Hello there,
I want to give a reaction on the SCTW message and make one thing very clear.
UEFA CHALLENGE is a great game and I can tell you that my version of Fifa 2001 is already covered with dust because of this new footie. What I wanted to say with 'unfinished product' is that the bugs in the game certainly wouldn't be there if the developers had more time to 'finish'it.
With 'missed opportunity' I meant that without the bugs the game would be much better than it is already, because they effect "the complete experience" a little too much at this time.
About Fifa 2001: That game is finished because there are no such bugs (the ones I've mentioned) in it. I totally agree with you that the game isn't finished when you look at the gameplay and depth of the game. Jon, Stephen and the rest of the team did a MUCH better job!
EA Sports has been the world leader in soccergaming since the first edition of Fifa (for the PC that is.......). Now , finally, there is a game wich is much more fun to play and I trully like the details they came up with (For example the turf, the different types of goals in the stadiums, the 'cold breath' of the players etc.) The gameplay is not as 'predictable' as it is in Fifa. The 'passing' is also a mayor step forwards.
I'm sure that if the upcoming patch will get rid of most bugs, the game will be 'almost perfect'. At this time I'm already looking forward to the release of 'Uefa Challenge 2002'!! But untill that time I will enjoy playing U.C. very much.
P.S. I'm very pleased that Jon and Stephen take the time to 'listen' to the reactions in this forum and directly interact with the gamers! I hope they'll be an example for other developers. Thanks guys.
I rest my case....
Cyriel