Pro Cycling Manager 2017
- June 15, 2017
- Cyanide Studio
- 3h median play time
Get on Steam"Pro Cycling Manager 2017" is a cycling simulation game where you manage a professional cycling team, competing in over 200 races across the world. As the team manager, you'll handle various aspects such as rider scouting, recruitment, staff hiring, contract negotiations, and sponsor management. The game features increased realism with enhanced AI and improved progression system in Pro Cyclist mode. Organize your team in a train formation during races and make strategic decisions to secure the win. Play solo or online with up to 16 players in leagues and clans.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Great for cycling fans, offering an in-depth management experience and improved graphics.
- The Pro Cyclist mode adds depth with new features like fitness peaks and personal objectives.
- Despite some bugs, many players find it enjoyable and a solid continuation of the series.
- The game is plagued with bugs, including crashes and AI issues that frustrate gameplay.
- Many players feel that the game hasn't evolved significantly from previous versions, making it feel like a minor update.
- The tutorial is lacking, making it difficult for new players to understand the mechanics and strategies.
- graphics24 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players praising improvements and stunning visuals on high-end PCs, while others criticize persistent issues like clipping, flickering, and outdated designs reminiscent of earlier versions. Many users express frustration over graphical glitches that disrupt gameplay, such as characters and objects warping or passing through one another. Overall, while there are advancements, significant flaws remain that detract from the overall experience.
“The graphics happen to be stunning too if you have a decent PC - most of the critics don't have a PC capable of not crashing, hence they write negative reviews.”
“This year they totally improved the game on aspects like: graphics, sound, gameplay, AI, management, rider progress, sponsors, and a lot more cool features.”
“Graphically, the game is astounding!”
“The graphics look just like they did in 2016 and 2015 and all before.”
“On-course graphics are glitchy; you'll ride straight through vehicles, barriers, and crowds loitering on the course.”
“Graphics engine – especially in the lower tier races – are sometimes poorly made, causing you to ride into or through cars, spectators, and TV cranes.”
- gameplay10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the improvements in mechanics and features, such as forming rider trains and managing team dynamics. However, others criticize the AI and overall execution, describing it as janky and lacking the depth found in previous titles like Pro Cycling Manager 2005. While the gameplay is solid for cycling management enthusiasts, it may not stand out compared to other sports management games for those less invested in the sport.
“This year they totally improved the game on aspects like: graphics, sound, gameplay, AI, management, rider progress, sponsors, and a lot more cool features.”
“The gameplay, while fun, is a little janky when it comes to animations.”
“I mean, don't get me wrong, the actual gameplay is fairly solid. You can now perform most of the actions that you would want to as a cycling manager, and I'm especially grateful for this year's addition of the abilities to form rider trains and to set a rider to try and reduce the gap to a breakaway rider.”
“I really wanted to like this game, but the in-game mechanics are busted.”
“This gameplay is not even close to Pro Cycling Manager 2005, which was one of the better PCM games.”
“So I personally, who have played PCM for 4-5 years, think this game is really bad both AI and gameplay-wise.”
- stability9 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been widely criticized, with users reporting numerous bugs, including freezing issues, glitches, and gameplay interruptions. While some players find enjoyment in the game despite these problems, many recommend waiting for patches or improvements before purchasing, as the current state is described as excessively buggy and frustrating.
“This is by far the most buggy game ever.”
“What can I say apart from another overpriced buggy game? It's a shame as it could have been so much better. I have put a few hours into the pro career mode, which was enjoyable to start with, but there are bugs where you crash and then can't move or get stuck between race cars and the verge.”
“I have had countless times where the game simply freezes and can't be retrieved, and it doesn't generate a crash report.”
- music4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally considered generic, with some players expressing a desire for the option to have music while riding. While there are mentions of new songs being cool, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment in the music's impact on the gameplay experience.
“Graphics have improved slightly, and the new songs are pretty cool.”
“The music is generic, the voiceovers are worse, and the graphics warp more than a Star Trek episode, even on a top-of-the-line rig.”
“I miss the old way of setting up the schedule for each rider, and please bring back music while riding!”
“I understand a lot of players turn it off, but I don't understand why music at the very least cannot be an option.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is criticized for causing lag even on high-end PCs, with lengthy and tedious simulations of non-participated races. While some improvements have been noted, such as domestic assigning per target, further optimization is necessary for a smoother experience.
“Domestic assigning per target instead of full season is a first step in the right direction; it should be continued and optimized.”
“I like the pro cyclist game mode and the overall performance of the game.”
“Simulating races you're not participating in is long and boring and needs some serious optimization.”
“The game is still poorly optimized, so you will experience lag even on high-end PCs.”
“Domestic assigning per target instead of full season (a first step in the right direction should be continued and optimized).”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by the ironic situation of a teammate's impressive progression despite a lack of significant achievements, showcasing a lighthearted take on the unpredictability of character development.
“A team-filler rider I started on the same team with in the first season at 68 average is now a whopping 76 and climbing. The funny thing is, I looked at his career and he hasn't won anything significant.”
