Handball Manager 2009: World Edition

Handball Manager 2009: World Edition is a managerial simulation of handball where the player is responsible for the financial and athletic success of his team. Regarding gameplay and options it is similar to soccer managers. The player has several options to his disposal, e.g. training, tactics, lineup, stadium expansion or player transfers. The players are represented with a ability score and several other personal traits which influence their performance and training needs. An assistant coach can take some responsibilities of his shoulder - but of course he wants a proper salary if he is competent.

The player can choose between two match presentations. With the text mode the player sits in front of a live ticker where all matches are calculated. If something interesting happens during the own match text messages tell him about the moves and results. The player can set how detailed and fast he wants the messages to be. With the second mode the player can watch the whole game in 3D.

As in most German sport managers the player has a lot of opportunities which influence not his team but his player character personally. He can change his team or buy status symbols. The game evaluates his successes and increased or decreases his level. If it increases he gets manager points which he can reinvest in better abilities, e.g. training. At the start of the game he chooses between a real career starting with a low-class team, picks a specific team or the founding of an own club.

In comparison to Handball Manager 2008: Das Original it features several expanded features, especially in the tactical options. The main innovations regard the new interface and the above mentioned personal area; Now the player can marry and has to keep his spouse happy, e.g. by making presents. If he gets children he can train them so they become handball superstars. There is also a mini game during the 3D matches when there is a penalty throw.

The game has official licensed team and player names for the first and second German league (both male and female). Additionally the player can choose a team from 15 lower-classed German leagues and the first league of twenty other countries. Parallel to his regular club he can also manage a national teams - some of them are licensed too, e.g. England or Poland.