Championship Manager is one of the best selling computer games ever on any format. A football management simulation, the secret of its success is the pure depth of the statistics that it contains as well as its incredible addictiveness. Once you start guiding Nuneaton Borough to the dizzy heights ... Read review
Advantages: realistic and addictive Disadvantages: may be too complex for some
Championship Manager is one of the best selling computer games ever on any format. A football management simulation, the secret of its success is the pure depth of the statistics that it contains as well as its incredible addictiveness. Once you start guiding Nuneaton Borough to the dizzy heights of 17th in the Nationwide Conference League, you'll know what I mean...
A number of people may play the game, although it is probably best ... ...although I have never tried this. Installing the game is relatively straightforward, and the manual gives sufficient details about how to do this. The country in which you wish to play in must firstly be selected, and there are choices as diverse as Norway and Argentina, as well as the more familiar countries like England and Spain. Several leagues can be selected at one time, (to enable you to play in different countries if things don't work out ... more
Championship Manager is one of the best selling computer games ever on any format. A football management simulation, the secret of its success is the pure depth of the statistics that it contains as well as its incredible addictiveness. Once you start guiding Nuneaton Borough to the dizzy heights of 17th in the Nationwide Conference League, you'll know what I mean...
A number of people may play the game, although it is probably best played alone. There is also opportunity for a network link-up, although I have never tried this. Installing the game is relatively straightforward, and the manual gives sufficient details about how to do this. The country in which you wish to play in must firstly be selected, and there are choices as diverse as Norway and Argentina, as well as the more familiar countries like England and Spain. Several leagues can be selected at one time, (to enable you to play in different countries if things don't work out at Nuneaton, and no-one else in England will employ you for example...), although this does take longer to load and also longer for the results to be processed once you are inside the game.
A team must be selected for each player, as well as a manager name. You can check on the players of the respective clubs at this stage. Once your team is chosen, it is time to select the players...
**PLAYERS**
Each player has a number of 'visible' and 'invisible' statistics. All the players in the game initially are real, and the best ones in real life have the best statistics. The research in the game is absolutely impeccable, even though Peterborough United does seem to have better players here than it does in practice. The 20 or so visible statistics (such as finishing, pace, stamina) are subject to fluctuation, depending upon the effectiveness of the training programme you have selected for them. They are marked between 1 and 20 (20 being the best).
The 'invisible' ones aren't revealed to the user at any stage, and include things such as 'adaptability'. These can affect how the player responds to certain actions you ask him to perform (e.g. to change flanks on the pitch). It is up to the user to figure out approximations for the values by looking at how each player responds through their actions on the pitch.
There is also information available about player history (e.g. appearences/goals/bookings) and their value and player status, (which you can select at any stage e.g. valuable to the club/not needed) close to hand when the player is selected.
The team can then be picked. It is best to do so by looking at both their value and statistics. As time goes on, you can get a good idea of who are the weakest links in the team, and then go to the transfer market...
**TRANSFERS**
Players who are no longer needed by the team can be put up for sale. Their price can be set automatically or manually. Teams can then put in bids, and it is up to the user whether to accept or decline.
There are several ways of going about buyuing players. Any player can be found by searching the general database, which contains thousands of names from Ronaldo to non-professional Iranians earning Ģ25 a week. Bids can be submitted accordingly. However, it is also possible to customise a search for the top players, by virtue of a number of their characteristics (e.g. all players withing a certain position, or age bracket). This is particularly useful if, for example, you are looking for a Swedish left-sided defender aged between 18 and 25, who has a passing ability of 16/20. You can be as specific or as vague as you want, but perhaps the most useful option is the 'interested' characteristic, as it stops users from wasting their time chasing players who will never come to them (although why Ronaldo doesn't want to play for Nuneaton, I'll never know...).
A scout can also be set to look for players within a certain area, and they will make recommendations about who to sign up for your team.
