View Full Version : OT: CM4 Beta Demo available at 10am
Marc Vaughan
02-28-2003, 12:10 AM
Just to let everyone know, the beta demo of CM4 will be available to download from sigames.com this morning at 10am (UK time).
This is a demo made for the CM magazine using code from around a month ago.
I hope you enjoy the demo and we have opened a feedback forum upon sigames.com so that people can report feedback to us about the demo.
Because the code is relatively 'old' many of the flaws in the demo have already been fixed, but we will be checking all reported information just in case we've missed anything.
Have Fun,
Marc
Marc Vaughan
02-28-2003, 12:11 AM
PS. Beta demo is 6 months (game time) play using the English Leagues (only).
(and yes I am still up and working at 6am ...)
GoldenEagle
02-28-2003, 12:21 AM
Sounds great, although I wish I could try out the MLS SuperDraft.
samifan24
02-28-2003, 01:23 AM
bump....Demo is up and mirrors are posted as well. Enjoy. :D
First impressions of the CM4 Beta demo: damn slick. It looks so professional you can hardly believe it's a text sim.
It looks a little weird with having the 2D highlights, but I'll get used in no time I guess. Looking at the text commentary and the pitch at the same time seems impossible at the moment!
Can't run in windowed mode, hope this will be in the full version.
I have a hard time deciding if I'm going to run a proper dynasty or just playing around for fun right now. Mostly it's a familliar environment so I'll just get my feet wet for a couple of hours before starting swimming for real.
What's nice is when I'm scouring free agents and opening the page for signing them to a contract then I can read a comment from the assistant manager what he's thinking about the potential transfer. Nigerian international Mutiu was dismissed as being only a 'fringe player' in my squad.
I'm negotiating to sign Rio Ferdinand's little brother Anton, he rejected my first offer but said he "would still like to proceed with further negotiations".
At first when I ran a match simulation I thought that it was weird that nothing happened for about half an hour, but then I found an "Options" button at the bottom of the screen which enabled me to set "Extended highlights" and "Very fast" as sim options.
Marc Vaughan
02-28-2003, 03:39 AM
Originally posted by 3ric
Can't run in windowed mode, hope this will be in the full version.
Windowed mode is in the game, but you can only activate it if windows is running above 1024x768.
There is a 'cheat' in the final game (command line option) to allow you to run at a lower res than this - but the game screens have been designed for that resolution and can look cramped if forced below it.
I love the little details, in the 2D view when a ball has gone off the pitch, somebody in the stands tosses the ball to the GK after a little delay... :D
Originally posted by Marc Vaughan
Windowed mode is in the game, but you can only activate it if windows is running above 1024x768.
There is a 'cheat' in the final game (command line option) to allow you to run at a lower res than this - but the game screens have been designed for that resolution and can look cramped if forced below it.
Thanks for the hint, Marc - will try that. As of now Windows switches to the desktop if my screensaver is activated during play.
Heh. :) As my left forward fired a shot directly at the GK, I almost yelled at the right forward for not picking up the rebound... he was trailing the play with 15-20 yards! :mad: :D
The 2D view lifts the grognardish potential of this game to new heights. My pace playing the game will be slower than ever as I try to analyse the full 90 minutes of each game... ;)
HornedFrog Purple
02-28-2003, 03:56 AM
Hehe thanks for fixing to ruin my life at home Marc. :)
This thing is awesome. I took over Ipswich Town and am getting demolished. It could be my affinity to the 4-5-1. The fans said they were mad that a more experienced manager was not hired.
I found an option to change the temp to Fahrenheit and some other stuff to help us guys across the pond.
I am beyond pro-dot now. The 2d thing is greatness. I am assuming in the full version I can watch the whole game in 2d?
I am going to see how badly I can destroy my team on the transfer market. Stupid Heskey would not come to Town, its an outrage! :D
Marc Vaughan
02-28-2003, 03:56 AM
Windowed mode - CTRL-M is a shortcut for toggling modes by the way
That's beautiful - if you look at the match report after the game then you can click on a situation and it shows what happened in the 2D view... there was a strange description where something was missing from the text:
"Hyde did well to get his fingertips on the ball"
"But it was ruled out!"
