Franchise Hockey Manager 12

So much money for so little

Did not like it, it's not for me. The UI is a mess and it's confusing. I had to look up tutorials on YouTube and once I figured it out I was tired of it. My time is limited. Can't play it on my Lenovo legion go handheld.

youd think that after 11 chances to fix whatever constantly tries to make this crash (not being able to click anything, then changing colour and round spinny cursor til it somehow resolves it and lets you go backto play - usually at the point of scheduled save at a monthly budget or something similar-this happens on quite a few games in this series. ) often taking minutes to resolve, making it almost unplayable.. theyd have figured it out, but where else is there a hockey game on pc? so.. no. at least its a small install and cures the itch to manage hockey teams, i guess

This game is a major step up to the last one I played (10), and I have been sincerely enjoying my time with this game thus far.

Play multiplayer 👍

Still has its issues but overall I found this years version had significant improvements that made this game much better

Franchise Hockey Manager 12 is a highly detailed hockey management simulation developed and published by Out of the Park Developments, built for players who want to control the sport from the executive chair rather than from the rink itself. It focuses on the long-term challenge of running a hockey organization, from building a competitive roster and developing prospects to handling trades, contracts, tactics, finances, and season-by-season planning. With official NHL licensing, real teams, players, logos, and the goal of chasing the Stanley Cup, the game immediately feels authentic for hockey fans who care about realism and managerial depth. What makes this entry stand out is how much more involved the management side has become. The new preseason training and regular-season targeted training systems give managers more direct control over player growth, making development feel less passive than before. Instead of simply waiting for prospects to improve, you can guide their progress toward specific roles and attributes, which adds more meaning to roster planning and long-term scouting. This is especially rewarding for players who enjoy rebuilding weaker teams or shaping a young core over several seasons. The improved draft experience is another major highlight. Draft day now feels more alive, with trade discussions, news updates, and shifting opportunities creating pressure and excitement. It is no longer just a simple list of names to choose from; it becomes a strategic event where patience, preparation, and quick decision-making can change the future of a franchise. The expanded trade news and smarter team behavior also help the league feel more believable, as other clubs act with clearer motives depending on whether they are rebuilding, contending, or reshaping their roster. Franchise Hockey Manager 12 also offers strong appeal for historical and international hockey fans. The inclusion of World Championship tournaments going back to 1929, along with World Cup content, gives the game impressive replay value beyond modern NHL management. Players can explore alternate hockey histories, guide legendary teams in new directions, or create entirely different outcomes across decades of competition. This historical scope is one of the game’s greatest strengths, especially for players who enjoy simulations that evolve over long periods. The tactical side has also been made more convenient through the ability to save and reload systems, which encourages experimentation without forcing players to rebuild strategies from scratch. Combined with refined player generation that makes elite talents feel rarer and more special, the game maintains a strong sense of realism over long careers. College hockey, junior development, and transfer portal activity also receive attention, making the prospect pipeline feel closer to the modern hockey landscape. Its biggest limitation is that it remains a very menu-heavy and data-driven experience. The presentation is practical rather than flashy, and players looking for action gameplay or cinematic visuals may find it dry. However, that is also part of its identity. Franchise Hockey Manager 12 is built for people who enjoy statistics, planning, scouting reports, contracts, and organizational control. For that audience, the depth is the main attraction, and the interface serves the purpose of giving access to an enormous amount of information. Overall, Franchise Hockey Manager 12 is an excellent choice for dedicated hockey fans who want a serious and authentic management simulation. Its expanded training tools, richer draft presentation, improved AI behavior, broader historical content, tactical flexibility, and deep league systems make it one of the strongest entries in the series. It may be intimidating for newcomers, but for players who enjoy detailed sports management games, it offers a rewarding and highly replayable hockey experience. Rating: 7/10

Buy this over EA's NHL slop