King Of The Text Sims
I started back in the 00/01 game when the game truly was a totally text based sim. No animations, just running text. It was my introduction to the series. Then I purchased CM4 and the evolution of the game was evident. Animation was added to the matches, albeit 2D circles that had little feet on them so you could tell what direction the player was going in. I can't begin to explain how much fun I had watching those little circles play soccer, but it is what really hooked me.
Now we come to the latest game in the series, Football Manager 2010. The animations have improved to the degree of having actual men on the field now. Please note that these are not high end graphics here, just enough to give you the atmosphere and information on how your players look in action.
So why do I play? I have always played text based sport sims. I have played and still play the Front Office Football series( Including The College Years), Bowl Bound College Football, OOTP Baseball (Several iterations of this game) Baseball and Football Mogul, Action Football and Diamond Mind Baseball. As you can see, I love a good text sim. Why did I add soccer. Well, some of my friends who play the same text sims that I play dared me into it back in 2000 and It has been a very fun ride learning the game of soccer and then leading my teams to victo.... er leading my team.
If you like text based sporting sims, this is the grand-daddy of them all. The level of detail can be overwhelming at first, especially if you don't have a clue about soccer. (That was me when I started) Luckily, there exists a fanatical fan base for this game and answers to any of your questions are just a google search away. The official site at Sports Interactive is the best place to start as they will lead you to any and all the info you need to get started and become successful at this wonderful game.
It is in the little details that make you want to keep playing as the night goes on into morning. The press conferences before and after matches. The pep talks before, during and after matches. Actually yelling at the screen when your Striker doesn't penetrate like you want him to. And stats! You will choke on the stats, but it is wonderful to dig into them when you want.
All-in-all, if you are a text based sports sim lover this is the game to get. And that may include you even if you hate the real game! (P.S. I don't hate it anymore. Imagine, a computer game got me to like soccer!) Go Get It!