**TACTICS**
The tactic stage is the make or break of your team. You can select automatic formations or make up your own. It is also possible to move around players' positions in different sections of the pitch when the ball is in a particular place, but I tend to just leave it on the default position. As well as this, there are several other features that must be set. These include playing style (e.g. passing/direct/long ball) and strength of tackling. As well as these general characteristics, specific ones can be tailor made to your players (e.g. free roles being given to your star defender). This takes a bit of experimentation to get used to and may be seen by some as being overly complicated, but once the dream formation is hit upon, there is no need to change it dramatically afterwards.
Free kick and corner takers must also be set, and it is advised that users select players with good long-shot and crossing characteristics respectively to be in charge of these.
A captain must also be picked for the team (usually the player with the best influence and determination stats is a good idea).
**GAMEPLAY**
Once your dream players are bought, you are ready to go. A realistic league and cup structure, with European competition is featured. Each game is seen by the user, who is given information about how their team is progressing, with the option of also seeing the latest scores elsewhere. Unlike many other football games, ChampMan doesn't have frustrating sequences where you see the players actually playing (badly). Instead, the speed of the actual game (during which you are given details of important events through an information bar, such as when a goal/foul/corner/free kick/missed opportunity occurs) is up to the player, from very slow up to very fast. This means that the actual games can be over and done with very quickly if you wish, adding to the fun factor and speed of it all. During the match, you can make substitutions if you wish.
At the end of the match, each player is given a rating out of ten, and this can give yopu a good idea of who to keep and who to replace in the next game.
**STATS**
After the matches have been played, you can see an updated league, as well as in depth top-lists for things like goals, ratings and assists for the entire league.
Managers can collect points according to how their team does. At the end of the season, their total score determines their position on the high-score board.
There is a job section, where both national and international teams advertise for managers. You can be an international manager without resigning from your club, although only the Portuguese and Belgian jobs ever seem to come up in the first few seasons...
**EXTRAS**
There are also opportunities in the game to make requests to the board of directors (for more money, for example). Users must also appoint staff such as physios, and set up training regimes for players.
**TIPS**
There are a number of extremely good players that can be picked up cheaply, namely: Andri SigPorsson Gareth Jellyman Simon Davies Peter O'Flynn Johan Pelu Tonton Zola Moukoko Kurniawan Other gooduns and badduns can be found through trial and error
**ANALYSIS**
The game is far too big to tell you all the areas, but I have managed to sum up the main ones. The manual itself is very useful, but the best thing to do is to experiment and see what each feature does. After several months of intensive playing, I was still finding new screens. The game's complexities are an added bonus, although less fussed user can play the game just as well without referring to them.
The addictiveness is enhanced by the sheer number of options. Once users get the knack of winning games, it is possible to go for new challenges, such as seeing how far you can take the worst team in the league to the top. The number of clubs you can play for is vast, and sheer depth of the game may intimidate some.
However, despite the potential disadvantage for some, namely not having enough patience and the game being too big, it is a must have for all football lovers everywhere. Now, let me get see if I can't get Nuneaton into Europe...
(New versions come out every season, and although it is now outdated, it can be picked up more cheaply than the recent versions).
Advantages: Addictive, enjoyable, realistic, a real challenge Disadvantages: Too addictive!
...again once you've played on Championship Manager 1999/2000, an update of the immensely successful Championship Manager 3.
This is, quite simply, the finest management simulation ever. A quick run through of it's features will surely leave anyone who likes this genre even a bit salivating at the chops and dashing to the nearest computing shop with a big wad of banknotes.
The stats are meticulously researched and mind-boggling in their depth. Remember, ... ...times, and that is what Championship Manager 1999/200 is - realistic. Short of donning a suit and tie and begging your local club to "gimme six months, I won't let you down, I promise", this is as real as it gets at the moment. And, as you might have guessed by my gushing, frantic tone, it is massively addictive and has a vast, loyal army of fans. Fancy joining up? ...
