FHM Feature list discussion

[mickey7]

Could we get a definitive answer on whether the game will have a purely fictional mode ? I believe it truly will be of importance to some of us in our buying decision, if it is not there other hockey sims exist that can be played with current and historical leagues and some of us already own them.

[hluraven]

Originally Posted by Le Grande Orange

On the one hand, I agree. On the other hand, if one looks at the history of EHM, it seems to have had the same sort of following as does FM: people mostly interested only in playing out existing leagues with existing players. So that reality may be (understandably) driving the selection of first edition features.

Certainly sums me up, whether FM, OOTP or FHM (or EHM before) I am only interested in playing the most realistic possible modern day start.

[Cryomaniac]

Originally Posted by Le Grande Orange

On the one hand, I agree. On the other hand, if one looks at the history of EHM, it seems to have had the same sort of following as does FM: people mostly interested only in playing out existing leagues with existing players. So that reality may be (understandably) driving the selection of first edition features.

Possibly, but as I say, my worry is that depending on how the game is designed it might be difficult to add the ability to create fictional leagues at a later date.

[Bluenoser]

Originally Posted by Le Grande Orange

On the one hand, I agree. On the other hand, if one looks at the history of EHM, it seems to have had the same sort of following as does FM: people mostly interested only in playing out existing leagues with existing players. So that reality may be (understandably) driving the selection of first edition features.

It wasn't possible to create fictional leagues with EHM, so how do you know people were only interested in existing leagues with existing players? That's like saying "you have a choice, you can have a red apple or a red apple, because green isn't available. Then you stand there and claim everyone eats the red apples because they're popular? Sorry, it's not because they're popular, it's because that's all that is available. The only thing EHM did was recycle real players with fictional names, and it took no time at all to figure out who your so called "fictional" players were.

If this game wants to grow like OOTP, which seems to be the case, then the fan following will grow a lot more quickly when they add the "fictional" option. Considering the popularity of OOTP's fictional capabilities, and considering the game is being developed by the same company, I certainly hope this is something that will make it into version 2.

I'll support the game by purchasing the 1st version, and every one after that, but until a fictional world option is added, I don't see it getting much playing time at all.

And this isn't a knock on real leagues and real players. I understand they need those first, and I respect that a lot of people prefer that. However with todays technology and ability to create the most complex of software, fictional needs to make its way into this game sooner rather than later.

[Stinson]

Just out of curiosity, what exactly do you guys mean when you say you want a "fictional mode"?

The reason I ask is because I'm pretty sure the entire game will be in "fictional mode". If it's anything like what I remember of OOTP 10 (and probably older versions as well), all the leagues you create, whether modern or historical, will be fictional with generic, but customizable, teams, players, league structures, etc. The "real" leagues will be provided through a quick-start.

In other words, if you want to play with real leagues, you'll load up the quick-start. Otherwise, everything is fictional. Of course, I could be wrong. But that's how I remember OOTP working, and exactly how I interpreted the first couple of points on this feature list.

[Cryomaniac]

Originally Posted by Stinson

Just out of curiosity, what exactly do you guys mean when you say you want a "fictional mode"?

The reason I ask is because I'm pretty sure the entire game will be in "fictional mode". If it's anything like what I remember of OOTP 10 (and probably older versions as well), all the leagues you create, whether modern or historical, will be fictional with generic, but customizable, teams, players, league structures, etc. The "real" leagues will be provided through a quick-start.

In other words, if you want to play with real leagues, you'll load up the quick-start. Otherwise, everything is fictional. Of course, I could be wrong. But that's how I remember OOTP working, and exactly how I interpreted the first couple of points on this feature list.

The ability to make any league structure we want (within reason), without having to edit existing leagues.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Originally Posted by Cryomaniac

The ability to make any league structure we want (within reason), without having to edit existing leagues.

So you want a universe with just one league?

[Orioles1966]

Fictional means the Toronto Maple Leafs winning the Stanley Cup or for that matter qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Purely fictional.

[dave1927p]

Originally Posted by Sebastian Palkowski

So you want a universe with just one league?

An entire hockey world that the user can create and shape to his pleasing, that's my idea of fictional mode. One league or several leagues, professional based whereever the user prefers, semi-pro, junior/feeder leagues. And then let or force the world to evolve. That's exactly why i play ootp over the competition.

