Is this the time?

dsvitak · 08-02-2014, 11:38 AM

As you can see, my association with OOTP goes back for many years. I have purchased many titles, and have generally been very pleased with all of my purchases.

Is it time for me to purchase this game? Are the bugs generally limited to non-game stopping types?

As a casual fan, decidedly NOT hard-core, do you believe that the technical issues of slightly incorrect free agency, signings, etc., are livable?

Gaming dollars are reasonably easy to come by, money really isn't an issue, and the missus just dumped a pretty sweet chunk into my steam wallet. Thanks sweetie!!! ... but there are no shortages of games on steam. Good games.

Thanks in advance for your opinion. I appreciate that the "15" version will be out in a couple of months, but it will take a cycle or two of patches to make it reasonably playable.

Bugsquasher · 08-02-2014, 01:47 PM

Big game changing patch on the way. I suggest you wait just a little longer until that patch comes out. It should improve the game significantly, especially the match engine.

progen · 08-02-2014, 01:51 PM

I purchased this game pre-release, and have tried to play it off and on, because I will always support OOTP. But for me, while the game has given me "some" hours of fun and entertainment. in it's current condition, the fun and game challenge is not sustainable over week(s) of playing time.

If I were you, I would wait for the next version in the fall. Even then, I will wait for a patch or two, or three, before I buy it.

Sebastian Palkowski · 08-02-2014, 02:40 PM

To be honest, it greatly depends on your style of play. If you want to play mainly GM modern career game, then I think it is enjoyable, if fictional play is your priority or you want to coach your games, then you might not be happy.

One option might be to buy it from our site (same price as Steam) and if you really don't like it, just ask for a refund.

dsvitak · 08-02-2014, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sebastian Palkowski

To be honest, it greatly depends on your style of play. If you want to play mainly GM modern career game, then I think it is enjoyable, if fictional play is your priority or you want to coach your games, then you might not be happy.

One option might be to buy it from our site (same price as Steam) and if you really don't like it, just ask for a refund.

First, I would never ask for a refund. In my entire life, I just cannot ever remember a time when I asked for my money back, for any item, or reason.

What specific game mechanics would make a fictional league less enjoyable than a career/historical league?

I AM mainly interested in a fictional league, like I do for my OOTP leagues. I don't WANT to see Wayne Gretzky's name come up as a 16-year old...having the knowledge of what be became would ruin the enjoyment for me.

I started a historical league, in OOTP, and by the mid 1950's, had Aaron, Mays, and Mantle as my three outfielders. Yep..Henry Aaron hitting sixth in my lineup. I won 130 games, and it wasn't a lot of fun.

Thanks for the inputs..I will look at a few more youtube videos, and figure this out.

dsvitak · 08-03-2014, 12:26 AM

Well, I did watch some additional youtube videos, and I took the plunge and purchased this game.

For all the screaming and histrionics (look it up!!), this game appears to be significantly better than many of the exceptionally critical comments make it out to be.

I have had zero software issues, and to this point at least, the statistics generated are reasonable. Fights are too low, but the scoring, assists, ice time, and other parameters seem to be good.

There is a slider adjustment for goals and assists..I will compare this first (fictional) years' scoring with a normal NHL season, and adjust from there.

Are the fictional players actual NHL players, with the names over-written, or are these players generated from an AI routine? It would make sense to have a robust player creation algorithym, as how else could you create new players down the road!

Thanks Sebastian, for a terrific game. I LOVE sports management sims, and this one looks, and plays, just awesome!

Bugsquasher · 08-03-2014, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsvitak

Well, I did watch some additional youtube videos, and I took the plunge and purchased this game.

For all the screaming and histrionics (look it up!!), this game appears to be significantly better than many of the exceptionally critical comments make it out to be.

I have had zero software issues, and to this point at least, the statistics generated are reasonable. Fights are too low, but the scoring, assists, ice time, and other parameters seem to be good.

There is a slider adjustment for goals and assists..I will compare this first (fictional) years' scoring with a normal NHL season, and adjust from there.

Are the fictional players actual NHL players, with the names over-written, or are these players generated from an AI routine? It would make sense to have a robust player creation algorithym, as how else could you create new players down the road!

Thanks Sebastian, for a terrific game. I LOVE sports management sims, and this one looks, and plays, just awesome!

Once the patch comes out, you'll like it even more! Good Buy!

dsvitak · 08-03-2014, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bugsquasher

Once the patch comes out, you'll like it even more! Good Buy!

So far, so good.

I received a PM from one of our forum posters, doesn't matter who, who stated that I will have "issues" with signing my players.

Is this true, and if so, what is the fix for it?

Bugsquasher · 08-03-2014, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsvitak

So far, so good.

I received a PM from one of our forum posters, doesn't matter who, who stated that I will have "issues" with signing my players.

Is this true, and if so, what is the fix for it?

I think the latest patch had fixed the problem. Version 1.6.19 is quite solid with the exception of some crashes. If you happen to have problems let the devs know so they can fix it in time.

dave1927p · 08-03-2014, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsvitak

So far, so good.

