Help For A Newbie

Tarheelphenom · 03-17-2018, 07:58 PM

Hey fellas...i'm new to the board and new to the game. This year will be the first year that i dive head first into the OOTP franchise. It all seems overwhelming though like I dont know where to begin when i get my hands on this masterpiece Monday. Any suggestions for a newbie?

Calvert98 · 03-17-2018, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tarheelphenom

Hey fellas...i'm new to the board and new to the game. This year will be the first year that i dive head first into the OOTP franchise. It all seems overwhelming though like I dont know where to begin when i get my hands on this masterpiece Monday. Any suggestions for a newbie?

Hello,

Welcome to OOTP. It's a great game and a great online community.

Here is my take:
1. I would wait till the March 22nd release; the Monday version is the Beta and although close, I think if you are new, I would wait as there could be items in the Thursday version there that will allow for a more smooth transition into the game if you are new (I know some may disagree).

2. While you wait, check out OOTPD's videos on Youtube. If you haven't already, I would start with the "Walk-through" video posted here in the forms; it was done by Markus Heinsohn, the lead developer. And check-out the "Road to Release" articles; the links are posted here too. In addition, there are some good play-through videos for 19 that Kris and T.J. are doing, and there are also some solid season replays of OOTP 18, done by folks like Ryan Waldis and "SraitOuttaBoston" on Youtube; in particular, I'd check out the first videos where they set-up a game for a MLB Franchise.

3. When you get the game, I would start with a standard MLB quick-start "out of the box", using your favorite team, with a few major baseball nations included. It will get you wrapped-up into the game fairly quickly.

Eventually, you will begin to get the hang of it. And after a while, you will find yourself setting-up the game as you like (various settings etc...) and trying-out different things, like a fictional or historical league, and playing it out as you enjoy, which is another great thing about OOTP.

Once the game is released, I'm sure they will open-up a new section here called "OOTP 19 - New to the Game?" as well, to help folks who are just getting into the series. Anyway, welcome again and have fun.

IanIachimoe · 03-17-2018, 08:53 PM

MLB Quickstart

Calvert98 · 03-17-2018, 08:55 PM

Also, there is an online manual (OOTP18, but close enough) in the support section. I think they will also begin posting Youtube tutorials as well; there are links in the support section for OOTP 18. Not sure they will be doing that again for 19, but 18 should be close enough.

Calvert98 · 03-17-2018, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanIachimoe

MLB Quickstart

Agreed.

That's the best place to start.

waittilnextyear · 03-17-2018, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tarheelphenom

Hey fellas...i'm new to the board and new to the game. This year will be the first year that i dive head first into the OOTP franchise. It all seems overwhelming though like I dont know where to begin when i get my hands on this masterpiece Monday. Any suggestions for a newbie?

Don't be afraid to "make mistakes" and learn the hard way. The game has a ton of depth, so it will take time to explore and sort it all out. It will take time for you to find the right options and develop an "agenda" for the type of game you want to play.

My first edition was, I think, OOTP13 so I'm not as long in the tooth as some around these parts, but when I was new I would just basically click on stuff and click stuff off. Some things worked. Sometimes the game would get stuck (bad computer). But, more often than not, I'd learn a lot in the process. My next clicking session would feel more like I knew what I was doing....And sometimes I would hear the birds chirping away in the early morning hours which told me I had played enough for one session.

wallewalls · 03-17-2018, 09:33 PM

Take it slow, dont be afraid to try new things, watch some let's plays. I watched a Youtuber named StraightOuttaBoston to get into the game. His Rockies series in OOTP 16 and his Rays series in OOTP 18 are really easy to watch and entertaining and will give you a good look at basically all aspects of the game, i learned a lot watching him as a newbie too. Here's a link to his channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsX...BffPMYr7Cf0Y7g

There are also some good tips in this reddit thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/OOTP/commen...and_trick_ive/

Don't be afraid to ask questions on here or on the OOTP subreddit, everyone here is very friendly and welcoming for the most part, I learned a lot from this forum

MrBojangles · 03-17-2018, 09:38 PM

Read this blog on a regular basis to get insight into game nuances as people raise questions and others answer/make suggestions.
You can also search the blog to look if a question you have has already been addressed.
Don't be shy about going into OOTP18 blog. The changes from version to version are usually enhancements - not wholesale changes. So questions from old versions likely still apply to current version.
Play around with navigating the various screens in the game. The more familiar you become with "what is where" the more fun you can start to have.

actionjackson · 03-17-2018, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waittilnextyear

Don't be afraid to "make mistakes" and learn the hard way. The game has a ton of depth, so it will take time to explore and sort it all out. It will take time for you to find the right options and develop an "agenda" for the type of game you want to play.

