WCCF: 05-06 Update! -- Commentary (I)

I would like to offer fellow WCCF players a more in-depth, opiniated look into the new version of WCCF.

In early-September I visited Japan and managed a few hours of WCCF.
It is to my delight that Sega has managed to significantly improve the gameplay without changing the basic principles of the game.

Unchanged:
-- Communication screens (e.g. captains, jersey numbers) work similarly
-- Player Styles (e.g. stopper/sweeper/libero) are evident under similar settings.
-- Team Styles (e.g. Super Eagles, Total Football) exist under similar hexagon conditions.
-- Linkage continues to work under a 5-level 12-group system.
-- All players (except 2) follow the same link group as before.

Changed:
-- Simulation is much improved, more realistic.
-- The linkage system has been modified such that there are no spider-web teams, and players should be matched up pair-by-pair carefully for the team to be effective. In my opinion, the real essence of the game is reinforced.
(A new linkage table can be found at WCCF-Hurry, I may write more on my Data Site later)

I now go into specific aspects of the game in more detail:

Cards

There seems to be a renewed focus of the new cards on combination and style.

New combinations:
The Devilish Trio (Valencia CF: VILLA, VICENTE, AIMAR)
The Mysterious Trio (FC Barcelona: RONALDINHO, ETO'O, DECO)
The Lionheart Duo (Chelsea: LAMPARD, J.COLE)
The Defensive Trap Duo (AC Milan: MALDINI, NESTA)

Also, some cards also seem to be quite "extreme" and arguably stylish.
e.g.
Physical Defenders: BOUMSONG + BRAMBLE
Goal Poacher: INZAGHI
Technical attackers: PAULETA, RIQUELME, FIGO

It is also worth noting that 2 of new cards have modified link groups..... intentionally or not. :P
BERGKAMP L --> C
FARFAN G --> C

Could it be pure coincidence that I would personally call Bergkamp the most fantastic striker in the game and Farfan the most fantastic regular-card striker in the game? Hm......