Alex Ferguson's Player Manager 2001 (2000)

Alex Ferguson's Player Manager 2001 cover

Developer: Anco Software Ltd.
Publisher: The 3DO Company
Platforms: PlayStation 2
Genres: Sport

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How it feels

A measured, administrative experience where success comes from careful planning, training, and squad management rather than fast-paced action.

management simmethodicalstrategiclow-keyadministrativegoal-orientedslow-pacedstraightforward

About

In this tactical football management game, you become the manager of a team in the English, French or Belgian league, with different subdivisions, starting in 2001. Your job includes setting out strategies, planning training sessions, keeping an eye on your players and attracting new talent, taking care of finances, and of course making sure that you win your matches. You will be given specific goals, such as qualifying for the champion's league, or defending the club's reputation. Games do not only include league matches, but friendlies and cup matches as well. The actual games can be watched real-time in 3D, allowing for on-the-fly substitutions and tactical decisions, and a unique feature is you can both manage and play for a club, although there is no way to actually control players or actively participate. All players have different abilities and characteristics, which can be trained to create a well-balanced team. The French version portrays manager Guy Roux (famous of Auxerre), while the UK version has Alex Ferguson (Manchester United).

Screenshots

Alex Ferguson's Player Manager 2001 screenshot 1

Alex Ferguson's Player Manager 2001 screenshot 2

Alex Ferguson's Player Manager 2001 screenshot 3

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More by Anco Software Ltd.

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.