At a glance...

Championship Manager: Season 01/02 review

Finally, we see the great football management sim arrive on a console. With the built-in hard drive of the Xbox it helps cut the loading times of the game, meaning more fluid game play. No more waiting for the match to load; it is basically instant loading which is quite refreshing. The only time it takes time to load is when it does a full update of the hard drive which only happens at the start, middle (Dec/Jan) and the end of a season. But with all the information on the hard drive of players and clubs it is only to be expected.

The game is full of statistics for over 100,000 players, managers and coaches. Everything you need to know about the team you wish to take control of and more. You can choose a team from 26, yes 26, world wide leagues. Each team has their own goal depending on their financial and player status. Some teams know it is going to be a hard season and ask you to try and avoid the drop. Others will want to finish mid table but most will want to be in the play offs or the division champions. Other teams will expect cup successes either in Europe or home cups. For example, if you take control of Manchester United, they will expect overall champions as well as success in Europe and the domestic cups.

With lots of games it does take it out on the players. With injuries, possible suspensions and tiredness you will need a big squad to get through the season. You could be talking 30+ players in your team. You can buy players to your liking to improve on your squad when it is necessary. Also, keeping an eye out on players who have no contract to add to your squad when money is low, so you don't have to pay the big transfer fee. You can hire and fire coaches and search for better ones to help improve your team's coaching staff, as it is important to improve your team as quickly as possible.

You get updated by the clubs chairman on how they feel you are doing. They will tell you if your job is secure or hangs in the balance. Also, to have the fans behind you is very important when putting proposals to the chairman, like extra time to rebuild the squad, improving the training ground, making more money available to build up the squad, or stadium expansion.

You may also play more than one team at any one time, which can prove good if you have a team that is struggling so you can do cheap transfers and loans to help the less able team to improve.

The control system is easy to use with the Xbox controller, so if you are used to the keyboard and mouse it won't take long to get to grips with the pad. The menu system and in-game menus are easy to follow and understand so if you are new to the game you should find it easy to use.

This game I am addicted to. Finally, I can play the game without the PC specifications to worry about.

Ratings

Click here to buy Championship Manager: Season 01/02 from Amazon.co.uk.

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