What was ruled out, I thought. In the 2D view it became clear that the ball was headed into the goal after the GK's initial save, but the referee had blown his whistle the moment before.
andy m
02-28-2003, 04:41 AM
heh, i can't even get on the sigames website. guess this is proving popular :)
Marc Vaughan
02-28-2003, 04:51 AM
Originally posted by andy m
heh, i can't even get on the sigames website. guess this is proving popular :)
If you go to the messageboard we have posted links to the download on there (guessed our main site would have at least some downtime with the deluge of hits).
BreizhManu
02-28-2003, 05:05 AM
Originally posted by HornedFrog Purple
I am beyond pro-dot now. The 2d thing is greatness. I am assuming in the full version I can watch the whole game in 2d?
Yes, but it's kinda boring. Interesting for the first matches and when you're testing a new tactic though.
TroyF
02-28-2003, 05:05 AM
Wow. What a nice surprise. :)
TroyF
andy m
02-28-2003, 05:12 AM
Originally posted by Marc Vaughan
If you go to the messageboard we have posted links to the download on there (guessed our main site would have at least some downtime with the deluge of hits).
cheers! just managed to get on the main site. :)
RoastDuck
02-28-2003, 05:22 AM
Are the EHM screenshots available yet?
Honolulu_Blue
02-28-2003, 05:24 AM
Anyway we can get the links posted here?
So much for my weekend...
link (ftp://gamefiles.blueyonder.co.uk/blueyondergames/championshipmanager4/demo/cm4_beta_demo.zip)
link (http://cm4.b0ned.com/demo/cm_4_demo.zip)
link (http://www.gamershell.com/download_1424.shtml)
link (http://www.gamershell.com/news_BChampionshipManager4BBe.shtml)
link (ftp://cm4:
[email protected]/playable%20demo.zip)
link (http://www.worthplaying.com/article.php?sid=8968)
link (http://www.computergames.ro/download.php?optiune=show_download&did=1012)
link (http://www.dirt-racing.com/sigames/cm4bd.zip)
link (http://www.gameaxis.com/gaxfile/view.gax?cid=1&id=905)
link (http://www.cmagazine.dk/CM4DEMO_SIGAMES/cm4_beta_demo.zip)
link (http://download.turksportal.net/cm4/cm4_beta_demo.zip)
link (http://www.cmrev.com/download/cm4_beta_demo.zip)
link (ftp://cm4demo:
[email protected]/cm4_beta_demo.zip)
also, the p2p networks might have a CM4 30MB file...
OK, I just had my first crash. This is necessary to know in order to avoid crashes:
The following have been disabled or implemented since we created this beta demo four weeks ago, please note this is not a full or comprehensive list
Ability to arrange friendly
Ability to cancel friendly
Send players for rehabilitation
Network / Internet / Hotseat Play
Sound Effects
Viewing a Full Match
Future Fees for players
Starting a new game
Background pictures
Assistants recommending players to clubs
Saving Highlights
Viewing other teams tactics
Assistants taking control of friendly matches
Known Crashes
In team screens when you go to any other view apart from the Traditional and sort, it crashes
In fixture screens when you click on 'Show next fixture' when a team has no fixtures
Known Issues
News being read while game processing/on holiday
Match commentary seemingly out of sync
Scout report inconsistencies
Penalties not being taken when awarded on the stroke of HT/FT
BreizhManu
02-28-2003, 06:26 AM
Oh yeah another crash (don't know if it is the Demo, or even if it as been solved in the Beta, I'll try it), don't run Winamp while playing (even with sounds off)
Ryan S
02-28-2003, 07:26 AM
Originally posted by RoastDuck
Are the EHM screenshots available yet?
http://eastside.peliplaneetta.net/news.html
ColtCrazy
02-28-2003, 07:55 AM
So is there a set final release date for CM4? I'll be in England March 24-30, I'm hoping to pick up my copy then. (fingers are crossed)
Anyway, can't wait to get off work and try the demo!
Marc Vaughan
02-28-2003, 08:00 AM
Colt Crazy - No official release date yet .... but I think you'll have a nice visit (and I can't say more than that).
Thanks for posting the links 3ric.
ColtCrazy
02-28-2003, 09:06 AM
Originally posted by Marc Vaughan
Colt Crazy - No official release date yet .... but I think you'll have a nice visit (and I can't say more than that).
