GrogHeads Forum

Anyone getting this? I see it's running up to release with the highlight emails I've been getting.

I see they've offered 3D now...thing is, I moved away from playing every play for OOTP 13 - when they offered the real time simulation mode with the option to jump in. But I've never wanted to go into the game when they offered real time simulation.

I think as usual I'll either skip this iteration entirely or (like for OOTP14) I'll wait until it's on offer.

Yes, I will. 3D in the game is said to be very basic. It really just replaces the old 2D ballpark image, no player animations or anything like that - yet. I think it's a great direction for OOTP to take!

I've pre-purchased and waiting for release..... 3D will be added later as they felt it is not ready for launch but will release in a later update. 

I jumped in mainly because I have uncontrollable game purchases syndrome.


PE

Quote from: PanzersEast on April 17, 2014, 03:33:21 PM
..... 3D will be added later as they felt it is not ready for launch but will release in a later update. 
PE

Wait, what? Where did you see that?!

Quote from: bbmike on April 17, 2014, 03:40:17 PM

Quote from: PanzersEast on April 17, 2014, 03:33:21 PM
..... 3D will be added later as they felt it is not ready for launch but will release in a later update. 
PE

Wait, what? Where did you see that?!

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/board/ootp-15-general-discussions/242442-update-ootp-15-s-current-state.html

QuoteHowever, there's one area of the game that we're still working on, and we've thought long and hard about it only to come to one conclusion: 3D mode won't be quite ready for prime time on OOTP's Opening Day. We've been feverishly working on it, and it's in really good shape in a lot of ways: You can import 3D models in various formats in the ballpark editor, activate 3D mode when playing out a game and view a 3D stadium that you can view through the defined cameras, and you can see the 3D ball flight and the player names and ratings on the field. The game ships with a generic fictional major league stadium and a generic fictional minor league park; those are ready to be used right away.

3D mode isn't perfect, though: The ball flight isn't always as realistic as it should be, and there are some other issues, including little things missing that we expected to be done for release initially (3D replay, special situations like ground rule doubles, weather effects etc.).

We never want any area of the game to be less than perfect, but unfortunately 3D will still be a work in progress upon release. We're trying to resolve the issues and improve the feature as fast as we can, but we won't be able to deal with everything by the 18th (or the 21st). We'd rather take this route than delay the release, especially since everything else in the game is ready.

However, as everyone around here knows, we always commit ourselves to improving our games through free updates after release, and OOTP 15 won't be an exception to that. We will continue to work hard on 3D mode after OOTP 15 ships and will put out updates as quickly as we can. We are dedicated to getting 3D mode into much better shape with every patch we release.

PE

Oh, you had me worried for a second. I thought you meant there would be NO 3D at release. It will be there, just not entirely complete quite yet. I'll be okay now.  ;D

I pre-ordered as normal.....sadly I expect that I will play it only a little like every year for some reason...especially after they parade patch after patch.....some day I will learn just to wait until the final patch is released each season.

To be fair I don't recall they're patches ever needing you to abandon a season...not like some games out there where you are mid way through a game and you're saves are useless.

Or....maybe I just haven't patched the game ever

Quote from: JudgeDredd on April 17, 2014, 05:34:05 PM
To be fair I don't recall they're patches ever needing you to abandon a season...not like some games out there where you are mid way through a game and you're saves are useless.

Or....maybe I just haven't patched the game ever

Exactly, you are correct. That's what I love about OOTP. No patch has EVER broken any game I've had in progress.

Quote from: bbmike on April 17, 2014, 05:38:24 PM

Quote from: JudgeDredd on April 17, 2014, 05:34:05 PM
To be fair I don't recall they're patches ever needing you to abandon a season...not like some games out there where you are mid way through a game and you're saves are useless.

Or....maybe I just haven't patched the game ever

Exactly, you are correct. That's what I love about OOTP. No patch has EVER broken any game I've had in progress.

I didn't say it would break the game, but depending on the changes made, I always feel they could impact the career I have started....I would have wanted the change/tweak to be in effect from the start of my career versus being changed midway.....if they changed the way a stat was tracked or the impact of a rating, always leaves me wondering on how things would have been if they were there from the start.