My first edition was, I think, OOTP13 so I'm not as long in the tooth as some around these parts, but when I was new I would just basically click on stuff and click stuff off. Some things worked. Sometimes the game would get stuck (bad computer). But, more often than not, I'd learn a lot in the process. My next clicking session would feel more like I knew what I was doing....And sometimes I would hear the birds chirping away in the early morning hours which told me I had played enough for one session.

This is yuuuge!!! I couldn't have said it better myself. It will take some time. Keep trying. Take a break if you get really frustrated, but keep coming back until you get it. It'll be well worth it in the end. My first edition of the game OOTP10 (or OOTPX), I spent most of the time trying different settings to see what they did, and then starting over again and trying other settings. It's a process, but you will get there even if it takes the whole development cycle. Some people would see this as a waste, but I now look back on it as time well spent.

Tarheelphenom · 03-18-2018, 08:55 AM

Thanks guys!

Markus Heinsohn · 03-18-2018, 09:41 AM

Whatever you do, don't worry, I suck at this game, too. And make backups of your league from time to time.

Déjà Bru · 03-18-2018, 10:22 AM

[^^^ He's too busy designing it to play it. Which is fine with me.

]

rjl518 · 03-18-2018, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markus Heinsohn

Whatever you do, don't worry, I suck at this game, too. And make backups of your league from time to time.

You suck at this game too?
Markus, you're the guy who WROTE this thing!
Get it together!

rjl518 · 03-18-2018, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tarheelphenom

Hey fellas...i'm new to the board and new to the game. This year will be the first year that i dive head first into the OOTP franchise. It all seems overwhelming though like I dont know where to begin when i get my hands on this masterpiece Monday. Any suggestions for a newbie?

Again, welcome to OOTP!
The best baseball game you can get.
You will find lots of challenges, victories and yes, lots of defeats.
but like some of the other OOTPlayers have said earlier, don't be afraid to try anything.
backup your leagues like Markus said.
do what you think is right for your team.
You cant break the game, Markus always patches the bugs and improves the game as often as he can!
So the game you are purchasing today, will be better in the coming months!
Of course, above all...HAVE LOTS OF FUN!

swoboda · 03-18-2018, 12:41 PM

In my twelfth season or so, and I have always gotten answers to my questions right here in the forum, very knowledgeable and generous expert-players will respond to your queries. Even veteran players can sometimes forget where to find something or how to tweak a setting, the forum is a great place to go for the answers. IMHO, the OOTPBB community is without a doubt one of the best things about the game.

r0nster · 03-18-2018, 03:26 PM

Markus is 100% correct to make backups occasionally ... However in my case I do 3 backups per season one just before opening day then all-star break then just after world series

ArcherGaming · 03-22-2018, 06:24 PM

I always find watching somebody play helps, here's my series- https://youtu.be/2BQWLNQk2Lo Feedback welcome and I hope it helps get you oriented!

mitchkenn · 03-22-2018, 07:40 PM

don't be afraid to mess up. as frustrating as it can be, it's also the best way to learn what not to do. And as Markus said, make back-up. Lots of back-ups. (i make one every time i exit the game for the day on my external HD, giving it a name of the last date played. End of season, i erase them all and start again with back-ups as i make off-season moves.)

here's a link (with pictures) on how to back-up and restore from back-up. Ignore the first 4 posts, as they are not relevant. Startt at post 5. RchW did a marvelous job with this write-up.

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...18&postcount=5

good luck and have fun.

Gerry58 · 03-23-2018, 04:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tarheelphenom

Hey fellas...i'm new to the board and new to the game. This year will be the first year that i dive head first into the OOTP franchise. It all seems overwhelming though like I dont know where to begin when i get my hands on this masterpiece Monday. Any suggestions for a newbie?

Have you a team that you like or know better? Chose it, start with the default options (GM and Coach) , in the managers preference delegate to your assistants most of the stuff (like demoting, lineups and depth charts) and then start playing. When you are confident take direct control of the things you understand better. Don't waste your time tweaking or changing the options or you will get lost

03-17-2018, 07:58 PM	#1
Tarheelphenom Bat Boy Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: NC Posts: 9	Help For A Newbie Hey fellas...i'm new to the board and new to the game. This year will be the first year that i dive head first into the OOTP franchise. It all seems overwhelming though like I dont know where to begin when i get my hands on this masterpiece Monday. Any suggestions for a newbie?