Woohoo!!! Something to look forward to Lord knows I'm not looking forward to English weather in March :D
Oh, and I see Brighton's fought their way out of relegation. There may still be hope for them Marc!!
Neuqua
02-28-2003, 10:51 AM
Wow.
I could actually feel my body tense up as I was down 1-0 and my squad (Newcastle) started making a run towards the goal. Then to cap it off with Shearer weaving through 2 defenders to score the equalizer and let's just say I became extremely happy.
:)
Neuqua
McSweeny
02-28-2003, 10:55 AM
i played a quick game while i was waiting for OOTP this morning. The interface is different enough be slightly annoying the first time, but that will change once i start playing it to death.
And as for the 2d match engine, a thing of beauty! I was cursing as Nottm Forest kept getting rejected again and again enroute to a 0-0 draw. Very nice. I can't wait until the end of march!
ice4277
02-28-2003, 11:03 AM
Definitely a bit of a change from the old interface and will take a little time to adjust to. But the new 2D match view is awesome; it was nice to be able to actually see the four goals Michael Owen scored for me in my first match. Its also pretty cool how you can look at highlights from other games as well. The depth of training options is VERY cool, and I like how you can specify things like pre-season and off-time training. I also love some of the new news features. Everton's manager wanted a Leverkusen player, but the player responded in the media by saying that, even though he did want to make a move, he didn't want it to be to Everton. Awesome.
moriarty
02-28-2003, 12:26 PM
Ugh, you guys are killing me at work here ... I'm contemplating running home at lunch for a quickie. :D
ice4277
02-28-2003, 01:16 PM
Originally posted by moriarty
Ugh, you guys are killing me at work here ... I'm contemplating running home at lunch for a quickie. :D
Good, you'll probably have time to play a bit of the CM demo too!
moriarty
02-28-2003, 01:22 PM
Yes, but which one comes first (poor choice of words)?
rexalllsc
02-28-2003, 02:03 PM
Marc-
I Was wondering, will the two-dimensional view be avail. for full-games in the full-version? Right now, I can only get highlights.
klayman
02-28-2003, 02:12 PM
Originally posted by rexalllsc
Marc-
I Was wondering, will the two-dimensional view be avail. for full-games in the full-version? Right now, I can only get highlights.
Yes. From 3ric's post above it says that View Full Match has been disabled or not implemented yet.
My favorite feature...mousewheel support! Yay!!!! :)
Radii
02-28-2003, 02:15 PM
Why oh why did I agree to go over to the gf's and help out in her house ALL DAY tomorrow when there is cm4 demo to be had?! Ah well at least I have tonight :)
MrBug708
02-28-2003, 03:48 PM
I keep getting an Rule Group Error message
rexalllsc
02-28-2003, 03:52 PM
You guys have any problems when trying to compare 2 players? Doesn't really have any way to know who the colors represent.
GrantDawg
02-28-2003, 04:01 PM
This looks great so far but...
it crashes every time I go to the reserve team screen and try to sort by selection. I know this is just a beta demo so no worries.
Chief Rum
02-28-2003, 07:44 PM
Originally posted by Marc Vaughan
Colt Crazy - No official release date yet .... but I think you'll have a nice visit (and I can't say more than that).
I seem to remember reading over at the SIGAMES boards that many of your devoted fans believe that you guys generally release your games two weeks after the demo. Any comments, Marc? :D
Chief Rum
BreizhManu
02-28-2003, 07:52 PM
Originally posted by Chief Rum
I seem to remember reading over at the SIGAMES boards that many of your devoted fans believe that you guys generally release your games two weeks after the demo. Any comments, Marc? :D
Chief Rum
Let's say that here they're going to release the real demo 2 weeks after the beta one :D
SirFozzie
02-28-2003, 09:04 PM
The current hot rumor is the 28th, which would fit well into the vacation comment that Marc made,
Of course, there could be some unknown last minute delays, which would force a month or more delays. Remember,, once Eidos release the broadtape announcement (financial markets, anyone?) with the announcement of an exact release date, the clock is ticking on them. They HAVE to hit that, or they could be fined (quite heavily, If I remember my laws about false statements that had an effect on stock prices). So, I'm QUITE sure that until the last i is dotted, the last t is crossed, and the gold master is returned from pressing, they don't want to say ANYTHING.
