Pocket League Story 2 is a football team management game. It is a sequel to Pocket League Story and supports multiplayer functions. Kairosoft’s output has been evolving, and since the release of Game Dev Story in 2010, this amazing Japanese developer has produced one seriously addictive driving narrative. Pocket League Story 2 was published by Kairosoft on August 7, 2022. The game is available on Android, Mac, and PC platforms.

While Pocket Academy and Hot Springs Story showcased the studio’s knack for imaginative variations on the management theme, Pocket League 2’s Story marks a return to the old stomping ground. Those who played the original Pocket League Story should brace themselves for a bout of déjà vu before starting this game’s sequel.

The Thrills of Gaming Management

Like its predecessor, Pocket League Story 2 tasks you with recruiting players, managing their training, and guiding them to victory in tournaments. Additionally, the two games share gorgeous lo-fi visuals, high-stakes humor, and similar matchday mechanics. The game offers the possibility to play against your friends and recruit each other’s player stars. Although football matches are visually presented, this is a strategic management game, not a time management game.

Exciting Changes and Improvements 

I noted many changes in Pocket Leagues Story 2, which were quite exciting and made the game even more fun. One of the most notable changes is that the game has gone freemium, and it’s possible to enjoy hours of gameplay without spending a penny on premium currency.

Kairosoft has also gradually introduced a social feature, allowing you to compete with other teams in an online multiplayer mode. Unfortunately, it’s a neat idea that’s somewhat hampered by the clumsy implementation, which requires you to exchange a 9-digit connection code with your friends. You’ll love the multiplayer mode if you don’t mind the additional efforts.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of minor additions to the core gameplay, including a new skill system and the introduction of in-game time. However, what stands out the most is the developer’s decision to slow down Pocket League 2’s gameplay. The new game features a change of pace that allows you to adjust formations and substitute players based on your team’s performance mid-match.

Easy Gameplay to Understand 

One of my favorite things about Pocket League Story 2 is that the gameplay is quite straightforward but doesn’t affect the game’s standards. Rather, it makes playing the game more exhilarating.

For instance, selecting your team is easy, as it involves a few steps. First, you input your nickname and choose a save position. Next, enter your team name, short name, and select uniform color. Afterward, you can create a captain who will also be the star of your team. The captain could be a striker (FW), midfield marker (MF), defender (DF), and goalkeeper(GK). However, I do not recommend creating a DF (defender) or a GK (goalkeeper) as the captain, as these players will help much in scoring goals.

Expect Mediocrity at the Beginning

At the beginning of the game, you get a complete football team; a goalkeeper, four defenders, four midfielders, two strikers, and three reserve players. Unfortunately, these players are very bad. All players have low stats and are ranked as average. Unless it’s a captain you created, it’s then left to you to develop their skills with time. Average players will be difficult to coach and will probably never be as good as exceptional players or superstars. However, you can improve their skills and abilities to a large extent. 

If you add a friend’s team, you can recruit star players from each other. This kind of corporation is a great way to get another unique player in the early game. When your team reaches level 5, you can also participate in matches against other players. However, it will take you a few years!

Available Equipment and Facilities

Once the game begins, the home base consists of an office, seven empty lots, and couches. As you progress, you have the option to expand your field. Empty spaces can contain things like a parking lot (extra income and hearts), a running track (extra bulbs), and a Gift shop (income from items, hearts, and bulbs). 

When not playing a match, your players will visit these stations and generate rewards for your team. So you never want to chase bad players. Otherwise, It’s not worth building the equipment at first. If that is the case, these devices will not provide a good return on investment. However, they will continue to the next game and be a valuable source of hearts and bulbs.

Maximizing Income in Pocket League Story

You can maximize your money by making strategic decisions about how and where to spend them. The money is used to hire additional players and build and upgrade equipment. New players will give a stronger team. High-quality players are expensive but can develop into very good players.

The equipment generates additional income from money, hearts, and bulbs. All players will use these devices, even those not in the lineup. Winning the cup will bring in a few thousand, and every single game will also bring in at least 1000. The Gift Shop will open for the sale of items in each match. The office reduces the time your players need to rest. Increasing its level means you can play more matches per year. You can use bulbs to train your players. It is up to you to choose the purpose of this training, depending on their positions. You can unlock funding in the game by using hearts. 

Recruiting a New Football Player 

Generally, your first task is to recruit a new player. The requirement is where you will spend the most money. It will take a few seconds for your trainer to identify himself. After that, go to Team Management > Recruit Players. I recommend hiring another FW or MF. Make sure you don’t hire mediocre players. This process costs money and will most likely fail. In my case, the player was 74% convinced, so I had to try again and spend another 2000. Recruiting a player will give you some fans and will make the player available for your lineup.

Conclusion

Although Pocket League Story 2 is a sequel to the first game in the series, it creates a completely new experience. You get it all from hands-on football management, strategy, and positioning. Pocket League Story 2 is one of the most beautiful, generous, and enjoyable games. The multiplayer mode only makes it better, as you connect with friends across the country. If you aren’t a fan of football games, or you simply want to take a break from the field, Pocket League Story will be perfect for you.