I am sure it is just me, but when I dedicate my time to a long career play sim, I like to play it under the same conditions for the most part....likely does not concern everyone.

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on April 17, 2014, 05:47:44 PM

Quote from: bbmike on April 17, 2014, 05:38:24 PM

Quote from: JudgeDredd on April 17, 2014, 05:34:05 PM
To be fair I don't recall they're patches ever needing you to abandon a season...not like some games out there where you are mid way through a game and you're saves are useless.

Or....maybe I just haven't patched the game ever

Exactly, you are correct. That's what I love about OOTP. No patch has EVER broken any game I've had in progress.

I didn't say it would break the game, but depending on the changes made, I always feel they could impact the career I have started....I would have wanted the change/tweak to be in effect from the start of my career versus being changed midway.....if they changed the way a stat was tracked or the impact of a rating, always leaves me wondering on how things would have been if they were there from the start.

I am sure it is just me, but when I dedicate my time to a long career play sim, I like to play it under the same conditions for the most part....likely does not concern everyone.

True. Can't dispute that.

Quote from: bbmike on April 17, 2014, 03:27:40 PM
Yes, I will. 3D in the game is said to be very basic. It really just replaces the old 2D ballpark image, no player animations or anything like that - yet. I think it's a great direction for OOTP to take!

On board for the pre-release tomorrow as well.  Agree that it's exciting OOTP is moving in the direction of 3D, although there will certainly be kinks in the road. 

Just an amazing simulation, all around.

Reviews starting to come in....

http://gmgames.org/2014/04/17/ootp-15-review-improvement-near-perfection-pc-mac-linux/


PE

Quote from: PanzersEast on April 17, 2014, 08:05:56 PM
Reviews starting to come in....

http://gmgames.org/2014/04/17/ootp-15-review-improvement-near-perfection-pc-mac-linux/


PE

Although nice to see some of the screenshots, seems like that was more of a walk through of features, mostly talking about what already existed in previous versions versus focusing on what was new.

98% seems a tad high for any game and not sure whether that represents a score based on the new features or just the game in general...seems more like the later.....but regardless, there is no denying it is the king of career sims baseball so scores don't really matter anyway:)

I have been playing this game since 2002. It just keeps getting better.

If you are a baseball fan, and into sports management type sims, this really is the only option out there.

Sports Mogul is taking a run at this franchise, but to this point, the results generated by the Baseball Mogul games are just ... odd.

Quote from: DennisS on April 17, 2014, 09:02:35 PM

Sports Mogul is taking a run at this franchise, but to this point, the results generated by the Baseball Mogul games are just ... odd.

The only advantage Baseball Mogul has is it's interface, which is easier to use. 

I'm in, preordered a couple of days ago.

I have been playing ootp 13 the last couple of weeks and some how it just seem to click for me. I'm starting to understand the different player stats.

Now I just have to learn how to use them and make my team win  :P

Looking forward to the new and better UI.

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on April 17, 2014, 05:47:44 PM

Quote from: bbmike on April 17, 2014, 05:38:24 PM

Quote from: JudgeDredd on April 17, 2014, 05:34:05 PM
To be fair I don't recall they're patches ever needing you to abandon a season...not like some games out there where you are mid way through a game and you're saves are useless.

Or....maybe I just haven't patched the game ever

Exactly, you are correct. That's what I love about OOTP. No patch has EVER broken any game I've had in progress.

I didn't say it would break the game, but depending on the changes made, I always feel they could impact the career I have started....I would have wanted the change/tweak to be in effect from the start of my career versus being changed midway.....if they changed the way a stat was tracked or the impact of a rating, always leaves me wondering on how things would have been if they were there from the start.

I am sure it is just me, but when I dedicate my time to a long career play sim, I like to play it under the same conditions for the most part....likely does not concern everyone.

My apologies. I didn't mean to suggest that's what you implied.

I was just pointing out, for the uninitiated, that it's one of the few games that don't break anything and make you start again. ARMA III has this problem, albeit only forcing you to restart a mission - not your entire campaign and there's been plenty of others in the past.

