"Latest in Codemasters football management series ventures onto new platforms

Codemasters has announced plans to develop PC and Xbox 360 versions of its football management sim LMA Manager 2006.

According to the press blurb on the announcement, the Xbox 360 and PC editions of the game will be "massively expanded" versions with both scheduled to launch in March 2006 (PS2 and Xbox versions are due this Autumn).

LMA Manager 2006 on PC and Xbox 360 boasts a new game and database engine and features such stuff as latest transfer data (and fully updated player database), a transfer market system with greater depth enabling more complex contract negotiations and a detailed 3D match section. Expect 1000-plus teams to manage and/or pick transfers from.

Plus, you'll apparently be able store full player and manager histories for up to 20 massive seasons. That sounds like quite a lot.

Giving a few more details on the detail added to the 3D match section, Codemasters says: "Match day action, where you can holler additional commands from the dug-out, will have a full wide screen option giving you an even better view of the on-pitch action.

"For those of a technical persuasion it will also feature normal mapping for realistic lighting effects and advanced rendering on players and stadiums for even more detail that will really enhance the atmosphere."

And, Codemasters says, unlike LMA Manager games on current generation consoles, on the Xbox 360 version you'll be able to read a full report for every match played thanks to the power lurking under the next-gen console's hood."