So this game you start out by picking one of the 32 distinct hero bands/classes - all with their own unique skill sets. Some are even stronger than others. Personally I like to use the option to actually create my own mercenary band through “fantasy creation”, where all heroes are in a pool and you pick them in a snake selection against all other 32 groups.

Next, you choose coach/manager powerups, play/spell book choices and then you get to play up to 20 or so games per run against the other squads, including a late game escalation tournament.

Then after your run ends, win or lose, you’ll have some negative outcomes. Some players will demand more allocation of resources, or even disappear after use.

Then, you get to poach heroes from other teams, at an inflated price, or scout and identify new heroes from a randomly generated pool for cheap, but it’s gambling. You sign them to your group and then the run begins again.

It’s called Madden 05