Quote from: JudgeDredd on April 18, 2014, 01:34:30 AM

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on April 17, 2014, 05:47:44 PM

Quote from: bbmike on April 17, 2014, 05:38:24 PM

Quote from: JudgeDredd on April 17, 2014, 05:34:05 PM
To be fair I don't recall they're patches ever needing you to abandon a season...not like some games out there where you are mid way through a game and you're saves are useless.

Or....maybe I just haven't patched the game ever

Exactly, you are correct. That's what I love about OOTP. No patch has EVER broken any game I've had in progress.

I didn't say it would break the game, but depending on the changes made, I always feel they could impact the career I have started....I would have wanted the change/tweak to be in effect from the start of my career versus being changed midway.....if they changed the way a stat was tracked or the impact of a rating, always leaves me wondering on how things would have been if they were there from the start.

I am sure it is just me, but when I dedicate my time to a long career play sim, I like to play it under the same conditions for the most part....likely does not concern everyone.

My apologies. I didn't mean to suggest that's what you implied.

I was just pointing out, for the uninitiated, that it's one of the few games that don't break anything and make you start again. ARMA III has this problem, albeit only forcing you to restart a mission - not your entire campaign and there's been plenty of others in the past.

No worries at all....I am still eager to play it today to see what improvements were made, don't really care about the 3d stuff since I never play an actual game, just sim.

Received my pre order email with links to download....too bad stuck at work:(

Just installed and fired it up....


Nothing like starting the season 2 - 7.


PE

? - is that 2 wins 7 losses? (I can never remember)

Quote from: JudgeDredd on April 18, 2014, 01:35:31 PM
? - is that 2 wins 7 losses? (I can never remember)

Yes and getting worse.....  :(


PE

What team? For some reason I always select Anaheim Angels

Quote from: JudgeDredd on April 18, 2014, 01:50:20 PM
What team? For some reason I always select Anaheim Angels

Atlanta Braves, have already had a couple of injuries, but have managed to pull out a couple games.  So far, my pitching staff has done well, however our bats are slow to come around.  Uggla is for sure on the trading block, but given his age and contract... I am stuck.  Jason Heyward has struggled as well.  If our hitting can warm up, we should be ok.


PE

Injuries are always my Achilles Heel. 

I swear once one of my best players gets on a hot streak, he ends up with a serious injury and sits out the rest of the season.  >:(

Since I have OOTP14, I'll just play that one for awhile longer.  When 15 goes on sale, I may bite.  I don't expect there to be a big difference between the two versions this year since I nearly always sim the games.  If they ever get it fancied up enough, I'd play them out more often.

Quote from: JudgeDredd on April 18, 2014, 01:50:20 PM
For some reason I always select Anaheim Angels

Might that reason have something to do with the fact that the Angels have the best player in baseball?    ;D

I really would not have a scoobie (scoobie doo....clue)

I know very little about baseball and nothing about players. I don't know why I choose them - but I always do.

Well, you have very good instincts, then!  The Angels have both the former greatest player on the planet (Albert Pujols) and the current one (Mike Trout).

^^Of course, they also have virtually no pitching, the former greatest player is attached to the team with a bloated contract, and so are several others.

Of course, you won't have to deal with a meddling owner, so there's that!  ;D

Please don't make me buy this....it'll be on sale in 6 months and I've got 2014!

With my Anaheim Angels in OOTP 14 I am 29-28

My best pitchers are Haren, Weaver and Wilson.
My best batters are Pujols, Kendrick and Izturis (I think!) going on AVG

I remember why I stopped where I stopped on OOTP 14....it's the draft and I do not have a clue what to do.

Same reason I haven't gone back to FM 2014...I just really am overwhelmed with the process and all the stats and rules you have to take into account.

I can tell with all this activity JD, this new version will be in your possession by end of the weekend:)

Quote from: JudgeDredd on April 18, 2014, 06:22:11 PM
I remember why I stopped where I stopped on OOTP 14....it's the draft and I do not have a clue what to do.

