Review: "Pro Cycling Manager 2012" - Personal Computer

Reviewed by Paul for FamilyFriendlyGaming

SCORE: 80/100

There is something so wonderful about getting on a bicycle and riding across the country side. The thought of getting to play a Tour de France game got into my blood. So I was dismayed a few months back when the console version of Pro Cycling Manager 2012 was not coming to the United States. Hope remained, and once we purchased our new gaming PC; well lets say Pro Cycling Manager 2012 was the first game I looked up.

I have always been a console gamer. Pro Cycling Manager 2012 shows me what PC gaming is all about. It also shows me what is different between PC gamers, and console gamers. Many times PC games are about statistics. We can hire athletes, manage our team, have them train, attend specific events and so on. The monotony of it almost put me to sleep.

I actually earned an achievement in Pro Cycling Manager 2012 when I completed the first week. I did not have to do much though. Set the calendar read some emails, and accept the events my team was attending. I eagerly anticipated the first event. I could simulate or go into a 3D race. I am all about the action, so I got ready to pedal.

Races in Pro Cycling Manager 2012 are long. You have to use strategy. My Goldberg spear em all philosophy did not fare so well in Pro Cycling Manager 2012. Attacking is not something you do over and over again. There are hills up and hills down. Although I could rarely tell while watching the race. Suffice to say I burned by guys out pretty fast.

I learned from my mistakes and learned how to race more intelligently. Pro Cycling Manager 2012 is a slow game that requires patience. If you want to get going now, then Pro Cycling Manager 2012 is not for you. If you like to plan your strategies and maybe even simulate the events then expect success in this Personal Computer game.

The graphics can get repetitive in Pro Cycling Manager 2012. As can the announcers. Well that is when the announcers are actually saying something. There can be long drawn out silences in Pro Cycling Manager 2012. Many of the racers and their teams look very similar. We found certain graphical glitches here and there while we played. Nothing major but still noticeable.

I am very thankful Family Friendly Gaming was provided a download code to play Pro Cycling Manager 2012. This gives me a good feel for what professional bike riding is like. Much longer than the bike rides I take with my sons. This is one sport that requires a lot of stamina. I hope to see sequels in the future.

Graphics: 82%

Sound: 78%

Replay/Extras: 90%

Gameplay: 71%

Family Friendly Factor: 80%

System: Personal Computer

Publisher: Focus Home Interactive

Rating: ‘NR' - Not Rated