I have to say I'm really enjoying it.
I'm finding it far easier to play than FM2005. It is far more arcadey but that for some reason means it's more addictive. It is lightning fast, i can't remember a CM that has been faster.
Now the downsides. Because of the arcadey feel of it, it does throw up some really weird things and results. On other teams results, the final scores seem quite realistic but if you click to see the games stats and scorers it seems they just make that up. In 90% of the computers games the scorers are defenders that have come off the bench three minutes before the end of the game and scored hat-tricks!!!! Ok, not really a problem if the scores are realistic but when trying to scout players it's a bit tricky. Also the amount of penalties and own goals is extremely high. In one match, i had the game on *Fast Result* where the players on the 2d screen just go ballistic and the game ends in about 30 seconds. I didn't have replays on so all i knew was that i had won 1-0. I went to the overview screen and my only goal was from a penalty from Alan Stubbs, well done there, the bad thing being.........he missed a further FIVE penalties afterwards!!!! I have also won a game 3-0 against Preston in the cup with all my goals coming from own goals!!
Another thing I noticed was Arsenal and Man Utd loaning in superstars all the time, players that surely wouldn't go out on loan, and also outside of the transfer window, didn't think that was allowed.
I have to add here that I have not downloaded the patch yet and so some of these things might have been resolved in it.
I know the downsides are longer than the upsides but thats cos i wouldn't be able to fit all the upsides on here. This is a really good COMPUTER GAME. It clearly has been written for the consoles and transported to the PC rather than the other way round. This makes for a fast paced, fun game. It's TCM with the depth of FM2005. If you like to take a month playing a season then steer clear. I've only played it since saturday morning and i'm already into pre-season in my thrid season.
So for me, for a quick thrill go for this, if you have the patience and a lot of time then go for Fm2005
p.s. Rooney's brother is in this game, he is only 14 and is already awesome. He has 100 for shot power and accuracy and over 90 for most other things. SIGN HIM UP!!!
Proves helpful and goes through all the important factors which would influence people's decision when buying the game. It might be a nice idea if you update it after your first season, commenting on the realism of where some of the teams finish in the leagues and cups.
