Worldwide Soccer Manager 2006

"The most addictive game ever"

This game would have gotten a 10, however I don't believe that any game is truly perfect. But this game is pretty close! I have been a fan of Sports Interactive's football management games, tracing back to 1995, where I brought my first ever football game, Championship Manager 2. It was pretty rubbish, when I play it now, but for it's time, wow was it great. I spent ages playing it at a time, getting up to year 2000, where I thought such a great amazing feat. Well, they've continued making games for a good long time, and this is their latest version, Football Manager 2006

Gameplay

This game has tons of features which are amazing. You're the manager, and you control the training, arranging friendly matches, buying and selling players, requesting for stadium expansions, improved training facilities, and trying to win as much as you can. You have to keep the board and the fans happy, otherwise they sack you, and there you lay, unemployed. But the game doesn't stop there, you can move on, and apply for a newer job. This game is your CAREER, not just you controlling your favourite team, which is a lot better. One addition that I like to this game, is the team talks. You can sway the momentum of a match completely, by choosing the right thing at half time. However, if you're too harsh, you can anger your players. Don't want that pressure? Fine, lumber it to your Assistant Manager.

Story

This game lacks story. But that's good. There is no set story. You can go on forever and ever, if you wish (I presume, I never really got to the point where my character dies. I usually only get up to about 10 seasons before I like a fresh approach) , players don't run out (they make regenerated players, which is good) and loads of great things happen in this game. You could get sacked, and move on to a new club, like Dagenham and Redbridge, bringing them from Conference mid-table to Champions League Legends!

Graphics

The graphics are good, but there aren't really that many graphics in the game. The buttons look cool and I like the layout, but even if you don't, there are tons more homemade ones, made by fans that are up for download (I myself have a West Ham United one). The 2D pitch looks cool and is a nice touch, I enjoy it, I prefer it to 3D pitches like the other games, and the games move faster, or not, you can set it.

Addictiveness

I play this pretty much every day for 3-4 hours on end. At the time of writing this review, I'm playing the game. I think my record for playing at a time is 9 hours, which I think is rather sad, but it can be played in small doses, and large doses, which is great!

Replay Value

I think this game has tons of replay value. You can be a new team, you can even start unemployed if you wish, and go down to the job centre and pick out a mediocre team (teams like Chelsea wouldn't want an unknown manager, who it'll be first job) and take them to glory. Or if you want to manage Chelsea, just pick them from the start. The fans won't like it much at the beginning, but you can win their heart pretty easily.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/27/06