Player Manager 2001 - PlayStation

Also known as: Alex Ferguson's Player Manager 2001', 'Sir Alex Ferguson's Player Manager 2001

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Player Manager 2001 (PlayStation)
Also for: PC, PS2, Game Boy Color
Viewed: 2D Static screen Genre:
Sport: Football - Soccer
Strategy: Management
Arcade origin:No
Developer: Anco Software Soft. Co.: 3DO Studios
Publishers: 3DO Studios (GB)
Released: 24 Nov 2000 (GB)
Ratings: 3+
Accessories: Memory Card

Summary

You have to hand it to Anco and 3DO. Securing the endorsement of Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United fame is just about as big a seal of approval as you can possibly get, even if his dour mush on the cover might alienate potential purchasers. Just close your eyes, it won’t seem so bad.

Even without the former St.Mirren stalwart’s thumbs up, you know you’re onto a good thing with an Anco footy title. These are the folks behind the first ever soccer management game on the PlayStation after all, the fondly remembered Kick Off World. Things have come a long way since those heady days, but Player Manager 2001, unlike other games in the genre, is not too complicated as far as navigation and game-play is concerned. The menus are neat and tidy, and the joypad controls are a delight of long-ball simplicity. Tactics, strategy and fitness regime can all be altered to suit your team’s needs, there’s a huge European transfer market to plunder (if you have the money to spend), and you’ll have access to club information throughout the English and Scottish leagues.

So settle back in that oversized sheepskin coat or dodgy leisure suit and wish your players luck as they cross the white line. There's not much else you can do, bar altering the tactics mid-way through the match. Like Ferguson, you’ll be wondering where all the extra time has come from as you hang on for a narrow win.

Alex Ferguson’s Player Manager 2001, then. Make it your own.