The new season version is underway, we usually target mid-october as a release date, but this time it might be delayed due to the intensive work required, we will have a clearer estimate as we get closer to release.
The new theme for FL27 comes with the traditional SP red color palette, this version includes six additional color palettes to choose from, so users can select their preferred color to match their mood or RGB setup, this switcher will apply the color to all theme-related files and text.
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Render lightingFL27 introduces a new lighting system, cinematics and replays will use a warm light that looks great in cutscenes, but will dynamically switch to the clearer, more natural lighting at match start, this provides the best balance between cinematic presentation and realistic gameplay visuals, this option in the switcher will give users the ability to switch to full natural or warm lighting without the dynamic change.
This option applies to all pre-installed stadiums and the new stadium packs addon (currently in progress). previous stadium packs (and probably most third-party stadiums) carry their own global illumination files (LUT). In this case the switcher will not change anything in these stadiums and will use whatever lighting the stadium has.
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| summer/fine |
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GameplayThe gameplay section in the EXE is now almost completely mapped, and this will have a massive impact on how we apply tweaks.
The gameplay is divided into EXE functions and an external bin for GP parameters (dt18). while the external bin contains the definitions and values, it does not define valid limits or explain how different systems interact, because of this most edits are based on trial and error, which often leads to unintended side effects.
Now we know how each function affects the others, so changes will be targeted rather than experimental.
football life gameplay changes:
- adapt player stats to compensate for the different eFootball rating scale.
- more tachtical demanding gameplay.
- more up to date plays and tendencies to match real life.
- other aspects like freekicks, refereeing, stamina, ext...
- copy and replace dt18 file in the game data folder
- works on all FL versions
the switcher give users the ability to use the original gameplay for pes21, it might feel a bit old and arcadish but it is as fun as ever.
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Controller Buttons
this is the same option as always, select the prefered controller buttons, default one is the PS5 controller buttons
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Classic Teams
this option controls whether the classic teams (legend players) would be available in career mode, we have also added a new option:
1. OFF = classic teams will be available in exhibition mode, legends would not be available in career mode.
2. In africa = classic teams would not be available in exhibition or edit mode but legend players are available in all new career modes.
3. In Europe = this is a new option, same as the previous option, but classic teams can be selected and playable in master league, and will also be available for those who play (random selection) mode.
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Lockdown
this new feature turnes every stadiums into lockdown mode, there will be no crowd/supporters, the cheers and chants will still be there, but can be muted in the game audio settings.
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| Lockedown ON |
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Replays Logo
a simple option that removes the replay logo for those who simply can't wait those extra couple of seconds :)
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Competitions and regulations
Competition scheduling is one of the most difficult systems in this game, for years we were limited by hidden engine restrictions that caused crashes or broken schedules whenever league structures were modified.
Football Life has always prioritized a stable, endless Career Mode over experimental changes, because of that, many competition updates were intentionally postponed until reliable solutions were found.
FL27 finally introduces the first major breakthroughs in this area.
Changes confirmed in FL27 v1:
France competitions:
the france leagues (first and second) division had a hard limit of 39 teams, changing it to 36 teams (18 in each division) would bug the frensh cup as it cannot handle less than that, the solution was to add 3 teams from 3rd division to the second division so the number would pass the cup requirments, while functional, it consumed three valuable team slots and reduced immersion.
in FL27 this is now resolved, both leagues will have the correct 18 teams with a working 36 teams frensh cup.
Argentine competitions:
the argentine league was limited to 26 teams, we had to relocat the remaining 4 teams to (other american clubs), otherwise the scheduel would crash at the second season due to missing matches.
this league will have all 30 teams in FL27, with a working scheduel that starts in winter instead of the old summer calandar.
MLS:
this league have only 20 teams out of the currently 30 participants, anymore teams added will bug the scheduel, in FL27 this league will have all 30 teams, with a working scheduel that starts in winter as expected for the 2027 MLS season.
Planned for future versions:
UCL new format
UEL new format
World cup new format
Copa america 4th group
New league addition
African cup of nations format
ACL new format
* we are also researching ways to increase the game's current team limit (749 teams). until this becomes possible, some national teams and clubs may need to be omitted to make room for the new upcoming changes.
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New season version general updates:
Database
the database is constantly under review, however in every new season version the teams selection changes and promoted teams will replace demoted ones, the tactics and formations are reviewed, player ratings are updated using eFootball as a baseline as it is consistent with the game engine.
Graphics and audio visuals:
every new season get new content, new grapohics across the board, this is the largest files in term of size, these round up to about 8GB on thier own, alongside the updated pre-installed addons makes it imposible to have an update version, it would exceed 12GB while the whole thing is about 20GB.
Internal engine (technical)
the game EXE requires a yearly update, as multiple internal systems must be adjusted to keep Career Mode and Edit Mode functioning correctly, we used to rely on a Lua add-on to start Career Mode at the desired year, but that was only a cosmetic solution, as the internal logic would still calculate contracts as if the game was based in 2020, without updating the engine itself, Edit Mode cannot be used properly to transfer players, this was corrected in FL26 and will continue to be updated every year to keep Edit Mode fully functional.
One of the systems that must be updated every year is the development and analysis base year, if it is not updated player development will not function correctly, and the AI will lose its ability to adapt to your tactics throughout the season, this was also corrected in FL26 (through updates) and will continue to be maintained yearly, it is just one of many internal systems that need to be updated to keep the game running correctly. (In Career Mode, check My Team Info > Club Performance > Season. If the year shown there does not match your current Career Mode year, the AI will lose its ability to adapt.)
More information about the new season content will follow...
a special thanks to all SP patreons and everyone who is positively supporting smokepatch, this project is alive because of your support
