Worldwide Soccer Manager ( Windows )

Rating:
Summary: At Last in the US
Review: Finally arriving in the US is the greatest game of all time. This is the first US release of the manager series from SI Games. Originally called Championship Manager (1-4) the new iteration is known is Football Manager 2005 in Europe. For anyone who loves footy and loves stats this is definitely the game for you, it will take over your whole life as you search for the next David Beckham or push for promotion.

More info at sigames.com

Rating:
Summary: The eternal cliche: good but not great
Review: I've been a follower of the ChampMan series since the 97/98 edition , but over the years my interest has continually dwindled as so far I haven't purchased any editions of the game since 01/02. I have to to make due with the wonderful demos that they publish before the actual release and I'd encourage anyone with an interest in this game to download the demo and try it out.

The evolution of the champman series has seen an increase in the complexity of the tactics and game engine where now in its current form you can set a multitude of team and individual instructions as well as actuall watch your team play in crude but extremely effective 2-D format.

The complex tactics engine can both draw you into the game and turn you off at the same time. Its great to feel that your tactical insights have an effect on a team's results but on the other hand how does such tactical fiddling really reflect real- life soccer? Additionally, any satisfaction one feels from designing a killer tactic quickly diminishes when you realize in real life the opposing manager and player would adapt and that you've only beaten the computer AI.

In that sense, the increasing complexity of the tactical engine is brought to halt by the total absurdity of it all; rather in reality its the player who decide more the success of the team rather than the tactics of the manager. Of course tactics do matter, but the complexity takes away from a)the reality that its all about players ability and b)there is also a psychological aspect of being a manager.

Worldwide Soccer Manager attempts to bring in the pyschological aspects through allowing the manager to make media statements about players and opposing manager. Sometimes you are asked to make a statement, like when a player feels left out the first team or when a media pundit wants your opinion on that big win the night before.

The media aspect however is overly simplified and only allows a few responses that become repetitive. The developers of the game really need to focus on the psychological aspects of manager because even though "morale" is reflected under a player's status it does not seem to do much in game. In real life the interaction between manager and player is very important yet in WWSM so much is more focused on the interaction between players and tactics.

This brings me back to the point about soccer being more about the players and not the tactics: the manager needs more ability to communicate during matches. It is not satisfying manipulating some slide bars to get what you want players to do, no it would be much more charming if you could issue orders to players while the match is in progress. Currently, if you wish to make tactical changes the game pauses and you fiddle with the slide bars. This is totally contrary to reality and if the developers really want this to be the epidemy of realistic soccer manager you need to devise a way for the manager to shout orders to the players. I've player soccer; no one fiddles with any sliding bars or not that I know of!

Rating:
Summary: The best sports simulation ever!
Review: This game is a management simulation, which means it is very different than soccer video/computer games like FIFA 2005 or Winning Eleven 8. Rather than being a player on the pitch, Worldwide Soccer Manager gives you real power--you're in charge of the whole team, deciding the lineup, tactics, making in-game adjustments, and--best of all--which transfers you will try to buy.

Will you find an up-and-coming Brazilian sensation for next to nothing, or simply spend a fortune to get an established star like David Beckham to lead your team to glory? You can pick virtually any team in the world to manage, from MLS teams to European powerhouses to obscure South American clubs, and battle through league and cup competitions, experiencing the joys and pressure of being a soccer manager like Sir Alex Ferguson or Jose Mourinho. You can even make comments to the media that can actually influence you players' performance in the next game.

There is plenty here to do for the obsessive soccer buff, or you can simply delegate the tedious responsibilities (like training) to your assistant coach. The actual games are 2D, with numbered circles representing the players, but are exceptionally realistic and very dramatic to watch. If you move up the game speed and cut out replays, it is 90 minutes of excitement packed into 3 or 4 breathtaking minutes. This is a fun way to learn about world soccer and the great players from all over the world, and the game's appeal carries on for season after season. Bored managing Manchester United after winning the treble? Guess what, Real Madrid wants you to be their new coach! Or take over an international team, have your pick of an entire country's best players, and lead your squad to the World Cup. There is even a Hall of Fame where you can see how you stack up against the best managers of all time.

I would recommend the game for all manager wannabes and soccer fanatics ages 11 and up, although younger players will need help getting started, because this game is literally a world in and of itself. For a big transfer budget and a winning start, begin with Chelsea, Real Madrid, or Manchester United. For the ultimate challenge, start with a second division club and: 1)get promoted to the first division, and 2) make it to the Champions League and go up against the big boys who have single players that get paid more than your entire team. Get this game and enjoy!