[skunkle333]

Let me just say that for several years I've been a DMB addict. Each year I get OOTP but only play it for a month or two without being obsessed with it.

V9 and V10 really were interesting. The play by play (very important to me) was very good and I really liked the ball flight...pics...sounds etc. But I never stayed with the game long enough to figure all the depth and wrinkles out. I saw some AI stuff that bothered me and would always go back to DMB. I used Action PC baseball for my game when I wanted all the perks of pics and sounds.

Now...I by no means have given up DMB. Love that game...it's simplicity and accuracy and great depth and the script mostly makes up for the lack of player pics and sound and a little pizzazz for the game.

This year is very different. Haven't placed a full post at DMB yet but I did put in a small one in one of their forums. As part of a gift I got a new Win 7 PC with 4 gig of ram and a beautiful used 22" monitor.

AND OOTP looks incredible and plays fantastic! After having the new system just about a month ago I decided to install my old OOTP V10 game. It blew me away. Especially when I rediscovered the widget screen with all the data...had room for the larger print for my old eyes on the script and saw the MLB pitch by pitch location color box. Man it looks nice and totally immerses you in the game with all the senses. And then I was reminded just how good the script really is. I'd still rate DMB's script as 11 on a scale of 1-10 but I'd easily give OOTP's script a 9-9 1/2. It is good.

I'm still bogged down figuring out all the setup stuff for historical 59 replay and I'm trying to work on a special league with WSox World Series teams and playoff teams. I'll be starting up 2005 when I can.

I've printed out at least 1/3 of the manual and I know that OOTP will be with me for the rest of my baseball gaming. Haven't played enough to comment on the stat replay accuracy. I've discovered some ratings and speed differences from DMB. I plan in time to do a comparison of WSeries teams that I want to replay with DMB ratings and then I'll make adjustments if I can figure out how to do that and how much to adjust.

It's a long long term project but I know that 'this time' OOTP will 'not' go on the shelf. It's already made a sizeable dent in my DMB playing time. It is just way too 'immersive' with the feel of baseball to not play.

I used to play Action PC baseball for my periodic desire for a stat baseball game that had pitch by pitch (the only way to play baseball...for me) because it has pics and sounds etc. Action is a good game and pretty accurate but I think it has been replaced by OOTP for my desire for baseball gaming that has all the perks.

I even plan down the road to include some dear loved ones that have gone to be with the Lord as personnel etc. Baseball is a story. Each game tells it's own story...each inning...each confrontation of batter/pitcher. And what OOTP does is enhance that story and bring in tons more of flavor and style. Even the player injuries are labeled as real injuries and last week I had Swisher of the Yankees injured in a fun game I played with my 6 year old grandson.

I checked his injury because I wanted him to play in the game and lo and behold it was a 'day to day' injury. I told my grandson...now how cool and realistic is that! Love it.

I've talked way too long but I guess this shows my enthusiasm for this game. I've bought every version I think. Stopped playing each one a month or two later. Not going to happen anymore. OOTP is here to stay. Even the research is fun...although at times trying to figure things out with my 65 year old brain does get pretty frustrating. But the fellas here at the forum have been terrific in helping me out.

And I owe a good deal of my continuing efforts to get the game each year to PStrickert. Got to know him with the game with v9 and he has been a real help and encouragement.

I'll write more later on as to stat accuracy etc but I gotta run because I'm going to do a few exhibition games with my 59 White Sox and those tough 59 Dodgers! Please don't let my DMB friends know of this enthusiasm. I'll tell them when it's time.