I received a PM from one of our forum posters, doesn't matter who, who stated that I will have "issues" with signing my players.

Is this true, and if so, what is the fix for it?

currently alot of times you cannot resign a player who's contract is expiring from your roster screen but it's not an issue if you go to the expiring contracts for your team view (not by my home pc now so can't remember the specific name for it). So it's not so much of an issue as it is a minor inconvenience at times.

rj58 · 08-08-2014, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by progen

I purchased this game pre-release, and have tried to play it off and on, because I will always support OOTP. But for me, while the game has given me "some" hours of fun and entertainment. in it's current condition, the fun and game challenge is not sustainable over week(s) of playing time.

If I were you, I would wait for the next version in the fall. Even then, I will wait for a patch or two, or three, before I buy it.

So.. just a thought here.. I know we all aren't made out of money.. but there is an important detail to consider with any game company..

Remember that game companies, unlike business to business type companies.. live on the sales revenue only. There are no ongoing licenses to be paid year over year for support.. so every sale they make is highly important to overall survival.

My take on OOTPDevelopments is that they stand completely behind their products and want to make them the best they can be.. but software takes time to build up all those features.. its a slow process for sure. And my opinion is based on being a repeat customer for OOTP Baseball. FHM has the groundwork down for a super game.. and the next releases will just improve things considerably. If you think you'll buy the game.. consider supporting the company with a purchase.. think of it as investing in the future.. its how I view every single purchase from this excellent company (and from other companies I trust).

I try to keep this in mind from any company that produces products I like and want. I'd actually happily pay a license amount per year for updates for some of the products I use (even though the companies don't offer them), because I want that company, and its bright creative folks, to survive.

Teloch · 08-08-2014, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rj58

If you think you'll buy the game.. consider supporting the company with a purchase.. think of it as investing in the future.. its how I view every single purchase from this excellent company (and from other companies I trust).

While this is all fine and dandy, and I do agree on the principal, you have to remember that FHM is probably the first game from OOTP that many people bought. It isn't exactly easy to bring yourself to supporting the future of someone who, in your personal catalogue of games, has brought out one awful title and nothing else.

rj58 · 08-08-2014, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teloch

While this is all fine and dandy, and I do agree on the principal, you have to remember that FHM is probably the first game from OOTP that many people bought. It isn't exactly easy to bring yourself to supporting the future of someone who, in your personal catalogue of games, has brought out one awful title and nothing else.

There are points in time, and there is a flow of time. You are looking at a point in time.. and there have been troubles release wise for FHM.. so in that I agree with you.

There is a reason kickstarter and steam early access are popular.. because many folks believe in investing when a game is young. And FHM certainly fits into that category. This is really all I'm saying.. this game has great potential.. and if supported, given OOTP Baseball's track record, its stands to reach that great potential.

Folks are free to make their own opinions on how/when to spend their money. I'm just making the point that I think OOTP Developments is deserving. For those that disagree with me... that is fine. I respectfully disagree.. but we are all entitled to our opinions.

geckon · 08-08-2014, 08:51 PM

I'm just wondering how many of you people ever thought something like... "God! It's a pity that SI won't issue another version of EHM with new features and bugs fixed. I'd happily pay for it!"

Well... now you have the opportunity. Don't let this project die, there might not be another one.

PS: In no way I'm saying that this project is dying or something like that. Just think about it in a way that... more money = more promising future for the game.

dave1927p · 08-09-2014, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geckon

I'm just wondering how many of you people ever thought something like... "God! It's a pity that SI won't issue another version of EHM with new features and bugs fixed. I'd happily pay for it!"

Well... now you have the opportunity. Don't let this project die, there might not be another one.

PS: In no way I'm saying that this project is dying or something like that. Just think about it in a way that... more money = more promising future for the game.

in the end there are two major groups, one that you define which is those of us dieing for a game to replace EHM and the others. The others are fixed of hockey fans and non hockey fans who enjoy stat based games. It is not fair to ask those to have that mentality. It will never happen and it shouldn't happen. The game needs to be appealing to them to gain their purchase and that is quite fair.

itsmedave · 08-09-2014, 08:40 AM

I think I'll purchase it once the patch is out. For now, sticking to EHM on a Mac using Crossover.

geckon · 08-09-2014, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave1927p

in the end there are two major groups, one that you define which is those of us dieing for a game to replace EHM and the others. The others are fixed of hockey fans and non hockey fans who enjoy stat based games. It is not fair to ask those to have that mentality. It will never happen and it shouldn't happen. The game needs to be appealing to them to gain their purchase and that is quite fair.

Of course. I don't expect that from everyone. But I think that there are some people of the first kind in the complaining group.

However, everyone has his/her right to react to the game however they wish. In the end it's a wallet-vote. Do you like it or believe in its potential? Purchase. Do you want a perfect game even if it might mean that you won't play a hockey game (because it's not perfect for your needs)? Don't buy it.
Either way you decide you have your right to propose new features so the game is more like how you'd like it.

Zyllyx · 08-11-2014, 03:30 PM

I purchased FHM when it was first released because I used to live and die by EHM, flaws and all, because it was so immersive. More so than OOTP, in my opinion at the time (2005).