I have to ask, is there an expansion draft? For us EHM fans that would be huge We've never had that ability in a hockey sim.

[Stat]

Thank you for posting! I can't wait. Looks like a great feature list.

Sebastian already said that they plan free updates and that stuff will get added. I just can't wait to get my hands on it already!

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Originally Posted by dave1927p

I have to ask, is there an expansion draft? For us EHM fans that would be huge We've never had that ability in a hockey sim.

Yes, just finished the coding for it. And before you ask, the game will have an (optional) Ini-Draft as well.

[Stat]

Originally Posted by Sebastian Palkowski

Yes, just finished the coding for it. And before you ask, the game will have an (optional) Ini-Draft as well.

Does Ini-draft mean initial draft before we get started?

An expansion draft? That is really cool. How will it work in game? As the commissioner, can we create a new team in the middle of our dynasties?

Is it possible, say, in the year 2021, to fold a team, have a 29 team league for a few seasons, then expand 5 years later? Do we create the teams before?

I know you said all aspects were customizable including divisions, but are we locked into it? Like if I have a 8 division league, can I contract to 4 divisions down the line?

Ack, sorry for my questions! Can't wait.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Originally Posted by Stat

Does Ini-draft mean initial draft before we get started?

An expansion draft? That is really cool. How will it work in game? As the commissioner, can we create a new team in the middle of our dynasties?

Is it possible, say, in the year 2021, to fold a team, have a 29 team league for a few seasons, then expand 5 years later? Do we create the teams before?

I know you said all aspects were customizable including divisions, but are we locked into it? Like if I have a 8 division league, can I contract to 4 divisions down the line?

Ack, sorry for my questions! Can't wait.

Yeah, basically thats how it works. You can move teams, "delete" them or add new teams, player from deleted teams become FA`s, if you add new teams you can held an expansion draft (existing teams can protect player). All this is possible before any season you want.

Initial Draft is simple (but fun): before game you can make all e.g. NHL players FA's, then make a draft. We are thinking about a second draft for player rights but thats just an idea on paper right now.

[Stat]

Originally Posted by Sebastian Palkowski

Yeah, basically thats how it works. You can move teams, "delete" them or add new teams, player from deleted teams become FA`s, if you add new teams you can held an expansion draft (existing teams can protect player). All this is possible before any season you want.

Initial Draft is simple (but fun): before game you can make all e.g. NHL players FA's, then make a draft. We are thinking about a second draft for player rights but thats just an idea on paper right now.

That sounds pretty awesome. Thanks for the answers.

[geckon]

Originally Posted by Sebastian Palkowski

Initial Draft is simple (but fun): before game you can make all e.g. NHL players FA's, then make a draft.

Unless I am mistaken this feature is called "Fantasy draft" in EHM. If anyone knows better please feel free to make it clear.

[BTerran]

Originally Posted by Orioles1966

What does the 1000 teams ,over 100 leagues,non-playable mean?

I'm just guessing, but it wouldn't surprise me if a lot of those non-playable leagues are junior and minor North American leagues. The leagues players will participate in on the road to the Canadian Hockey League.

I'm betting that'll also include the non-playable European leagues though, as well as the second-tier/minor league versions of the playable European leagues.

[geckon]

I really hope there are Czech leagues (major and 1st and 2nd minors at least along with junior leagues) even if they're unplayable by default. Extraliga (major) could be playable with real data though - I can probably help with research ;-)

[Orioles1966]

What about the WHA? Will it be a no go but the players will be available but then they could always enter the NHL as expansion teams?

[drewst18]

You will never please everyone.

I personally am upset of lack of online, but I will not let it factor in me buying a copy, I may actually buy two just to support the project.

This is release 1 of hopefully many more, and the feature list is fantastic. Everyone complains for a hockey sim for last 6 years and when the first version leaves something out they want they're up in arms. before anyone says it yes I am probably exxagerating but I think the first version of any small development like this is more of an investment than a purchase which is why I wouldn't let one feature make or break a game.

I agree with the path going with structured leagues first and hopefully if people support the project future versions will have fictional leagues and online similar to OOTP.

[Cryomaniac]

Originally Posted by Sebastian Palkowski

So you want a universe with just one league?

That's not what I meant, no. I mean like in OOTP where I can create any number of leagues, and have each one be custom if I want.