Pro Cycling Manager 2024 hits the market as cycling fever is at its peak. Each major race is starting to crank up and gamers want to get involved. Consequently, what’s better than sitting at your desk and commanding the cycling team of your dreams? Additionally, you won’t have to get wet, sweaty, or wear revealing Lycra.
This sports simulation title was developed by Cyanide Studio and published by Nacon. What’s more, it is only available on PC, so console gamers sadly miss out. However, if you have a reasonable gaming rig, you can tackle this in-depth game. This is my first go at a PCM experience. Subsequently, I felt somewhat out of my depth. Furthermore, I can’t compare this to its predecessors, so please accept my apologies. Nacon has outlined the list of modern features and a little research has highlighted some missing elements. As such, fans may be disappointed with this year’s amendments.
Pro Cycling Manager 2024 lets you write the story.
This genre of games allows you to write your history. Furthermore, you are free to carve your path in the complex and often competitive world of racing. This freedom was fantastic, and the addition of multiple sponsors, in-race objectives, and visibility based on your successes was intriguing. Moreover, there are plenty of game modes, multiplayer action, and every major and minor event you can think of.
This spectacular mix of depth and detail enhances the realism. What’s more, it allows you to focus on the races that truly matter. As the months and days wear on, you are free to focus on whatever makes your sponsors and your team happy. Additionally, you can mix and match your riders, scout for fresh talent, and upgrade your equipment.
Racing.
Pro Cycling Manager 2024 isn’t just about racing. However, let’s focus on this element for a moment. If time is short, and you want to push through the season, you may simply simulate each event. Yet, this approach takes a lot of planning, especially if you wish to beat the big boys. By studying the course and utilising each skilful rider, you have an opportunity to manipulate the results.
The ability to successfully defeat the major players was phenomenal. However, this isn’t a task for the faint of heart. Furthermore, you will have to be meticulous if you wish to be successful. I loved this attention to detail and the challenges that it poses. Alternatively, if you pick one of the major teams, you will need to rotate your riders to get the most out of them. Ditching out-of-form teammates is harsh but necessary. Additionally, weighing up the sponsor deals and your overall visibility is a must if you want better gear and increased funding.
What’s new?
The aforementioned sponsorship is the flagship addition to Pro Cycling Manager 2024. This advanced feature influences every decision you make. Moreover, it helps fund research and enhances your ability to entice the best riders to join you. Alongside this, the revamped information screen helps to tidy up your desktop whilst making it easier to digest the mountains of data.
If this isn’t enough, there are some improvements with the AI and the sprinting. There is now a non-collision mechanic that improves sprint finishes. This was a little controversial as it doesn’t always work and causes occasional imbalanced results. However, the dirt tracks were great, and I loved how this altered your riding approach and the surrounding teams.
Pro Cycling Manager 2024 is a little rough.
The almost never-ending screens of data caused my eyes to water. There appears to be a tab for every element of the game. This is perfect if you love to micromanage. Yet, it can be overwhelming if you want to jump into the action. Thankfully though, the clear and concise writing and excellent UI make things bearable. Sadly, the racing element was a little rough. There were glitches and the textures weren’t perfect. Luckily, though, you spend more time organising your riders than you do watching things unfold, so this rarely mattered.
I spent hours tweaking my career and trying new tactics. Accordingly, the limited soundtrack was frustrating. Alongside this, the commentary should have been more detailed and exciting. Consequently, there are plenty of quiet moments and this undermines the excitement.
Plenty of trial and error.
The developer has done a great job of explaining the fundamentals. The detailed tutorial navigates the UI and helps you to get started. However, plenty of trial and error and tactical tweaks are required to get the most out of the action. This may frustrate some people, as Pro Cycling Manager 2024 is tough enough as it is.
If you love cycling and have a tactical mindset, you’ll adore every second. The detailed action and new features push you all the way. However, the trial and error were a little unfortunate and may put off some gamers. Subsequently, replay value and longevity could be impacted.
Pro Cycling Manager 2024 gets the heart pumping.
I’ve not been hooked on a sports management title for a while. However, Pro Cycling Manager 2024 has so much depth that I found it tough to put down. Furthermore, the ability to play various modes and the multiplayer action was fascinating. I also loved the new sponsorship layers and the opportunity to create a custom rider. In short, this game packs in a lot and is fascinating if you enjoy the sport. Accordingly, I love it and I recommend buying it here! Running a successful team isn’t as easy as you think. Choose your riders, plan your approach, and win every event.
