OOTP Developments have released their Hockey Manager...... tempting even though I do not follow hockey, however Out of the Park series are the best sports management available (and yes also FM).
http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/franchise-hockey-manager/index.php
PE
Just be cautious...not sure they corrected all the outstanding bugs from the beta.
Looks like there are still many bugs.....
PE
Quote from: PanzersEast on September 03, 2013, 01:34:39 PM
Looks like there are still many bugs.....
PE
Seems like an understatement.....really disappointed that developers continue to release products even knowing in a public beta that a lot of issues still existed.
I thought they had it slated for official release in October?! WTH?
Last I checked, a couple days ago, it was as unfinished as it was a month ago. I hope they aren't calling it quits anytime soon.
Quote from: Nefaro on September 03, 2013, 06:21:58 PM
I thought they had it slated for official release in October?! WTH?
Last I checked, a couple days ago, it was as unfinished as it was a month ago. I hope they aren't calling it quits anytime soon.
Nope, the revised date since earlier this year has always been September 3rd. Way too unfinished for me to even try and spend time with it. Can't stand spending my time getting things setup to only crash when you are in the middle of the game. To me, this will continue to be a paid beta through the entire first release. I am sure they will continue to create patches, but that will mean it likely won't be truly playable for anytime soon.
Supposed to be a big update coming out in the next few days for Franchise Hockey Manager.
While the underlying match sim outcomes haven't been touched for the most part, there looks to be quite a few bug fixes and adjustments to many other things. The sim'd stats are supposed to get an update next, but hopefully this update gets rid of many issues.
I have no faith in this version, but hopefully next year they will figure it out. Their forums are dead and the promised communication with the developers never happened. They have to earn me back:)
Well big patch released now, let's see what people find out, can ootp salvage this years version?
http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/board/fhm-general-discussions/241376-version-1-6-2-game-update-now-available.html
Hard to get a read so far on whether the patch is a success so far....still some issues posted, but not a ton. But it also seems like there are very limited number of people left at those forums so not sure if enough people are even playing anymore. I am still skeptical if it is playable yet, but if it turns out to get very good responses, maybe during a sale when they reduce the price, I'll repurchase it again.
I just love hockey and this would have been my dream game....
I think some of them are waiting for the next patch that is supposed to redo the match engine side of things.
Quote from: Nefaro on March 15, 2014, 11:17:09 AM
I think some of them are waiting for the next patch that is supposed to redo the match engine side of things.
I don't know....I really think they have lost their fanbase with this version. I am sure some will be back later, but very quiet. It does seem like there still are a number of issues outstanding and people describing it as dull...might take more than a couple of patches to rescue this one.
For those interested....they just released on steam and running a special for $19....sadly I am not sure if even worth that at this point...I know they have released a couple patches, just not sure if yet good enough to have a realistic simulation of hockey......which is sad since I really love hockey and want this to work:(
http://store.steampowered.com/app/299890/
* You can also still buy from OOTP store for $19 (not sure if you actually get a steam key too)
They release some very minor details about FHM2015 plans...nothing really detailed, but confirms it will be coming.....will be interesting to see how many customers stick with them this time around. I am starved for a good hockey game so I am sure they will get me to buy it, regardless of the past history:)
Interesting no beta or pre-ordering this time around....maybe that means there might be some kind of discount for the next version....if they attempt to release before season starts, they only have 3 months or so....
**Info**
So to be clear: the last patch is coming.
For FHM 2015, here are a few infos I can share so far:
1. The name will be FHM 2015.
2. I already saw release dates mentioned. We have an idea when we want to release it but it is in no way official at this point. I will never ever again rush something out, so only if I post a date here, it becomes official.
3. No open beta, no pre-orders.
For new features: again, only if I post something here, it will become official. We will not post an official feature list until much closer to release date to avoid bad surprises.
What I can say is, that we continue our way to make the core game better and more enjoyable. We monitor the forum very closely for feedback and are in a very detailed dialog with our beta/researcher team.
One first thing I can talk about is the changes to the GUI, which is one of our major priority:
The "Look" (Look = graphics) off FHM 2015 will be very close to OOTP 15 (flat design). The Interface itself (most notable the navigation) will move away from OOTP a bit and should reduce the needed clicks to reach certain screens noticeable. The Upper Area will be expanded and almost all navigation moved to it. Gone are the Menus on top (Team, League, ...) so changing teams/leagues becomes much easier. Once I finished my work on the Upper Area I will post a screenshot to show it (is better then trying to describe it).
Looks like they are targeting a May release for version 2......I am a sucker for hockey games, but with such a rough first version, very cautious about this one...with that said, I am sure I'll be on the band wagon:)
1. 2014/15 and 2015/16 season data: The game will feature over 23 playable leagues, as well as a great deal of non-playable leagues. The game will ship with 2014/15 data and then be updated before the 2015/16 season starts with a new roster set to help gamers get the most up-to-date experience.
2. Completely overhauled graphic user interface and navigation: FHM 2 will have a completely new interface, which suits the complex world of hockey much better. Our two goals for this year's game were to make the game look nicer and make navigating in the game as easy as possible. In our opinion, we have made big steps in both areas.
3. FaceGen: For the first time, FHM will ship with FaceGen support. This brings much more life to the game. We have models in place for skaters, goalies and staff, including changing colors of helmets based on the team the player is on.
4. Completely re-designed Game Engine: We ripped out the old engine and built this very important part of the game brand new, from the ground up. With the new engine, every second of a game is simulated and the engine keeps track of exactly which zones the puck and all players are, at all times. This allows us to simulate the flow of a hockey game much better than before, with each event playing out through the engine. From player passing or moving the puck up the ice, to faceoffs that matter in what zone they occur, dump-in's, clear attempts, puck battles on the board, breakaways, and many events - it will all be an intricate part of the new simulation engine.