Here's the chain of events, by announcing to the CM faithful that "Yes, THIS is the release date", they have to inform Eidos, which has to release this information (they are a publicly traded company IIRC), and then they're on the hook. So, I understand...
But it doesn't make it pleasant waiting ;)
RoastDuck
03-01-2003, 06:14 AM
My first (brief) impressions:
Positives:
I like the interface - familiar yet enhanced.
The 2D graphic enhancement is a huge stride for the series and I look forward to watching entire games as they unfold.
More involvement for the coaching staff.
Taking on debt - I believe this is the single most-underated enhancement. 90-95% of clubs in England are currently riddled with debt and from my brief look at Sunderland (-£25m) the debt is something I see will need addressing. Coping with debt is a great and realistic challenge. FWIW: In the real world -said club will probably be closer to £50m in debt soon.
Negative:
When searching for potential new players, filtering the player search attributes function used to be a simple click affair. Now, I have to (shock-horror) USE THE KEYBOARD! Why this backward-step?
Marc Vaughan
03-01-2003, 06:37 AM
"When searching for potential new players, filtering the player search attributes function used to be a simple click affair. Now, I have to (shock-horror) USE THE KEYBOARD! Why this backward-step?"
Will look into improving this.
Blackadar
03-01-2003, 07:06 AM
Played it a bit last night and can't wait to get my hands on the finished product.
Katon
03-01-2003, 07:16 AM
Originally posted by Chief Rum
I seem to remember reading over at the SIGAMES boards that many of your devoted fans believe that you guys generally release your games two weeks after the demo. Any comments, Marc? :D
Chief Rum
Back when the full version was scheduled for yesterday, they were saying that the demo would be released two weeks before the final version. Not just saying February 14th, but actually saing "two weeks before the finale version". That aside, the current consensus is the 28th, which seems the most likely date. I have seen some people mention the 21st, though, and that would also sort of fit the vacation comment.
Tekneek
03-01-2003, 07:32 AM
The interface will require me getting used to it. I do like it, and think it will be great once I figure out how to do some of the things I did by reflex in the previous versions.
I really like the 2D view, however I have found that I am turning it off during matches and going with the commentary. I do like watching the "highlights" of matches with it, though. This may eventually change, but after going with the commentary for all these years I can't deal with watching little guys running around and the commentary below them. I was finding that I had to choose between one or the other, and given the choice I am going with the commentary.
Everything else, so far, seems brilliant. I think I will be able to get CM4 relatively close to releaste date (whenever that is). All praise itemized tax deductions!
Anyone else seeing an unusually high number of injuries? Almost every game I've played, I've had someone get injured. I'm still playing my friendlies and I have 7 guys injured. Is there something I'm missing as far as training or just horrible luck?
BreizhManu
03-01-2003, 07:55 AM
the important thing is :I'm still playing my friendlies.
that's why you get so many injuries, after the season as started and the players are at full fit, you'll see you get less injuries.
Marc Vaughan
03-01-2003, 08:11 AM
Originally posted by Bee
Anyone else seeing an unusually high number of injuries? Almost every game I've played, I've had someone get injured. I'm still playing my friendlies and I have 7 guys injured. Is there something I'm missing as far as training or just horrible luck?
There are a few too many injuries in the beta, this has been reduced since ....
ausonny
03-01-2003, 09:16 AM
Marc - (or onyone else who knows)
In CM3 sending a scout to look for youth players brought back unsigned players, now it brings back only players who are signed to another team. Is this intentional, maybe some effect of every team having an under 19 team?
Originally posted by ausonny
Marc - (or onyone else who knows)
In CM3 sending a scout to look for youth players brought back unsigned players, now it brings back only players who are signed to another team. Is this intentional, maybe some effect of every team having an under 19 team?
I've noticed the same thing.
GrantDawg
03-01-2003, 10:16 AM
Originally posted by Tekneek
I really like the 2D view, however I have found that I am turning it off during matches and going with the commentary. I do like watching the "highlights" of matches with it, though. This may eventually change, but after going with the commentary for all these years I can't deal with watching little guys running around and the commentary below them. I was finding that I had to choose between one or the other, and given the choice I am going with the commentary.
