ST Format


Manchester United Europe
By Krisalis
Atari ST

 
Published in ST Format #28

Manchester United Europe

Well, Brian, at the end of the day, there are far too many football sims around. Inexplicably, this one is top of the charts. At least this one actually lets you play football, unlike European Superleague. There are some managerial elements in it nevertheless. Before the match begins, you can decide which cup to play for, set your tactics, choose the players and whether they're human or ST controlled, alter the match length and of course the most important bit, change your manager's name. (The manager plays no part in the game once you've done this - weird.)

Then it's onto the pitch. The first disappointing thing is the cheer of the crowd - a pathetic hissing that sounds like a weak kettle. Then there's the way the players move - very jerkily and with the minimum number of animation frames. The rest of the game, though, is quite bearable. Plenty of tricksy moves can be carried out: power headers, volley shots and sliding tackles, all with aftertouch. There's a ref and he's quite free with his yellow cards.

On the whole, Manchester United Europe comes across as an average game with nothing much to recommend it but nothing to criticise it for either. There are better and worse sims out there, and whether you buy this depends on your taste, your team allegiance and whether you have a penchant for altering team managers' names.