A much better game than its predecessor, Ultimate Soccer Manager, and not much worse that its sequel and "grand finale" USM98, USM2 is the perfect example of a volume two in a trilogy: Although missing the multi-league seasons available in USM 98, the quality of menus is vastly improved from the original, and in some cases even surpasses 98. For instance, the club cabinet has only the cups you've actually won, and the top bar – the one most gamers miss at first in 98 – is always visible with all options available. And if you have played 98, you will mostly feel at home. The presentation and graphical style are the same, except a bit more simple, with less gradients and such. You can still edit your team skills. Buying players is easier than in the sequel: just click the player you are willing to buy, and then adjust the values – you will be informed if the team or player want more money up front, a bigger wage or a shorter contract, and you only have a few attempts before the negotiations end. If the terms are accepted, the player is immediately available for your squad. As usual, you can sign sponsorship deals, build new marketing/catering outlets, improve the stadium, give citations to the press after a match, and then read next day's newspaper. Last but not least, there's USM's trademark, rigged matches, bunged teams and betting on the outcome of your own matches. There isn't much more to say about the game, except it is no more, no less what you would expect from a game in the USM franchise. As UD would put it, "two thumbs up!". Reviewed by: wolfenSilva |