Same reason I haven't gone back to FM 2014...I just really am overwhelmed with the process and all the stats and rules you have to take into account.

JD, don't get bogged down.  You can ask your scout for advice or pick the one with the highest potential then let the auto draft do the rest.  Just so you know, not all players pan out in the game and there are some surprises so even if you think you picked well in the end you may not..... just like in real life, it is a gamble no matter who you pick in the end.

PE

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on April 18, 2014, 06:25:38 PM
I can tell with all this activity JD, this new version will be in your possession by end of the weekend:)

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Quote from: JudgeDredd on April 18, 2014, 06:33:27 PM

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on April 18, 2014, 06:25:38 PM
I can tell with all this activity JD, this new version will be in your possession by end of the weekend:)

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Doesn't "No" mean "Yes"  :)

Quote from: PanzersEast on April 18, 2014, 06:28:28 PM

Quote from: JudgeDredd on April 18, 2014, 06:22:11 PM
I remember why I stopped where I stopped on OOTP 14....it's the draft and I do not have a clue what to do.

Same reason I haven't gone back to FM 2014...I just really am overwhelmed with the process and all the stats and rules you have to take into account.

JD, don't get bogged down.  You can ask your scout for advice or pick the one with the highest potential then let the auto draft do the rest.  Just so you know, not all players pan out in the game and there are some surprises so even if you think you picked well in the end you may not..... just like in real life, it is a gamble no matter who you pick in the end.

PE

I suppose I could leave it to my lads...I'll try that. I know that's why I walked away for a while. Thx for the advice.

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on April 18, 2014, 06:34:12 PM

Quote from: JudgeDredd on April 18, 2014, 06:33:27 PM

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on April 18, 2014, 06:25:38 PM
I can tell with all this activity JD, this new version will be in your possession by end of the weekend:)

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Doesn't "No" mean "Yes"  :)

Erm......yes?.....

lol

Quote from: Arctic Blast on April 18, 2014, 04:51:04 PM
^^Of course, they also have virtually no pitching, the former greatest player is attached to the team with a bloated contract, and so are several others.

No argument from me on that.  Pujols is very much the former greatest player.  Last season was a debacle, abetted by that other former great (with bloated contract), Josh Hamilton. 

Still, Trout's as exciting a player to come along in a generation.  And some interesting, potentially promising young arms in Tyler Skaggs and Garret Richards. 


Anyway, there's no question Dredd should buy 15 right now and continue building his Angles empire.   :)

You *%$TAR*D  :D

You guys are killing me.  I told my wife I was buying this and she pointed out that I recently bought FM14, Draft Day Sports: College Basketball 3, and Banished.  I tried to explain that this is a Baseball game and is totally different from the above mentioned games AND I hadn't bought a new OOTP since 12.  Sadly it looks like I'll be playing 12 for a while longer.  :'(

Quote from: KyzBP on April 18, 2014, 07:30:05 PM
You guys are killing me.  I told my wife I was buying this and she pointed out that I recently bought FM14, Draft Day Sports: College Basketball 3, and Banished.  I tried to explain that this is a Baseball game and is totally different from the above mentioned games AND I hadn't bought a new OOTP since 12.  Sadly it looks like I'll be playing 12 for a while longer.  :'(

Have you tried the "I'm ill" reasoning? I've heard that works occasionally!

Quote from: KyzBP on April 18, 2014, 07:30:05 PM
You guys are killing me.  I told my wife I was buying this and she pointed out that I recently bought FM14, Draft Day Sports: College Basketball 3, and Banished.  I tried to explain that this is a Baseball game and is totally different from the above mentioned games AND I hadn't bought a new OOTP since 12.  Sadly it looks like I'll be playing 12 for a while longer.  :'(

First mistake, telling the wife....just do:)

Quote from: JudgeDredd on April 18, 2014, 06:22:11 PM
I remember why I stopped where I stopped on OOTP 14....it's the draft and I do not have a clue what to do.

Same reason I haven't gone back to FM 2014...I just really am overwhelmed with the process and all the stats and rules you have to take into account.

The draft is one of the funnest parts. 

