Play as a game, or just to make teams & tactics?

[Robert]

I must admit that, as a game, Player Manager is often fun but has many flaws. It does not have the full Kick Off 2 engine and thus it's really awful playing the games, unable to use your advanced skills.

I've spent many years on PM, but only as an add-on to KO2. I've used it to produce 8 great teams, all of which would give R.Barber & co a severe whupping, plus over 20 tactics (actually only 2, but both revised many times).

I think that PM as an add-on can really enrich KO2, espcially when played between two regular opponents. If you play against someone's custom tactic, and they have an advantage, you work on developing yours to prevent it and give you back the advantage. When this works, it gives you a type of satisfaction that you simply can't get from playing over and over with 4-2-4 and scoring that same old G.Nicholls goal, ad nauseam.

If you haven't tried it already, I recommend it, and if anyone wants some tips, I'm happy to advise on how to get started.

[Beckite]

Tips?Um where to start Robert,ive played kick off to the point of boredom in the past but sadly i have never delved into the dark art of PM tactics.I wouldnt know where to start,so some pointers from yourself would be appreciated.

[Ely]

Never really played with the tactics much. I build one set called COMLOCK1 & COMLOCK2, 2 being the updated version of one. Mainly I used it in the lower divisions for counter-attacking the 1st DIV teams in Cup Comps. Basically is was a 5 - 4 - 1 formation I think.

[alkis21]

My 1-2-2-4 tactic was designed for me to be able to score as many goals as possible (I play as a team), but without actually cheating.. I mean I could put a couple of players in front of the goal line, and I would score 20 goals/ game, but that's not football. It can be described as:
-One player constantly guarding the corner flag. That player is me, because I'm 50+ years old and I'm useless.. however I need to be in the game so I can play as a team, so that's the best solution.
-One last defender, I really don't need any more as he's faster than all his opponents.
-Two defensive midfielders who make sure that the defender has a little to do as possible, and start my team's attack.
-Two attacking miedfielders who do most of the running, carrying the ball forward and passing it to the forwards or even score themselves
-The four attackers of the 4-2-4 formation.
Some other bits are also added, for instance there are more people during the corner kick, positioned so that I rarely fail to score, the wingers are not so close to the line etc.

[Robert]

Alkis, have you tried any of my tactics in your game? Spurs*14 is effective within PM as well as KO2.

[VKafiris]

I play the game on a more regular basis than KO2. Of course I never play the actual footie (KO) but I use the result only option. <IMG SRC="/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif">

[durban]

Becks I can't believe you haven';t had a go at designing tactics.

I loved PM and the best thing was creating teams and tactics to play against me mates.

Its great perfecting tactics and playing them off against your mates....thats the real challenge of KO2/PM

M

[Robert]

Indeed, Mr Williams speaks the truth.

Durban can you bring a disk of Amiga teams and tactics to Gloucester? I can swap it for one of mine, plus it would be nice to have a friendly game with PM teams and tactics.

[durban]

Rob mate, I'm afraid I don't have any real tactics on the Amiga (I use Winuae now and only have one or two tactics and PM teams as I don't play much!) I might be able to have a few seasons between now and march and see if I can get a ADF file or something.

The problem is I used the ST and had hundreds of disks, tactics and teams but sadly all got binned by me mum a few years ago <IMG SRC="/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_frown.gif">

M

[Ely]

Mums eh ?? Who'd have em !!! <IMG SRC="/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif"> <IMG SRC="/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif"> Shame that Durbs.

I was lucky to salvage all my stuff, off the disks onto my PC but none of it is fantastic stuff, I don't think I played it quite as much as some of you !!

[alkis21]

Yes Robert I try all your tactics from times to times, on KO2 though not on PM, I especially like the diamond one.

[Robert]

Argh, Alkis! You're hurting me...

The Diamond tactics are all designed by James Lockerbie <IMG SRC="/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif">

Actually they would suit your style of play - his is quite similar. 10 defensive players and 1 very advanced striker. Good for reducing opponent chances and scoring on the counter attack.

However, if you check M2Mdeep, you will find a tactic specifically built by me to beat Diamond*8. I noted all the repetitive goals that James scored against me, and put players to stop them. In some cases I removed defenders to reduce confusion. Many goals result from control switching between defenders at a crucial moment. The 'M2M' comes from the fact that there are 5 defenders all man-marking his attacking players. I achieved this by drawing out his tactic on tracing paper.

[durban]

Mr Swift you just hit the nail on the head.

The beauty of designing tactics is exactly that.

You play against your mate (and his tactics) and you notice weaknesses (either in your or his tactics) then when he is gone you spend all week altering and fine tuning then the next weekend he comes round and you battle again! Its fabulous its like chess but with full on KO action!

M