CM 03/04: Purchase?

[GrantDawg]

I didn't buy this year’s incarnation for a couple of reasons (I didn't like the fact it doesn't have the MLS and the strikers scoring 90% of the goals in CM4 got old). I'm now getting that CM itch, though, and have been playing 01/02. Since I bought the download version, I can't get the last patch (which is a little aggravating) and I can't install it on my alternate boot. So, I'm considering purchasing CM 03/04.



First, should I? Second, is there any place on the web I might buy a used version? I checked ebay, and all that is on there is the Thai version, and I don't trust that it is not a pirated copy, plus I do not want to wait two weeks.



Thanks in advance.

[Calis]

CM03/04 is most definitely worth purchasing.

Fixxed most of the problem's with CM4 and is just an all around great game. Buy it whatever way you can. I think their are some user made patches that will add most of the MLS players and such..not really sure because it never bothered me much. Scoring is much better now as well, at least from what I've seen.

Not sure where is a good place to order used games though.

[SirFozzie]

The Calcio Update has a lot of the American players.

CM 03/04 is the best game out there.. Of course, FM2005 will likely blow it away.. but if SI hold to form, it will not be out until Christmas.

[Fonzie]

I agree with what Calis and SirFozzie said. CM03/04 is the game CM4 should have been - it is well worth the money.

Sorry I can't help with online used game purchases, though. No idea there.

[bamcgee]

I heartily recommend it. You'll get a ton of enjoyable hours out of it.

[QuikSand]

I generally agree that 03/03 is worth the purchase. I'm heavy into it right now.

I will say that I think the scoring is still a bit stilted toward strikers, which I am adjusting to but reluctantly. I don't know how well this comports with real futbol (where I just plead ignorance) but my strikers get a MUCH higher share of the team's goals than was the case in 00/01, the last version I played before CM4.

[SirFozzie]

For me, the midfielders get a ton of goals, but then again, I'm using a so called "Super" Tactic

(The infamous Diablo v2!)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

For me, the midfielders get a ton of goals, but then again, I'm using a so called "Super" Tactic

(The infamous Diablo v2!)

I tried that tactic. I just got smoked. Absolutely killed. I scored a lot, but always gave up a ton more. Didn't know where the team went wrong.

[SirFozzie]

you need a fast midfielder with killer finishing (for example, in my current fun game (I don't use Diablo in a "real" game), I have Adrian Mutu who scores about 2-3 a game at Midfielder.. and a very good tackling DMC. Your forwards just need good finishing

[Eaglesfan27]

I just purchased this game and I never really got into CM4 or any of it's previous incarnations, so I'm still a neophyte to soccer strategy. Any good sites that people would recommend I check out for a general soccer strategy primer? The game should be here tomorrow, and I'd like something to read before then. Thanks.

[SirFozzie]

Checkout www.thedugout.net for good CM based strategy..

also good is www.bigsoccer.com 's forums.

[Calis]

There's all sorts of good places to look. The Dugout is probably the biggest of the CM sites. So check that out, there's CM Faqs, and lots of other places with guides.

If I wasn't so lazy I'd look 'em all up for you..they're easy to find though.

EDIT: SirFozzie beat me to the Dugout, so lets just say I give it a hearty endorsement as well.

[Eaglesfan27]

ok.. I guess I need to try The Dugout and these other sites again

Thanks for the replies. Also, I've never been to bigsoccer, I'll have to check that out too.

[Desnudo]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

you need a fast midfielder with killer finishing (for example, in my current fun game (I don't use Diablo in a "real" game), I have Adrian Mutu who scores about 2-3 a game at Midfielder.. and a very good tackling DMC. Your forwards just need good finishing

What do you use in a "serious" game where you lay it all on the line for God and Country?

BTW, a search will find a lot of threads on this topic.

[SirFozzie]

Originally Posted by Desnudo

What do you use in a "serious" game where you lay it all on the line for God and Country?

BTW, a search will find a lot of threads on this topic.

I only use quick load tactics, or slight modification to those basic tactics to avoid metagaming. Diablo is fun, but scores of 8-1 isn't exactly realistic :P

[ice4277]

I think I need to start using the Diablo tactic. As Barnsley, I have played Blackpool 3 times this season, twice in the league and once in the FA Cup. Scorelines for each game: 4-0, 4-0, 4-0, each in favor of Blackpool. Ouch. I have never had a run like that against another team.

