This is definitely the best of Cult's trio of footy games this month, with some
decent options and stats. All the players in your Fourth Division squad, including
you (as a player manager), have skill ratings for goalkeeping, defence midfield and
attack, as well as fitness level.
By selecting Player Data, can get more detailed stats for each player including
matches played, goals scored, disciplinary points (for bookings & sendings off -
too many and he's suspended) and an aggression rating which can be altered. Furthermore,
skills/fitness can be improved by using a limited weekly number of physio/coach
credits.
Players can be put onto the transfer market, where you can choose whether to accept
any offers. Of course, you can also buy players at a fixed price (no bidding) and
even sign some up for free - even famous names like Bryan Robson!
What players don't have is a set position, and there's sadly no formation selection.
You can select any eleven players for your team with their skill ratings being totalled
to determine the team's defence/midfield etc levels - the next opponents' ratings
are shown alongside for easy reference.
By selecting Opponent Facts you can also find out what sort of style they play
and how aggressively, and use the Team Talk option to change your own playing style
(open, draw or win).
Match representation is fairly good, giving you at leadt a general idea of how things are
going. Coloured bars and manages indicate the team in possession and whether the
ball's currently in their defence, midfield or attack. When a goalscoring chance
arises for either team the scene switches to a crude but effective 3-D display of the
goalmouth action.
If you personally are the player with the chance, you must press 'S' to shoot -
stopping a swaying meter to determine the shot direction. If your team isn't doing
well you can put up to two subs on at any time, and you get a chance to change
your playing style with the halftime Team Talk.
This ability to do something during the match is very welcome and helps keep up the
interest, as does the chance to eventually play in European competitions, move to a
French/German/Italin team, or even manage a national side in the World Cup. Not bad.