Genre: Simulation, Sports
Perspective: 3rd-person
Gameplay: Managerial / business simulation
Sport: Football (European) / Soccer
Published by: Codemasters Software Company Limited
Developed by: Codemasters Software Company Limited
Released: 2001
Platform: PlayStation (PSX, PS1)
LMA Manager 2001 is the second game in the LMA Manager soccer management series. The main game includes a 15-year career managing an English football team (Prime Minister, 1st, 2nd or 3rd Division). There are also 14 shorter challenges, ranging from winning the top 3 with 3 games remaining to 3 consecutive promotions from Division 3 to Premier in 3 seasons. The player is responsible for team selection and team tactics, buying and selling players in the European transfer market, setting training schedules and managing club finances.
Unlike other console soccer management games of the time, which were ports of existing PC titles, the LMA Manager titles were developed exclusively for the PlayStation. The game is distinguished by its intuitive control system, where the shoulder buttons L1 and R1 of the controller switch between different sections of the game (for example, from the "Transfers" section to the "Squad" section), and L2 and R2 switch between sub-screens within (for example, from the "Select commands "to" Edit tactics ").
The graphics of the first game, which had a rather retro look, were improved to a more modern, clean design. The game provides a mini 3D match where the manager can make tactical changes during gameplay and 3D moments, after which Alan Hansen commented (former Liverpool player became a BBC commentator).
International versions have been sold under different localized names: BDFL Manager in Germany (Bund Deutscher Fu? Ball-Lehrer, basically the German equivalent of LMA), de Liga manager in Spain, Campionato football manager in Italy and Roger Lehmer - La S? Lection des Champions to France.
Only home country teams can be controlled, although all 294 teams have been included in each game for use in the transfer market and European cup competitions.