I'm with you. The 2d is great, but I'm having a hard time following both it and the commentary. Maybe that skill will come in time.
And just to remind everybody, this is the beta-demo. The final demo that will precede release has not been released yet. Thankfully this isn't the final, because it is buggy as all get out.
klayman
03-01-2003, 10:26 AM
Originally posted by ausonny
Marc - (or onyone else who knows)
In CM3 sending a scout to look for youth players brought back unsigned players, now it brings back only players who are signed to another team. Is this intentional, maybe some effect of every team having an under 19 team?
I've seen this as well. It's a problem for lower league teams who have no money to sign players away from teams. I also signed another scout (only had one), and was unable to assign him to scout anything as his name would not appear in the pull down menu. He is signed as a scout, and appears as a scout in the staff listing. Is this a known problem?
Another problem is that there is no longer an interested tag on the filter. Not so much a problem with players, but it's annoying when searching for coaches and staff. You can't sort by filtered attributes and staff with no jobs, so you have to manually go through each staff without a job to determine their attributes. Am I missing something, or is there a chance this can be changed?
One more slight annoyance. On the tactics screen (don't know if it is the same anywhere else) when you examine a player and go back, it resets any of your changes. So if you are making subs, and you make one, and then don't know about another player and click on his "player card", going back resets your sub. Not a big problem, but it's annoying in the early friendlies when you might not know any of your players, and want to check their attributes to determine where they would be a best fit.
Overall, I'm impressed with the beta demo. The interface is slick, and although it will take some getting use to navigating around (compared to CM3 interface) I think it looks and feels better than the old interface. The 2d engine is fantastic, and I can't wait to watch the full games. I already find myself pulling at my hair when my players blaze easy chances over the bar. I think the problems between reading the commentary and watching the players will just take time to get used to. In Cm3, it took awhile to get used to the commentary flashing by on very fast speed, but after awhile, I was easily able to catch all the commentary, and I'm sure this will be the same. Bucc should be happy with the Assistant being able to pick your players for you. We'll turn him into a soccer fan yet :)
Mouse-wheel support is awesome! :) The new contract additions, player personalities, even manager contracts, it's all too much for me. I'm definitely failing this semester.
BreizhManu
03-01-2003, 10:51 AM
Originally posted by klayman
Mouse-wheel support is awesome! :) .
True, but when you don't have a mouse-wheel it's horrible
Marc Vaughan
03-01-2003, 11:57 AM
Originally posted by klayman
've seen this as well. It's a problem for lower league teams who have no money to sign players away from teams. I also signed another scout (only had one), and was unable to assign him to scout anything as his name would not appear in the pull down menu. He is signed as a scout, and appears as a scout in the staff listing. Is this a known problem?
Fixed since the beta was created (please bear in mind that the beta exe is over a month old because it had to be the same as the one distributed via. the magazine).
Another problem is that there is no longer an interested tag on the filter. Not so much a problem with players, but it's annoying when searching for coaches and staff. You can't sort by filtered attributes and staff with no jobs, so you have to manually go through each staff without a job to determine their attributes. Am I missing something, or is there a chance this can be changed?
There is an 'assistant manager recommendations' which is approximately the same (if your assistant maanger is good :D).
One more slight annoyance. On the tactics screen (don't know if it is the same anywhere else) when you examine a player and go back, it resets any of your changes. So if you are making subs, and you make one, and then don't know about another player and click on his "player card", going back resets your sub. Not a big problem, but it's annoying in the early friendlies when you might not know any of your players, and want to check their attributes to determine where they would be a best fit.
Again now fixed.
Overall, I'm impressed with the beta demo. The interface is slick, and although it will take some getting use to navigating around (compared to CM3 interface) I think it looks and feels better than the old interface.
The interface is also totally skinnable so people can change and mutate the game as they wish :D
Mouse-wheel support is awesome! :) The new contract additions, player personalities, even manager contracts, it's all too much for me. I'm definitely failing this semester. [/B]
LOL :D
Glad you're enjoying the beta - the final game is sooooo much better (there has been a heck of a lot of extra refinements and improvements since then).