I finally deleted EHM when FHM came out - which was an evidence of my faith in the OOTP team for the new game. Unfortunately, FHM on release was barely Alpha status, no matter what the official designator was. They've since gotten up to strong Beta but in my mind, FHM 14 is still not worth the full price I paid for it.

Having said that (and to head off any complaints), I will be buying FHM 15 because I remember what OOTP Baseball was like when I first bought it, and I see (and absolutely love) what OOTPB 15 is now. The thing about OOTP Developments is that they never stop improving their games, unlike, say, EA who issues new versions almost solely to generate sales.

It will probably be years before FHM reaches the level of OOTPB but, considering how I spend hours playing OOTPB at full enjoyment, there is enough promise that I'll keep investing in FHM.

08-02-2014, 11:38 AM	#1
dsvitak Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 5,292	Is this the time? As you can see, my association with OOTP goes back for many years. I have purchased many titles, and have generally been very pleased with all of my purchases. Is it time for me to purchase this game? Are the bugs generally limited to non-game stopping types? As a casual fan, decidedly NOT hard-core, do you believe that the technical issues of slightly incorrect free agency, signings, etc., are livable? Gaming dollars are reasonably easy to come by, money really isn't an issue, and the missus just dumped a pretty sweet chunk into my steam wallet. Thanks sweetie!!! ... but there are no shortages of games on steam. Good games. Thanks in advance for your opinion. I appreciate that the "15" version will be out in a couple of months, but it will take a cycle or two of patches to make it reasonably playable.

08-02-2014, 02:40 PM	#4
Sebastian Palkowski Developer Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Hamburg, Germany Posts: 5,339	To be honest, it greatly depends on your style of play. If you want to play mainly GM modern career game, then I think it is enjoyable, if fictional play is your priority or you want to coach your games, then you might not be happy. One option might be to buy it from our site (same price as Steam) and if you really don't like it, just ask for a refund. __________________ Buy Franchise Hockey Manager 11

08-08-2014, 08:51 PM	#14
geckon Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 2,077	I'm just wondering how many of you people ever thought something like... "God! It's a pity that SI won't issue another version of EHM with new features and bugs fixed. I'd happily pay for it!" Well... now you have the opportunity. Don't let this project die, there might not be another one. PS: In no way I'm saying that this project is dying or something like that. Just think about it in a way that... more money = more promising future for the game. __________________ FHM tester, fan and former researcher (Czech Republic and KHL) since FHM 1.

08-02-2014, 01:47 PM	#2
Bugsquasher Minors (Single A) Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 57	Big game changing patch on the way. I suggest you wait just a little longer until that patch comes out. It should improve the game significantly, especially the match engine.

08-02-2014, 01:51 PM	#3
progen All Star Starter Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 1,530 Infractions: 0/1 (1)	I purchased this game pre-release, and have tried to play it off and on, because I will always support OOTP. But for me, while the game has given me "some" hours of fun and entertainment. in it's current condition, the fun and game challenge is not sustainable over week(s) of playing time. If I were you, I would wait for the next version in the fall. Even then, I will wait for a patch or two, or three, before I buy it.

08-03-2014, 12:26 AM	#6
dsvitak Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 5,292	Well, I did watch some additional youtube videos, and I took the plunge and purchased this game. For all the screaming and histrionics (look it up!!), this game appears to be significantly better than many of the exceptionally critical comments make it out to be. I have had zero software issues, and to this point at least, the statistics generated are reasonable. Fights are too low, but the scoring, assists, ice time, and other parameters seem to be good. There is a slider adjustment for goals and assists..I will compare this first (fictional) years' scoring with a normal NHL season, and adjust from there. Are the fictional players actual NHL players, with the names over-written, or are these players generated from an AI routine? It would make sense to have a robust player creation algorithym, as how else could you create new players down the road! Thanks Sebastian, for a terrific game. I LOVE sports management sims, and this one looks, and plays, just awesome!

08-09-2014, 08:40 AM	#16
itsmedave Bat Boy Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 10	I think I'll purchase it once the patch is out. For now, sticking to EHM on a Mac using Crossover.

08-11-2014, 03:30 PM	#18
Zyllyx Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 48	I purchased FHM when it was first released because I used to live and die by EHM, flaws and all, because it was so immersive. More so than OOTP, in my opinion at the time (2005). I finally deleted EHM when FHM came out - which was an evidence of my faith in the OOTP team for the new game. Unfortunately, FHM on release was barely Alpha status, no matter what the official designator was. They've since gotten up to strong Beta but in my mind, FHM 14 is still not worth the full price I paid for it. Having said that (and to head off any complaints), I will be buying FHM 15 because I remember what OOTP Baseball was like when I first bought it, and I see (and absolutely love) what OOTPB 15 is now. The thing about OOTP Developments is that they never stop improving their games, unlike, say, EA who issues new versions almost solely to generate sales. It will probably be years before FHM reaches the level of OOTPB but, considering how I spend hours playing OOTPB at full enjoyment, there is enough promise that I'll keep investing in FHM.