[andy m]

CM03/04 restored the fun that was missing from CM4 for me. not sure why, it just is much more enjoyable to play. my strikers score way more goals than the rest of my team (they had 40 and 30 respectively in a promotion campaign from Scottish Division 2, my next highest player had 3), but i can over-look that when the game is as good as it is.

[Desnudo]

Originally Posted by andy m

CM03/04 restored the fun that was missing from CM4 for me. not sure why, it just is much more enjoyable to play. my strikers score way more goals than the rest of my team (they had 40 and 30 respectively in a promotion campaign from Scottish Division 2, my next highest player had 3), but i can over-look that when the game is as good as it is.

I agree. It's a lot of subtle differences that make it a much better game. The striker thing, I don't know why people have a problem with that. In real life all the top scorers in the EPL are strikers. You can adjust tactics to make other positions score more if that's what you want to see.

[andy m]

yes, i am pretty aware of how real football works as i have been a fan for 20 years but CM does still come across as slightly imbalanced in this department to me. my tactics were playing using the default 4-4-2 (attacking) with wingers going forward. i don't think this tactic would lead to scoring as many goals i did, with the proportion of goals being scored by non-strikers so low (and this has been something i have seen with other teams i have run in CM03/04 too). whatever. it's an amazing game that i have poured many many hours into.

[ice4277]

I think one reason it seems like too many goals are scored by forwards is that too many goals were scored by non-forwards in pre-CM4 version. I used to consistently have midfielders scoring 15+ goals in a season, oftentimes outscoring the forwards.

[Ragone]

I am having 0 luck finding it any cheaper then say 39 bucks..

[ice4277]

That's the lowest you are going to find it I think.

[Ragone]

bleh.. gogamer it is then :P

[Marc Vaughan]

Originally Posted by ice4277

I think one reason it seems like too many goals are scored by forwards is that too many goals were scored by non-forwards in pre-CM4 version. I used to consistently have midfielders scoring 15+ goals in a season, oftentimes outscoring the forwards.

The match engine is something which we're constantly tweaking and tuning towards being as realistic as possible.

IRL you'll find teams which have a disproportionate amount of goals scored by a single striker (eg. Arsenal - Henry (25) next best is Pires (12)) and also teams built not to be quite so reliant on a single player (eg. Charlton - Euell 7, Lisbie 5, Jensen 5, Bartlett 5).

This happens within the game and is largely down to the style of play and type of team that you build.

PS. In case of interest in the English Premiership teams which do extremely well have generally relied heavily on one extremely effective striker (ie. Henry, Van Nistelrooy, Shearer (when with blackburn Blackburn), Cole (when with Newcastle) etc.) ... Chelsea are bucking the trend somewhat this year by performing well without a truly central player scoring goals (Hasselbaink has 17, but 4 other players in the squad have 10 or over)

[SirFozzie]

Found a tweak for the match engine that stops diablo yet, Marc?

[Ragone]

so is gogamer the best choice for us ordering? gonna order later today :P

[Marc Vaughan]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

Found a tweak for the match engine that stops diablo yet, Marc?

Yeah - unfortunately its called FM and will be part of the natural evolution of the match engine for that game (its not one single aspect which made diablo effective - its something which is requiring a lot of retuning and evolving of the AI - hence its in progress and won't be a patch).

[ice4277]

How is the Diablo formation set up? I've never really paid much attention to the whole Diablo thing as I never use tactics I don't make myself.

[SirFozzie]

it has a lot of arrows and the like, and I'm at work, but if folks want a copy of it, PM me and I'll send it out tonight.. but it's a 4-1-3-2.

Back Row: DL DC DC DR
Next: DMC
Midfield: ML MC MR
Next:
Forward: FC FC

It had a lot of wacky with ball and without ball stuff, I can't replicate here.. but the gist of it.. the forwards would usually peel off to the left and right, and the defenders would follow them, and this would free a long ball over the middle to the MC, who would then have a easy path to the net.

[condors]

wonder if the diablo tactic was named after marco etcheverry...

