Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know what I said

[mking55]

I know that in the past in one of my fits of temper I swore I would never buy this game again. I lied. I buy almost all text based sports sims but don't play them all. It's my small way to help keep the business going.

I have purchased every version of OOTP since V2 (if I would have known about V1 I would have bought it). I've had issues with every version of various types because they didn't live up to my high and demanding standards.

I have seen the light and I have "lowered" my standards (that is not a dig at anyone). I only play with real players and there is no way in hell that I can lose based on my superior knowledge of the players as opposed to a computer game. I can make up house rules (but I just can't bring myself to do it) or I can play fictional which would be a far greater challenge (but fictional just doesn't grab me), so I have to accept what is, and judge it for what it is. I cannot expect the game to be something that it could never be which is an AI using real players that can consistently beat a team I build. (That is also not a dig and not a claim of my brilliance. I think this would be true for anyone who plays with real players).

I've had some legitimate gripes over the years (my opinion here) and I'm ready and prepared to make a full confession.

Except for some minor annoyances that have been around since the earth was created (why can we not be guaranteed that when we return to the lineup screen that is set up to show batting stats for batters only it will have that and not show everyone including pitchers when we return to that same screen), and things of that nature, this is by far the best version of the game ever. (Maybe V1 was the best but since I never played it I can't comment on it).

The improvements made over the years while at times a little slow for my liking have finally reached the point where they have turned this game from okay (in my opinion) to good. I'm impressed with this version. Markus, Andreas, and whoever else is on the "team" have done a fine and commendable job in putting OOTP14 together. I would actually recommend the game to others (and this is the 1st time I would do that).

If I was prepared to write negative things in the past, then I am prepared and obligated to say positive things when they are true. I am (finally) a happy customer. Maybe that doesn't mean much to anyone, but it does mean something to me. It's far nicer to write "nice work" rather than "this sucks". It's been a long road for me as a consumer and I'm sure an even longer road for the developer and his team.

I am very pleased to say: Nice work and good game and I'm happy I own it. You are all to be congratulated. I look forward to future versions. Thank you for adding this small piece of enjoyment to my life.

Martin

[hopeful1212]

Wow, I never thought I'd see this. Glad to hear it.

[Déjà Bru]

Originally Posted by mking55

I'm ready and prepared to make a full confession.

Feel better?

Seriously, this is high praise coming from you. I respect the effort it must have taken to revise your opinion publicly. Good show.

People have different standards, of course. I've been in love with this game (despite a few stormy sessions of my own here and there) since version 6.5. Your standards are obviously higher than mine and for you to give this version a rating of "good" impresses me.

[JohnHoward]

Considering the source, this is a truly impressive endorsement. I never thought I would see the day. Next thing you know "he who shall not be named" will understand how scouting works and then we can all have a party.

[shawa666]

Ok, who hacked mking55's account?

[Orcin]

I predict a followup post will update the review to include an expose on the weak trading module which allowed the OP to win 25 straight championships as manager of the 1950 Washington Senators.

[Charlie Hough]

Originally Posted by Orcin

I predict a followup post will update the review to include an expose on the weak trading module which allowed the OP to win 25 straight championships as manager of the 1950 Washington Senators.

You don't even need weak trading. Using the draft alone, I led the 1955 Washington Senators to a pennant by 1957, and then they won so many pennants and World Series that I gave up on the saved game by around 1970. I had star players serving as reserve outfielders because the AI was so dumb and I could dominate drafts despite picking last or next to last in every season.

The historical AI still has a long way to go to be competitive when you're not using player development.

But I'm glad that one of the grumpy old posters here has come around.

[Elektranaut]

What's wrong with grumpy old posters?(I'm one of 'em!).....I think we're an endangered species.....soon be 100% fanboys....oh well

[mking55]

Originally Posted by shawa666

Ok, who hacked mking55's account?

That was funny. Thank you for the laugh.

Originally Posted by Orcin

I predict a followup post will update the review to include an expose on the weak trading module which allowed the OP to win 25 straight championships as manager of the 1950 Washington Senators.

Actually the trade module is one of the biggest improvements in the game over the years. It is no longer a pushover at certain settings. I can still make the WS upmteen years in a row, but that has to do with my knowledge of players more than anything else.

The trade module at this moment in time, is pretty good.

But now that you mention it, I do have one possible suggestion. In the hockey game (not nearly ready for prime time) it has a good and fair and annoying (but not in a bad way) feature. You can ask to trade for a player (Gordie Howe for example) and you get a message telling you to blow it out your ear, the Red Wings are not trading Gordie Howe. I think the "untouchable" way is a good way overall. Naturally if I was going to offer 5 GREAT guys for Mr. Hockey then they should take the trade but I'll never get the chance. There is a certain sense to saying up front, "no way Jose, no Mr. Hockey or soup for you".

[PSUColonel]

grumpy old poster? who?, what?

[damientheomen3]

"OOTP 14: So good, even mking55 liked it!"