"Simple is good..."

Sports Interactive has done it again! Since Champ Man 1, the series has been offering great footy simulation. Now you might wonder why I don't review CM 3 instead. Well I haven't played that game a lot so I don't think I can review it fully.
Back to CM 2, this is a DOS game which has 3 versions (correct me if I'm wrong): CM 2, CM 96/97, CM 97/98. And CM 97/98 is the one I'm playing now. It's a lot more simple than CM 3, and simple is (sometimes) good.

Gameplay: 9.5/10
This is definitely the highlight of the game. There's this 'randomness factor' which can surprise you. Your transfers of players can make you feel 'empowered.' And there's this bit of realism that lures gamers and footy fans alike towards the game.

Interface: 9.5/10
Simple to use, click and drag interface. You don't really need to use your keyboard, your mouse can actually do around 90% of the job. Also the menus are simple and it won't confuse people. I actually went into the game pretty quick without using the manual. The save game feature saves the game in like 2 seconds. Wow.

Graphics: 5/10
Except for pics of players and stadiums (and a few fans and all that) and the 'godly' flashing message bar in matches, CM 2 has very little cool graphics to offer. But again, CM 3 still has the flashing message bar and pics. But football simulations (like the CM series) don't really need 3D graphics IMO.

Sound: ?/10
My game doesn't have any sound at all. Not even a bit. So I played music when playing the game. But I heard that the game has vocal commentaries and such.

Replay value: 10/10
Play EVERY team that's featured in the game! Well that's in CM 3 too. And the ability to have 'mods' to the game (like Swedish league etc.) is absolutely cool. The fun in the game makes you want to come back for more. Yeah, I'm easily addicted.

The average score for CM 97/98 is 8.5 (not including sound). Since no decimals are allowed, I made it a 9 (rounding up).
This game is totally addictive. You just can't get off your computer and do other normal work. Well at least for me.
Grab this game whenever possible - this is one of the best games in the CM series. I suggest you to buy it or bid for it... the game is worthy to be a long-term resident in your hard disk.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/18/01, Updated 04/18/01