>The Big Match

After years of following matches through text commentary, a brave new world was introduced in CM4 via the 2D overhead match engine. Generally a popular decision, CM5 will utilise a similar approach. However, the code has all been written from scratch to ensure a quicker, smoother experience. During a match, calculations will be made on-the-fly based on player attributes. So when Ryan Giggs comes up against a leaden-footed right-back, the outcome will be decided on the spot.

There will be several options for watching matches, including the full 90 minutes (as opposed to the truncated 64 minutes of CM4). Matches can also be accelerated so an entire game can be viewed in a shorter time, and the usual highlights and text-only modes will also apply.

Pitches will deteriorate accordingly, and matches will be affected by climate, which will be based on the actual conditions of where the game is being played. And for that big-match atmosphere, all-new crowd noises are being recorded.