Often in our gaming lives we manage to finish or beat a game, but there are a few occasions where the game beats you. For me, this is true of Pro Cycling Manager 2012… for now.

This is the sort of problem that a real world directeur sportif (some sort of a cycling coach but with more control over his riders actions) would face when dealing with a squad that is as talented and as ripe for conflict as Radioshack Nissan Trek.

+ Simulation mechanics; + Computer controlled riders; + Realism

- New Armada multiplayer; - Some graphics glitches; - Problems with sponsors

Developed  by Cyanide Studio and published by Focus Home Interactive, Pro Cycling Manager 2012 features exciting cycling action, detailed management and realistic simulation scenarios and graphics.

great learning aspects; detailed gameplay; logical menu layout; impressive simulation; AI of computer controlled cyclists; realistic environments; race speed up option

options for truncated season in career mode; a few visual glitches; shorter learning curve for new players; more visual variety in the environments

Like many management sims, Pro Cycling Manager 2012 is not for those unaware or not knowledgeable about the sport. For example, my first race was a "sprint", and my leading cyclist was not a sprinter, but a "puncheur" (specialist in short, steep climbs).

Kid Factor: Not a lot of worries here for inappropriate content, however I would venture it isn't quite a suitable game for any kid other than a very biking-crazy teenager. There is plenty of text to be read, but the main issue would revolve around the depth and complexity of the simulation.

More difficult than learning to ride a bike.

Deep customization

Very niche target audience; no playable tutorial; not accessible to the average gamer

So here's the thing; I have a lifelong obsession with management simulations, culminating in an uninhibited crack-like addiction to the Football Manager series. I'm perfectly at home with never-ending swathes of menus, stats and obtuse performance planning to gain that extra 4% in performance from...

I think if you want to race it is the best cycling game you can find. If you like play as manager I think it is better you play a game as www.cyclingforfun.org that allow you play online controlling a cycling team. Pro Cycling Manager IA is better every year, terrains and graphics too.

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.

Bought for my son. I am now playing as well and finding it addictive. Some flaws with place names not matching where stage races are held, French name on chinese stage.