AndrewDalton 12.06.2000
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Championship Manager Season 99/00 (PC)
Advantages: Was the best game ever, very addictive Disadvantages: Now usurped by CM 00/01, very addictive
I've had the experience of playing CM 99/00 for a year now and until lart October when I got CM 00/01 it was the best game I'd ever played. Maybe I'm a little blinkered, but CM is the only modern game I have on my hard drive. It may not have fancy graphics or stupid novelties like taking bribes, but what it has is realism closer than any game in any genre. The amount of people who are credited for work on the game is a testament to just how detailed ... ...be snapped up by clubs the world over because they do tend to spot quite a few excellent footballers at small clubs before they become famous. I expect Tonton Zola Moukoko to become a world-beater very soon!
Despite the huge amount of information and realism available, the game still adheres to the principles of CM 1. The interface is simple, uncluttered and devoid of fancy icons and the like. While the interface may be a world apart and far superior ...
kfingleton 10.01.2001
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Championship Manager Season 99/00 (PC)
Advantages: Very Comprehensive Disadvantages: None
...make your way into the Championship manager Hall of Fame your going to have to accumulate enough Manager Points and to do this your side will have to be consistently winning matches, have a high league position as well as making good progress in the cup competitions. ~~~Getting the sack~~~ Football managers get the sack and that is the harsh reality of life. In almost all cases it will be as a consequence of failing to reach the standards set out ... ...the truly great managers there inevitably comes a time to move on. There is no way you should underestimate the difficulty in taking up this position abroad. You'll have to get use to the new country as well as the rules and competitions. ~~~Your Staff~~~ *Assistant Manager-The second most important member of the managerial team. He's also the manger of your reserve team. *Coaches- Your coaches are entrusted with the responsibility of taking the ...
codename47 19.02.2001
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Championship Manager Season 99/00 (PC)
Advantages: addictive, comprehensive in all respects, brilliant game if you like fooball management sims Disadvantages: You may not be seen leaving your computer for spells of a few weeks at a time!
This (the 99/00 edition) is probably the most comprehensive football management sim of all time. There is such an extensive database of players and managers its unbelievable. The 99/00 edition has a few extra features also on top of the standard CM3 edition, including the ability to fine players, players having more input to you as manager about their present feelings and also the ability for players to do a 'Pierre Van Hooijdonk' and go AWOL if ... ...such an addictive element to this game. I find though that I very much play it in fits and starts. For example I may have 2 or 3 weeks where i'll play it a few hours a day but then I may never touch it again for another fortnight, possibly through playing it so much that I need a break from it. Another plus side to it is that it contains data from loads of leagues from all around the world. Also you can run background leagues so you can keep upto ...
CyrixDes 08.09.2000
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Championship Manager Season 99/00 (PC)
Advantages: huge player databases, loads of options Disadvantages: Bewildering at first
It does take a long time to install....and to start your first game.. ..it seems hard to navigate at first... but once you get in...you'll play nothing else for months.
I won this on a competitions website and was v. pleased as it had been recommended by a friend. I was surprised by how long it took to get started - and for a while had difficulty finding various options.
Bear with it, though, and you will be amazed at the depth, and the amount ... ...selling players - the best bit of the game, and winning. Start with a big team - so it's a bit easier - i didn't win any of my first games for ages, and then move down the divisions for a challenge.
It is fantastic, esp. @ Ģ20 and will give hours of gameplay.
P.S. Mads Jorgensen, Javier Saviola. ...
WrexhamAFC 15.07.2000
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Championship Manager Season 99/00 (PC)
Product Information for "Championship Manager Season 99/00 (PC)" »
Product details
Age
3+
Publisher
Eidos Interactive
Genre
Sports; Simulation
Sub Genre
Football; Management Sim
Release Date
2000
EAN
5037999004066
Operating System
Windows 98 / 95
Manufacturer's product description
It's Back! The finest football management series of all time returns bigger and better...Championship Manager: Season 99/00 places you once more in the dugout of your favourite team.
Related tags for Championship Manager Season 99/00 (PC) »
