Another football management game has been released then, to rival the popular Championship Manager series. Ipswich Town Club Manager forces you to take charge of, yes you've guessed it, Ipswich Town and only Ipswich Town. Unlike the latest CM release, this effort has an incredibly update player database which includes the Tractors Boys' latest additions to their squad such Bart-Williams, Kuqi and Mahon eliminating the need to go out and purposefully buy them yourself in order to have an up-to-date team. In order to keep up with Big Fat Joe's latest wheelings and dealings, there is an online support website on which you can download the latest player packs.
The game itself for anyone who is used to these types of games is very easy to understand, as the team selection and tactics screens are not too complicated. There is not much in the way of a visual representation of the match, however there is a section of the screen which shows a wide variety of pictures of the Ipswich players as their names are mentioned in the commentary which makes the whole process much more interesting. If you are one of those people who cannot wait around for the final score there is an option where you can choose to 'skip match' which will give you the final score. However be warned that if you choose this, as I found out to my peril, your dippy assistant will take charge and may make some idiotic decisions if one of your men is sent off or injured. I hope that Willie Donachie would not really behave in such an moronic way if BFJ was taken ill.
The commentary itself is not very varied and is at times very predictable which reduces the enjoyment of the match representation. The ability levels of the players are largely a true reflection, but with a few minor inaccuracies, for instance the ability of Mahon and Westlake in particular need to be upped and also I'd like to know how Ipswich have £2 million pounds to spend on transfers.
However, I think this is a very good effort by the people at Just Football, I for one will be resuming my saved game in the quest for promotion and I believe this will make an enjoyable christmas present for any computer game playing Tractor Boy or Girl!
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Last month's winner was Neil Gooderham We have another free copy to give away to one of you lucky people who can identify the following Santas correctly. Closing date 31st December 2003.
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