Note: Big parts of the new match engine will be available for FHM 2014 before the FHM 2 release. FHM 2 will feature a tweaked and refined version of the initial release of the match engine.
5. Game Rating: FHM 2 features a new way for you to evaluate the performance of your players - the Game Rating (GR). During a game, each event (good or bad) will change the GR, so you always know how well a player performs on the ice. Since the calculation includes the role of the player and the situation on the ice, you can get a pretty good picture of the performance. Not all players are goal scorers and will have their names show in the score sheet - now you can accurately track how everyone is contributing to your team's success or failure - from your stay-at-home defensemen to your grinding 4th line forwards.
6. Redesigned Fictional Mode: We have removed the fictional mode from FHM 2014 and replaced it with a new version that is much more streamlined and stable. Now you can play with just one league (or add major junior and/or a farm team level if you like) and form it to your likings by changing selected rules and options (which stay in a sensible range - so no Hobbit league on Mars).
7. League Expansion: Before a season you are now able to expand any league you want by two teams. Want to bring the NHL to Las Vegas? Or bring a team back to Quebec? Go for it!
8. Basic Online League Support: Use FHM 2 to play an online league with your friends. GM's can upload team files (or draft lists, for example) to the commissioner, who then simulates the game forward, before uploading a new league file. In addition the game produces CSV outputs you can use to generate a web page for your league if you wish. Prove your mettle as a GM against some of the other sharp minds who are fans of FHM!
9. Pre-season games: Need to make some tough roster decisions to get your team ready for the start of the season? Before the regular season starts, use these games to prepare your team for the regular season and find out who will make the squad.
10. Head coaches: It is now possible to hire a head coach for your team and play as GM only.
11. Historical changes: We've added new historical seasons to the game, so you can start even further in the past. In addition, you can now continue your game when reaching the last historical year and turn your game into a fictional league. We've added historical dollar values and a season preview, so you always know the situation for every season you are just about to start.
12. Greatly expanded news section: We added many additional news types and expanded the text of all news to give you more immersion and help bring your league to life.
13. There are many more changes and additions to the game (listed are just a small number):
- New tactics system
- New player development system
- New training system
- New player roles
- New job safety system
- New player happiness system
- Retiring players can now become staff - is your former star forward your next head coach?
- Revised staff contracts
- New player fatigue system
- New player consistency system
- Line chemistry
- GM and Coach scores
- All-Star game added
- Completely revised league/team/player history
- Redesigned screens (such as lines, tactics, manager-home and playoff screens)
- Extended draft logs
- New logo templates
11. Historical changes: We've added new historical seasons to the game, so you can start even further in the past. In addition, you can now continue your game when reaching the last historical year and turn your game into a fictional league. We've added historical dollar values and a season preview, so you always know the situation for every season you are just about to start.
I'm tempted to pick it up for that reason alone. I was the biggest hockey fan through the 80's and 90's. It would be sweet to play during that era.
Let us know how it's turned out.
Looks like some teasers for the next version...seems like still on target for release by end of May....
http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/board/fhm-2-general-discussions/254449-fhm-2-teaser-thread.html
So is FHM "complete"? Bug free?
I was thinking about Eastside Hockey Manager - but I might wait and see how this turns out.
Does anyone have both? Any preferences and why? I do have a soft spot for OOTP so my heart leans there - but FHM wasn't very well received on release and I've heard little about it round here since release.
Quote from: JudgeDredd on April 27, 2015, 12:42:04 AM
So is FHM "complete"? Bug free?
I was thinking about Eastside Hockey Manager - but I might wait and see how this turns out.
Does anyone have both? Any preferences and why? I do have a soft spot for OOTP so my heart leans there - but FHM wasn't very well received on release and I've heard little about it round here since release.
I don't expect FHM to be terribly good for a few years yet, if the rate of improvement with the first one is any indication. It has potential but I don't have any expectations that it will be achieved this year.
The new EHM is in Early Access, and I'm guessing it will be that way for awhile. They're releasing new updates regularly, and it seems quite playable right now even though it still needs some more work. The UI is a bit of a mess in places where you have to dig around to find what you're looking for, or regarding filling out your lines (click instead of drag can cause you to accidentally remove someone you placed for example). But hopefully the UI will eventually receive much more attention.
I'm also unsure as to whether the old EHM engine has been updated to fit higher screen resolutions. IIRC, it was still using the 1024x768 max 4:3 ratio res last time I looked.
Thanks Nef
Hold on is what I get from your post. O0
Quote from: JudgeDredd on April 27, 2015, 12:42:04 AM
So is FHM "complete"? Bug free?
I was thinking about Eastside Hockey Manager - but I might wait and see how this turns out.
Does anyone have both? Any preferences and why? I do have a soft spot for OOTP so my heart leans there - but FHM wasn't very well received on release and I've heard little about it round here since release.
The current version of fhm has been disappointing, but they do still plan to release one last patch, which I doubt will curb all the complaints. As for the new version coming out, nobody knows how much has really improved although on paper looking like headed into the right direction, just a matter of time before hopefully it lives up to most expectations.
Ehm is the better game at the moment but has many years head start on fhm. Although the developers have been making updates, there has been no long term commitment in whether the game will continue to receive new versions, right now it is more of a trial based on sales. If your not a huge hockey fan you may want to start with ehm, it is by far the cheaper and more complete product at the moment and then you can wait to see how the new fhm version turns out and invest later if you desire.
Yeah, if you want to do some Hockey management right now then the latest EHM early access on Steam is your best bet. It's quite cheap, so not a big deal for the wallet, and playable.
I wouldn't expect the next version of FHM to be done for awhile, and it really needs much more done since last years' version so I'd wait and see on that one.