03-17-2018, 08:53 PM	#3
IanIachimoe All Star Starter Join Date: May 2014 Location: paper st. Posts: 1,055	MLB Quickstart __________________

03-18-2018, 09:41 AM	#11
Markus Heinsohn Developer OOTP Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Germany Posts: 24,803	Whatever you do, don't worry, I suck at this game, too. And make backups of your league from time to time. __________________ Buy Out of the Park Baseball 25 now! Download OOTP Go 25 for iOS Download OOTP Go 25 for Android

03-18-2018, 10:22 AM	#12
Déjà Bru Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Long Island Posts: 11,741	[^^^ He's too busy designing it to play it. Which is fine with me. ] __________________ - Bru

03-18-2018, 12:41 PM	#15
swoboda All Star Starter Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Guarding The Line Posts: 1,230	In my twelfth season or so, and I have always gotten answers to my questions right here in the forum, very knowledgeable and generous expert-players will respond to your queries. Even veteran players can sometimes forget where to find something or how to tweak a setting, the forum is a great place to go for the answers. IMHO, the OOTPBB community is without a doubt one of the best things about the game. __________________ "...If you want to look ahead to the bottom of the ninth, the Mets will be sending up Buddy Harrelson, Jerry Buchek , and Don Bosch, we'll be right back after this word from Rheingold Beer" The late great Lindsey Nelson

03-17-2018, 08:55 PM	#4
Calvert98 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 579	Also, there is an online manual (OOTP18, but close enough) in the support section. I think they will also begin posting Youtube tutorials as well; there are links in the support section for OOTP 18. Not sure they will be doing that again for 19, but 18 should be close enough.

03-17-2018, 09:33 PM	#7
wallewalls All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 774 Infractions: 0/1 (1)	Take it slow, dont be afraid to try new things, watch some let's plays. I watched a Youtuber named StraightOuttaBoston to get into the game. His Rockies series in OOTP 16 and his Rays series in OOTP 18 are really easy to watch and entertaining and will give you a good look at basically all aspects of the game, i learned a lot watching him as a newbie too. Here's a link to his channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsX...BffPMYr7Cf0Y7g There are also some good tips in this reddit thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/OOTP/commen...and_trick_ive/ Don't be afraid to ask questions on here or on the OOTP subreddit, everyone here is very friendly and welcoming for the most part, I learned a lot from this forum

03-17-2018, 09:38 PM	#8
MrBojangles All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: low and inside Posts: 568	Read this blog on a regular basis to get insight into game nuances as people raise questions and others answer/make suggestions. You can also search the blog to look if a question you have has already been addressed. Don't be shy about going into OOTP18 blog. The changes from version to version are usually enhancements - not wholesale changes. So questions from old versions likely still apply to current version. Play around with navigating the various screens in the game. The more familiar you become with "what is where" the more fun you can start to have.

03-18-2018, 08:55 AM	#10
Tarheelphenom Bat Boy Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: NC Posts: 9	Thanks guys!

03-18-2018, 03:26 PM	#16
r0nster Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,081	Markus is 100% correct to make backups occasionally ... However in my case I do 3 backups per season one just before opening day then all-star break then just after world series

03-22-2018, 06:24 PM	#17
ArcherGaming Bat Boy Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 2	YouTube series I always find watching somebody play helps, here's my series- https://youtu.be/2BQWLNQk2Lo Feedback welcome and I hope it helps get you oriented!

03-22-2018, 07:40 PM	#18
mitchkenn Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Oregon, not by design Posts: 2,872	don't be afraid to mess up. as frustrating as it can be, it's also the best way to learn what not to do. And as Markus said, make back-up. Lots of back-ups. (i make one every time i exit the game for the day on my external HD, giving it a name of the last date played. End of season, i erase them all and start again with back-ups as i make off-season moves.) here's a link (with pictures) on how to back-up and restore from back-up. Ignore the first 4 posts, as they are not relevant. Startt at post 5. RchW did a marvelous job with this write-up. http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...18&postcount=5 good luck and have fun. __________________ "This is my opening farewell " - Jackson Browne “They make a desolation and call it peace.” ― Agha Shahid Ali "Maybe she just has to sing, for the sake of the song - And who do I think that I am to decide that she's wrong." - Townes Van Zandt "I saw a young man leaning on his wooden crutch - He called out to me, 'Don't ask for so much' And a young woman leaning in her darkened door She cried out to me, 'Why not ask for more?' " - Leonard Cohen "Hello darkness, my old Friend ...." - Paul Simon Before Mays, before DiMaggio, there was Oscar Charleston. "All the lies about Babe Ruth are true." - Waite Hoyt Avatar is the late great Townes Van Zandt. rip. Last edited by mitchkenn; 03-22-2018 at 07:41 PM.