on what may or may not be working for you tactically.

From what I could see in the news items, a lot of the text passages are identical to previous years, and were already become very repetitive and stale. If I see a 'No way!!!' response to a trade offer, I think I might scream.

I've been supportive of the series since FHM4 and have bought each one since, and there are elements of the game (and the enthusiasm of the devs) that I really like and appreciate, but the game just seems to be moving towards a different direction to what I had hoped. There was very little that I've seen so far that actually got me excited for the release.

I'll watch some videos etc and hopefully I'll change my mind, but I think I might give this year's edition a miss.