Summary
- Release Year: 1999
- Genres: Simulator, Sport, Strategy
- Platforms: Nintendo 64, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation
- Developers: Gremlin Interactive
- Publishers: Gremlin Interactive
Premier Manager: Ninety Nine (1999) Review: A Football Management Masterpiece
Released in 1999, Premier Manager: Ninety Nine (also known as Championship Manager 3 in some regions) is widely regarded as one of the greatest football management simulation games ever created. Developed by Sports Interactive and published by Eidos Interactive, the game offers an incredibly deep and realistic experience that allows players to take control of any club from a wide range of leagues around the world.
Gameplay
Premier Manager: Ninety Nine’s gameplay is incredibly detailed and engrossing. Players take on the role of a football manager and are responsible for all aspects of running their club, from player recruitment and training to match tactics and stadium management. The game’s database features over 10,000 players and staff members, each with their own unique attributes and abilities.
One of the most impressive aspects of Premier Manager: Ninety Nine is its match engine. The game’s 3D match graphics are surprisingly good for the time, and the AI is very challenging, even on the lower difficulty settings. Players have a wide range of tactical options to choose from, and they can also make substitutions and give instructions to their players during the match.
Features
In addition to its deep gameplay, Premier Manager: Ninety Nine also offers a number of innovative features that were ahead of its time. These features include:
- Youth Academy: Players can develop their own young players through the game’s youth academy system. This system allows players to create and train their own players, who can then be promoted to the first team.
- Transfer Market: The game’s transfer market is one of the most realistic and in-depth ever created. Players can negotiate with other clubs to buy and sell players, and they can also set up scouting networks to identify new talent.
- Financial Management: Players need to carefully manage their club’s finances in order to succeed. This includes setting ticket prices, negotiating player contracts, and investing in new facilities.
- Editor: The game’s editor allows players to create their own custom leagues, teams, and players. This feature adds a huge amount of replayability to the game.
Graphics and Sound
Premier Manager: Ninety Nine’s graphics are surprisingly good for a game released in 1999. The game’s 3D match engine is very impressive, and the player models are detailed and well-animated. The game’s sound is also very good, with realistic crowd noise and commentary.
Longevity
Premier Manager: Ninety Nine has incredible longevity. The game’s deep gameplay and endless replayability keep players coming back for more. The game’s large and active community also helps to keep the game fresh, with new fan-made leagues, teams, and players being created all the time.
Conclusion
Premier Manager: Ninety Nine is a football management masterpiece. The game’s deep gameplay, innovative features, and impressive graphics and sound make it one of the greatest games ever created in the genre. If you’re a fan of football management games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Premier Manager: Ninety Nine.
Review Score
8.5/10
