Premier Manager 64

There are two modes of play – Manager, where you can choose any team from the four English divisions, or Career, where you start from the bottom at one of ten Division Three clubs. The latter is obviously harder, as you begin with much less money!

The first order of business is to examine your team. You can have the computer select the best squad possible, or if you're a real glutton for punishment, choose the team by hand. The Training option lets you create custom training regimes for each player individually – some may need to work on their skills, while others have to build up their fitness. If matches are scheduled close together, you have to make sure players get enough rest, or they won't be able to perform on the pitch.

Foot Like A Traction Engine

As well as handling the players, you're also in charge of the financial side of things. You can choose sponsors, set ticket prices, decide when and where the ground needs to be improved, offer bonuses for good play, set wages and, of course, buy and sell players. The transfer market is one part of Premier Manager that shows where the N64 is lacking compared to a PC – flicking through all the different teams, players and rankings can take ages.

After you've got the team set up as you want, you then have to sit back and watch with gritted teeth from the sidelines as your boys go out and play the match. You can choose to watch a statistics-only version of the match, showing possession, territory, shots, bookings and so on, or go to the match highlights. These are played out using the Actua Soccer 3 engine, and look quite impressive, if a bit grainy. The animation isn't up to ISS standards, either. Highlights are accompanied by commentary from Barry Davies, although his soundbites make him sound like Alan Partridge at times.

There are two modes of play – Manager, where you can choose any team from the four English divisions, or Career, where you start from the bottom at one of ten Division Three clubs. The latter is obviously harder, as you begin with much less money!

The first order of business is to examine your team. You can have the computer select the best squad possible, or if you're a real glutton for punishment, choose the team by hand. The Training option lets you create custom training regimes for each player individually – some may need to work on their skills, while others have to build up their fitness. If matches are scheduled close together, you have to make sure players get enough rest, or they won't be able to perform on the pitch.

Foot Like A Traction Engine

As well as handling the players, you're also in charge of the financial side of things. You can choose sponsors, set ticket prices, decide when and where the ground needs to be improved, offer bonuses for good play, set wages and, of course, buy and sell players. The transfer market is one part of Premier Manager that shows where the N64 is lacking compared to a PC – flicking through all the different teams, players and rankings can take ages.

After you've got the team set up as you want, you then have to sit back and watch with gritted teeth from the sidelines as your boys go out and play the match. You can choose to watch a statistics-only version of the match, showing possession, territory, shots, bookings and so on, or go to the match highlights. These are played out using the Actua Soccer 3 engine, and look quite impressive, if a bit grainy. The animation isn't up to ISS standards, either. Highlights are accompanied by commentary from Barry Davies, although his soundbites make him sound like Alan Partridge at times.