[Eaglesfan27]

Hopefully, my game will arrive today. Question: Do most people recommend getting the 4.1.5 version? If anyone isn't using the latest patch (or EP or whatever it is called ) then why aren't you using the latest? Thanks for the feedback.

[BreizhManu]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Hopefully, my game will arrive today. Question: Do most people recommend getting the 4.1.5 version? If anyone isn't using the latest patch (or EP or whatever it is called ) then why aren't you using the latest? Thanks for the feedback.

yes i recommend it, but remember you must download the 4.1.4 and the 4.1.5 (can only be applied to a 4.1.4 version)

[Eaglesfan27]

Do I need to download anything else?

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola - I just found Marc's Tips which I had saved on my computer from CM4 (which I never really got into for a variety of reasons.) I'm wondering if there is any newer newbie document or if his tips document for CM4 is the latest documentation and if most of what is in there applies to CM 03/04?

[SirFozzie]

4.1.4 and 4.1.5 are the only patches you need. You may want to download an update, but it's not necessary.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

4.1.4 and 4.1.5 are the only patches you need. You may want to download an update, but it's not necessary.

What sort of update are you talking about it, and where would I get it? All I see are the patches, the MCM editor, and some skins over at SIgames forum?

[SirFozzie]

SIGames can't recommend an Update, but the Dugout has quite a few, or do a websearch for "Calcio Update"

an update is an update of transfers and in cases where seasons have passed, putting teams in proper divisions.

[ice4277]

Another good one is the CM Sorted update. I have heard of some people having problems getting the Calcio update to work correctly with the game. Just FYI.

[Senator]

EaglesFan and I are right together in the learning phase. I have enjoyed it quite a bit, when I have the time.

[bamcgee]

to the best of my knowledge, the tips and tricks have not been updated for 03/04, but the same principles apply.

[GrantDawg]

Ok, going gogamer. Wish I could have gotten it cheaper.

(not trying to cut you out, Marc, but it has been out a little while.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Ahh, I will look around for these updates. I'm just finishing catching up on this forum, then I'm off to install the game, patches, and updates as well as read the tactics

Thanks for the replies and yeah Senator, I feel like I'm just beginning to climb a big (but hopefully enjoyable) learning curve with this series.

[ice4277]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

I feel like I'm just beginning to climb a big (but hopefully enjoyable) learning curve with this series.

Once you fully get into the game, it should make every other text sim you play pale in comparison.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I've resigned under pressure from one team, been sacked by another, and now been hired by a team that was nearly relegated from the same division of the team that sacked me. I saved my latest team from relegation by throttling an opponent in a playoff, so I get at least one season (I hope) against my old team. Most other games have me feeling pretty put off after losing a coaching job, but I'm excited about the opportunity to build another team. It just takes so long to learn the strengths and weaknesses of each club... all part of the fun, I guess!

You guys are gonna love it.

[Eaglesfan27]

Is the superpack 3 worth downloading? I hope so, since I started and it is 122 MB which will take a few minutes even on a cable modem.

Also, anyone know of any problems with the commentary file version 2.01, or is that worth using as well.

I'm looking at all of this stuff at the Dugout site. By the way, I went with the CMsorted update since it had a higher rating and more downloads.

[terpkristin]

Hey silly question...
is there a place where the websites and stuff are listed for updates, tips, etc?
I see you guys talk about "the XYZ update" or such, but don't know where to find them....and I ordered my copy 2 days ago, got the shipping confirmation today so it should be here by Friday me thinks..

~tk

[Eaglesfan27]

Well, I'm a newbie to this, but the dugout seems very helpful.

The link is:

http://www.thedugout.net/index.php

[klayman]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Is the superpack 3 worth downloading? I hope so, since I started and it is 122 MB which will take a few minutes even on a cable modem.

Also, anyone know of any problems with the commentary file version 2.01, or is that worth using as well.

I've used both without any problems.

[Senator]

EF - I downloaded the patches, the superpack, and the commentary file. Working great. I did not mess with the Calico file, as I heard a few problems with it, and I don't care if the teams are updated, I hardly know who anyone is anyway.

[Eaglesfan27]

Good. I just finished downloading and installing both of those