About me:"Champions are afraid of losing. Everyone else is afraid of winning": Billy Jean King
Member since:02.02.2004
Reviews:14
Members who trust:31
Review rated by 41 Ciao members on average: very helpful
This review received a counterstatement by a party concernedRead Comment
I have played every version of Championship Manager there ever was. Every game was a stepping-stone for the next and CM4 was no exception. I purchased the game from Virgin Megastores for £19.99 in September 2003.
Championship Manager 4 (CM4) had a lot of advertising “hype” around its 2003 release. Makers of the game promised an early release, but then failed to meet the deadline. Thus, the game was released in a hurry, with a lot of bugs/errors.
CM4 does offer the following exciting features: - 39 international leagues 200 000 + players/staff in the database 2-dimensional match view New transfer window deadlines New colour schemes More complete menus Extended linking of menus New training schedules More manager options Database size monitor
These are some of the new main features that the game has to offer. The user manual is also very helpful and complete. Because of the new complexity of the game, it does use a lot of your computer’s resources.
To ensure that CM4 runs on your PC, you must have the following minimum specification: - PIII Intel 600 MHz Windows 98/XP 64MB Ram (128 for XP) 32-bit graphics Direct X compatible soundcard This specification will allow you to play only one league with a small database. If you do not have Windows 98/XP, you might have trouble installing the game.
To overcome this problem, you can download drivers from the Microsoft website (free) and install them to your existing Windows version.
The game is able to scan your computer specifications and then chooses the best setting for optimal performance. It is not recommended that you diverge from this. To get an even better performance, close all unnecessary tasks in your task-manager. This will free up more memory and the game will run faster.
Technical Support: - The makers of Championship Manager (EEDIOS/SIGames) offer excellent technical support through their websites and other links.
Bug fixes: - As I mentioned earlier, this game does come with a lot of bugs/errors. The good news is that you can download files from the internet to fix all of these errors – what’s more – you can even upgrade the version of CM4 including new player transfers.
I have downloaded many files to upgrade my game and I am happy to report that I have come across no more errors. I also enjoy the fact that the game is now updated to include the new player transfers (for example Hernan Crespo is at Chelsea etc.).
Playability: As the manager in this game, you now have greater control over your players and their contracts/training/future. You also have the option of taking control of the reserve and under 19 squads for your respective club side. The new tactics engine is fantastic and allows you to experiment with more varied styles of play. You can even customise the playing style for each individual player.
Transfer Markets: Depending on your computer specifications, you can have access to thousands of players in the transfer market. The new scouting system is even better than before and you will receive more advice from your staff with regards to purchasing a particular player or not.
You are also able to buy players by paying on a “hire-purchase” scheme. Transfer prices may also be give/demanded for player performance or appearance.
Be careful though, don’t spend too much of your club’s money as your chairman and shareholders will expect your results on the pitch to match your spending.
Player/Staff Relations: CM4 allows you to interact more with your players and staff. You can still issue warnings and fines, but with the downloads, you can even praise/criticise a player in public – through the media. You can also tempt your best staff members to stay on longer with the club by offering better contracts.
Actual Game: The actual game has even more statistics than before. You also have more speed and display options. The 2-dimensional match view option allows you to view how your tactics are working on the field. After match statistics are thorough and complete and now links up with the players value rating.
Competition/League Accuracy: The cup and league competitions for each nationality is as accurate as can be, especially with the download patches. You will also notice that the Champions League (if you are in it) will change to the current format after your first season in charge. If that doesn’t offer a sense of realism, then I don’t know what else does.
International games/management: You can still choose to manage an international team by clicking on the appropriate nationality option. A new development allows you to also protect your players from the rigours of International friendlies. For example, if you were managing Liverpool and Michael Owen is in top form for you and you cannot afford to lose him through injury – you can issue orders for him with regards to how much international friendly matches you want him to play. However, he might lose patience with you or it could work out to your favour – it’s all up to you – you have total autonomy.
Final Summary: I have played this game over and over and am still never ever going to get bored with it. It is truly addictive and the new features make the game more accurate and challenging.
I will continue to play and buy new Championship Manager games as I want to prove to myself that I am better than Gerard Houllier at managing Liverpool or Sven at managing England.
This is the new generation of Championship Manager games and the sign of things to come and is definitely for all football lovers. Even if you’ve never owned it before – when you buy it, you will wonder how you ever did without it.
I recommend this game to loyal fans of Championship Manager and also to the new comers – buy it – you won’t be disappointed.
I love this game to bits- It just never gets boring. It's a little easy in the Prem (winning the treble 3 years in a row as Liverpool) but it still has loads to do on it. However, some of my files freeze at a particular date, and don't work again. Any Advice? Thanks. Chris:)
of the Eidos/Sports Interactive Games doors, and followers of the ever popular series will not be disappointed. With over 200,000 players and staff across 39 national lea...
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16.07.2004 19:20
Oh I wish I still had my own PC. Darren.
24.04.2004 00:46
I love this game, great review! Pat H.
22.04.2004 15:09
I love this game to bits- It just never gets boring. It's a little easy in the Prem (winning the treble 3 years in a row as Liverpool) but it still has loads to do on it. However, some of my files freeze at a particular date, and don't work again. Any Advice? Thanks. Chris:)