Summary
- Release Year: 1992
- Genres: Simulator, Sport, Strategy
- Platforms: Atari ST/STE
Championship Manager (1992): The Game That Changed Football Management
Released in 1992, Championship Manager (often abbreviated to Champ Man) was a groundbreaking football management game that set the standard for the genre for years to come. Developed by Sports Interactive and published by Domark, Champ Man was the first game to give players complete control over all aspects of their club, from team selection and tactics to player transfers and finances.
Gameplay
Champ Man’s gameplay was incredibly detailed and realistic for its time. Players could choose to manage any club in the English or Scottish leagues, and would be responsible for all aspects of the club’s operation. This included:
- Team selection and tactics
- Player transfers and contracts
- Training and player development
- Matchday management
- Finances and stadium development
The game’s match engine was also highly praised for its realism. Players could watch their team play in real time, and could make tactical changes on the fly. The game also featured a comprehensive player database, which included detailed information on over 5,000 players from around the world.
Critical reception
Championship Manager was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its realism, depth, and addictiveness. The game won numerous awards, including the Golden Joystick Award for Best Sports Game in 1992.
Legacy
Championship Manager had a profound impact on the football management genre. It was the first game to give players complete control over all aspects of their club, and its realistic gameplay and detailed player database set the standard for future games.
The game also spawned a number of sequels, including Championship Manager 2 (1993), Championship Manager 3 (1995), and Championship Manager 97/98 (1997). The Championship Manager series is still going strong today, with the latest installment, Championship Manager 2023, being released in November 2022.
Cultural impact
Championship Manager has had a significant cultural impact. The game has been credited with helping to popularize football management games, and it has been cited as an influence by a number of high-profile football managers, including Arsène Wenger and José Mourinho.
The game has also been featured in numerous TV shows and films, including the British comedy series The IT Crowd. In one episode, the character Roy Trenneman (played by Chris O’Dowd) is shown to be addicted to Championship Manager.
Conclusion
Championship Manager (1992) is a classic football management game that changed the genre forever. Its realism, depth, and addictiveness made it a must-play for fans of the sport. The game’s legacy continues today, with the Championship Manager series still going strong after 30 years.
Review Score
9/10
