CM - Quick Questions

[John Galt]

Well, I finally bought the game after playing the demo last week while I was stuck recovering from knee surgery (thanks to joninmiddlega for the gogamer tip). It is waiting for me when I get home. Are there any must-have (or at least really nice to have) extras for the game (rosters, utilities, interfaces mods, etc.)? I want to start a nice career tonight and I'd like to have the system set to go. Also, I've never figured out training that well. Are there any good (but not cheating) training systems in the new version? Thanks.

[Marc Vaughan]

There are literally loads of add ons to it, assuming you've got CM03-04 I'd suggest the following:

* If you like graphics then try one of the unofficial logo/face packs thats kicking around (sortitoutsi.com has some pretty good ones).
* Download the 'football manager' skin as its quite funky (and is very similar to the interface to our next game)
* Download the latest patch if you haven't already as thats got various fixes and database updates.
* Consider customising the game via. some of the config files (see any of the FAQ's on CM sites for details of how to do this).

Hope this helps,

Marc

[John Galt]

Thanks - one more question - the demo I was playing said 4.1.1 if I remember right. Was it unpatched?

[Marc Vaughan]

Yeah thats unpatched, 4.1.5 was the last patch for that version of the game.

You can find the patch and a few other add ons here:

http://www.sigames.com/downloads.php?type=game&id=13

[HerRealName]

Here's a couple of good links:

http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=24909&highlight=03%2F04

http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=24495&highlight=03%2F04

[ice4277]

I would strongly recommend downloading the Super Pack and Face Pack from sortitoutsi.com. They add a ton of extra backgrounds, graphics, and player pics. You really need a broadband connection for these, VERY big files, but definitely worth it.

[cartman]

Is anyone else not able to get to sortitoutsi.com? I'm getting sent to one of those bad URL/search engine hijack pages.

[HerRealName]

Try sortitoutsi.net instead.

[cartman]

Try sortitoutsi.net instead.

That was it!

[daedalus]

Definitely use the various commands in the config files. There's also a couple of players files download that seems worth trying. I think Chief uses one of the more common one and seem happy with it.

[Chief Rum]

I use the Calcio update, and it works great, although it has future transfers in it (I think they have a file now with them disabled, but not sure). Anyway, you can do a search for Calcio on the forums, and you will get some threads to help you there. The update creator (Arsenal71, IIRC) has a link to his Web page in his profile.

I have also heard good things about the CM Sorted update, although I haven't tried it. I went with Calcio at the time because it had American players, including Adu.

CR

[Eaglesfan27]

CM Sorted also has Adu and most other MLS players. I've been very happy with it. I've also heard good things about Calcio. I think either one would serve you well.

[scooter]

I would strongly recommend downloading the Super Pack and Face Pack from sortitoutsi.com. They add a ton of extra backgrounds, graphics, and player pics. You really need a broadband connection for these, VERY big files, but definitely worth it.

The Super Pack is awesome! It's great to have the logos to (almost) all the teams on the top titlebar. It does add a considerable amount of time to the loading of the game, but I think it's worth it.

[ice4277]

I have also heard good things about the CM Sorted update, although I haven't tried it. I went with Calcio at the time because it had American players, including Adu.

CR
I currently use CM Sorted and am pretty happy with it. Can't vouch for the accuracy of stats given the American players though, I tried to sign Adu the other day and my ass't. manager told me not to bother, he wouldn't amount to very much. Or maybe I just need a new assistant manager ;)

[John Galt]

Thanks for everyone's help. Does anyone have links to the roster sets (I seem to have trouble on my home computer searching the forums and google turned up nothing)? The games (non-quickstart) seem to take FOREVER to load - is that just the effect of the SuperPack?

[PSUColonel]

Question: Is it worth upgrading to CM 03/04?
I do own CM4, but never ealyy got into it too much like I did previous versions of the game.

Thanks.

[Eaglesfan27]

John, check out the dugout dot net. Also, the superpack seems to greatly increase start up times.

PSU Colonel, I really enjoy CM 03/04, however, I suspect FM2005 will be out in the next few months. That makes it a tough decision. For me, I would probably wait. However, 3 months ago, it was worth the upgrade for me, and has occupied the largest percentage of my gaming time over the past 3 months of any game.

[PSUColonel]

What are the major(and minor) differences between the two?

[Ramzavail]

The superpack and facepack are fantastic....

what happens if you fiddle with the config files?

[scooter]

What are the major(and minor) differences between the two?

From the inside of the CM03-04 manual:

What's New:

Fully updated player, team and competition data
Official pre-game database editor
Improved Match Engine - including visual status indicators for offsides, etc.
Pitches now show the effects of weather and seasonal wear and tear
More playable leagues out of the box than ever before, with leagues from 43 nations.
Player to player relationships
Improved Media - get more information and feedback than ever before
Instant replays and Goal of the Month awards
Live Cup draw and Cup Tree view
Enhanced training system, including visual indicators of a player's training performance on his profile screen
In-game printing
Past Meetings information screen
Create Nicknames for players and managers!
New Alternative Skin
Improved Scout Reports both for team and player
Improved Injury News, including an updated rehabilitation system
Coaches now give their player rankings
Save Match Option and View Previously Saved Match function
B & U21 International Caps

Hope that helps :D