Commodore Format
1st September 1991
Head-The-Ball Frames
Cult software have been remarkably busy churning out footy management sims this month - in fact, we've had four of them. They all take the standard 'footy sim' formula but each has a different slant on the genre. So, let's kick off with...
Striker Manager (Cult)
This first game puts you in the unenviable position of both playing in and managing your own soccer team (but not at the same time). There are four divisions and two cup championships to take part in, fairly standard stuff, but as well as making minor management decisions you must also play a small part in the actual matches played.
A view of the goal mouth is displayed. When you feel the moment is right to take a shot at goal, hit the S key and Bob's your uncle, you either score or you don't.
It's not a bad little game but the management sections are a little limited and, to be honest, the action sequences might as well not be there.
Professional Footballer (Cult)
Lordy, a complete departure from footy sims this time. There's a small amount of mangement involved, tranfers for instance, but this time you predominantly play instead of managing.
Having said that, it's not an arcade footy sim either. A match is carried out in the following way. When a goal scoring opportunity occurs your C64 gives you a list of options such as shoot for goal, pass forward, pass backward or head the ball.
Making the right choice will improve your reputation no end and help you towards your ultimate aim, which is to impress your manager so much that he places you in the first team and keeps playing you in each match (great for the ego).
Okay, this game may be different in its approach, but sadly that approach is crap. Unless you're a total and utter football-crazy zomboid, give it a miss.
2 Player Soccer Squad (Cult)
This one is a bit more involved than Striker Manager, the management section is more akin to usual games of this sort. The twist in this one's tail is that it is based around the as-yet-non-existent super league in which a small number of high power teams battle it out in an exclusive league competition. It also has the added advantage of being playable by two humans as opposed to being limited to the usual (and somewhat reclusive) solo play.
This is a text-only affair I'm afraid and tends to run slowly in places, but it is pretty involved and allows a friend to join you in the fun.
The Match (Cult)
This one doesn't really have any unique features although the ability to send out spies is an interesting one.
If you don't already own a soccer sim then this one's as good as any (well, nearly). Loads of teams, several cups, match highlights, transfers, seasons, sackings, gate receipts, it's all here.
The presentation is also pretty good, placing this one well above the other three in the quality stakes. So surprising as it may seem (because you lot think I'm so miserable), I'm going to give it 75%.
