BARGAIN BASEMENT

They're certainly cheap, but are they cheerful? Marcus Berkmann rootles around in the YS Lucky Dip...

E&J
£1.99
Reviewer: Marcus Berkmann

More footie Sim fun, this time from E&J, dread rivals of Football Director's D&H. Confused? Yes, me too. but this game apparently came the same route as the aforementioned FD - months of steady sales on mail order, before E&J put it out on the open market. Just as well it's a cheapie, then, because it's not really up to the FD standard, although a brave try. All the usual features you'd expect are crammed in here - loads of info, minute-by-minute matchplay, enormous waits for the computer to work out the results - but there isn't the cast-iron addictiveness of Footie Director, nor for that matter Soccer Q (reviewed above). It's definitely an improvement on E&J's earlier games, but it's just not different enough to work in its own right. A goal kick, I'd say.

Label: E&J SOftware
Author: In-house
Price: £1.99
Memory: 48K/128K
Joystick: None
Reviewer: Timothy Noonan

Premier II Superleague is a tactical management game where you fight (not in the Brian Clough sense) to build a successful championship side in a footballing world where there's only room for winners, otherwise you're in for a stroll down the job centre if results don't meet with the board's approval.

You arrive at Mega Buck United to inspect your squad of ultra talented footballers, about to embark on a thirty match marathon to glory and the league title.

Now installed in the hot seat you have the option of either delving into the transfer market in search of the vital player whose talents will provide that match day winner; or sell off that donkey in the squad.

Before each game you are shown your squad list to make a team selection. This shows form of players and whether they are suffering from knocks or injuries. You then choose a team plus substitutes for the big match. Next you are given your opponents name and their footballing strengths and skills compared with your side.

The actual match consists of a pitch graphic which will flash up the word 'shoot' when either of the teams attack and 'goal' when the ball hits the back of the net. Each half on screen lasts 45 seconds. At half and full-time, scores from the other league matches appear so you can see how your rivals for the title are playing. During half-time and in the second half you get the chance to bring on one of your substitutes for that extra little flourish required to bring home the points.

At the end of each match you are shown the game attendance, game receipts and how much is paid in club wages.

Now, depending on your bank balance you can explore the transfer-market and make bids for players (Terry Venables is particularly bad at this!!!). If you don't have the wedge available you can sell off one of your players to raise the capital.

Alternatively you can see your friendly bank manager for a loan or blag a post office van!! A useful tip - don't buy anyone called Trevor Aylott!

Premier II Superleague is an enjoyable foray into league management (I didn't get sacked). Perhaps better match graphics for the footy game would have helped. For the outlay of £1.99 though, it's blinding value.