SirFozzie
03-01-2003, 12:19 PM
Originally posted by Marc Vaughan
Glad you're enjoying the beta - the final game is sooooo much better (there has been a heck of a lot of extra refinements and improvements since then).
Arrrrrghhh.. dunno whether to be happy, that the game is going to be so good (I LIKE the demo already...) or pissed that you're being such a tease Marc ;)
Easy Mac
03-01-2003, 12:20 PM
It always crashes when processing after the first day. not sure if i have an option set that i shouldn't but, i wish i could play the game.
ausonny
03-01-2003, 12:26 PM
Originally posted by Marc Vaughan
[B]Fixed since the beta was created (please bear in mind that the beta exe is over a month old because it had to be the same as the one distributed via. the magazine).
Did this apply to the scout not showing up in the pull down, or the fact that scouts don't bring back unsigned players when looking for youth players?
Marc Vaughan
03-01-2003, 12:44 PM
Yes (same problem in the beta with regards to signing new coaches etc. if I remember right)
RoastDuck
03-01-2003, 02:06 PM
Originally posted by Tekneek
I really like the 2D view, however I have found that I am turning it off during matches and going with the commentary. I do like watching the "highlights" of matches with it, though. This may eventually change, but after going with the commentary for all these years I can't deal with watching little guys running around and the commentary below them. I was finding that I had to choose between one or the other, and given the choice I am going with the commentary.
I think it is probably impossible to follow the text + graphic at the same time - it's either one or the other.
For me, watching Tore Andre Flo head the ball straight into the 'keeper's arms from 6 yards is far more emotionally engaging than reading 'he really should have scored'.
Some very fine detail has gone into the graphic if you look closely enough. For instance; Trailing 0-2 in the final minutes of a game, Kevin Phillips snatched a goal back and do you know what he did? He actually picked the ball up out of the back of the net and ran back to the center circle with the ball in order to get the game started again! This is fantastic!
BigDPW
03-01-2003, 06:21 PM
Marc,
I have a mouse with "Back" button and "Forward" button capabilities... Any chance you could add support for those to the game at some point???
I like the new interface but it seems I have to use the back button more often than in CM3... Not sure quite why but something is missing to allow me to move as quickly as I used to??? After some getting used to I think the interface will be great... And if back button was supported then I would be in heaven!!!
Great work on CM4... I love the 2d interface... It will be interesting to see if I use it in game or just for highlights... We will see!!!
I plan to order the game as a Birthday present with my folks paying for it... Should I preorder soon to be sure I get it??? Sounds like it could be out in the next 3-4 weeks...
Easy Mac
03-01-2003, 06:22 PM
There used to be a long button at the bottom that said back. Yeah, I miss that too.
JHandley
03-01-2003, 06:49 PM
When you make a transfer offer, what does first option mean?
SirFozzie
03-01-2003, 06:51 PM
Means you're not actually buying the player at this time, but should there come a time where the player is to be sold, you would get first crack at the player.
You see it mostly in high level international transfers, I think there was some talk a while ago that one of the Italian teams wanted first option rights on Michael Owen, and was willing to pay a couple million for the privilige :)
JHandley
03-01-2003, 06:53 PM
Thank you very much. I kind of had a feeling that was what it meant. Thanks for clearing that up.
daedalus
03-01-2003, 10:57 PM
Wow. Nice details (with the buy option business).
Originally posted by RoastDuck
When searching for potential new players, filtering the player search attributes function used to be a simple click affair. Now, I have to (shock-horror) USE THE KEYBOARD! Why this backward-step?
I like keyboard. Keyboard option is good. ALL mouse is bad. (Click on Player name, click on 'Scout player', click on 'Yes', click on 'Back'. Repeat for all 37 players on the new team you're looking at.) Carpal tunnel hurts.
SplitPersonality1
03-01-2003, 11:09 PM
Glad you're enjoying the beta - the final game is sooooo much better (there has been a heck of a lot of extra refinements and improvements since then). [/B]
Marc, you are like a drug pusher giving out free crack to kids. You get us hooked and then later make us spend money to purchase a product that causes students to flunk out of school, jobs to be lost and marriages to crumble.
FOFC wake up! This is how you lower productivity and bring the Western world to its knees. The guys at SI are the real terrorists I tell you. They must be stopped. :D
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