You just take turns picking a rookie player to draft.  You still have to negotiate a contract afterward, but if you do then you get sole rights to use that player for years.  So if you pick players with a lot of potential (or some surprise achievers) who develop quickly, you'll get a great bargain on them for awhile. 

If your scouting is decent, you can usually do well to draft people with very high potential ratings.  I also tend to check their personality ratings to see if they're smart and hard-working, which can help indicate how quickly and well they will improve in the minors.  Some people tend to also try and pick good rookies who will hopefully fill a starting position which you expect to be vacated by the current starter in a few years due to retirement or salary issues.  You usually can't go wrong getting a decent mix of positions and grabbing the best potentials because the player trading system in OOTP actually works fairly well (unlike some other sports management sims) so even if you don't end up needing them after they've improved, you can trade for someone else.

If nothing else, you have a couple different options to have your staff do the draft for you.  One is just having them automatically do the whole draft, but I suggest doing it round-by-round and selecting the option to have your staff choose one each round.  They will pick one and it will display on the lower left but you still have the final say in which to pick that round if  you want to change it.  At least this way you can see which rookies the AI is picking every round.  I tend to choose my own for the first 6-9 rounds and then when the potential talent ratings drop off to equally low levels, I let the AI finish the rest of the rounds in the draft with the filler.   It's the early picks for the big prospects you wanna eventually get good at evaluating.  When they turn into a super player, especially when the official league scouts didn't rate them too high but yours did, it's rewarding both for gloating purposes and having them exclusively locked into your club for awhile.  Since we got ratings change logs last  year, you can regularly check on your hot prospects and see how quickly they're improving.  :)

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on April 18, 2014, 07:38:46 PM

Quote from: KyzBP on April 18, 2014, 07:30:05 PM
You guys are killing me.  I told my wife I was buying this and she pointed out that I recently bought FM14, Draft Day Sports: College Basketball 3, and Banished.  I tried to explain that this is a Baseball game and is totally different from the above mentioned games AND I hadn't bought a new OOTP since 12.  Sadly it looks like I'll be playing 12 for a while longer.  :'(

First mistake, telling the wife....just do:)

That's how I got the first three games.   ;D

I'm saving the "I'm ill" for something really special.

Quote from: Nefaro on April 18, 2014, 03:10:56 PM
Injuries are always my Achilles Heel. 

I swear once one of my best players gets on a hot streak, he ends up with a serious injury and sits out the rest of the season.  >:(

Since I have OOTP14, I'll just play that one for awhile longer.  When 15 goes on sale, I may bite.  I don't expect there to be a big difference between the two versions this year since I nearly always sim the games.  If they ever get it fancied up enough, I'd play them out more often.

You have control over the level of injuries. Personally, I buy games to have fun, and having Adam Wainwright get a CEI (career ending injury) is not fun. I normally dial the injuries waaaay down.

Quote from: DennisS on April 18, 2014, 08:19:54 PM

Quote from: Nefaro on April 18, 2014, 03:10:56 PM
Injuries are always my Achilles Heel. 

I swear once one of my best players gets on a hot streak, he ends up with a serious injury and sits out the rest of the season.  >:(

Since I have OOTP14, I'll just play that one for awhile longer.  When 15 goes on sale, I may bite.  I don't expect there to be a big difference between the two versions this year since I nearly always sim the games.  If they ever get it fancied up enough, I'd play them out more often.

You have control over the level of injuries. Personally, I buy games to have fun, and having Adam Wainwright get a CEI (career ending injury) is not fun. I normally dial the injuries waaaay down.

They do seem to happen rather frequently for baseball.  It's not an uncommon problem with some of these sports sims.  I've debated lowering the injury rates in OOTP but I think there are only three or four levels so it has to be lowered in large chunks. 

With FOF, I tend to lower it from 100 to 80 in order to reduce the frequency of the big unjuries, which gets out of hand.  Got sick of seeing someone breaking/hyperextending an arm or leg every game or two.  I know that some people really enjoy juggling injured players on & off the roster after every game but I try to keep them from getting out of hand.  OOTP may not be quite so out of whack (IMO) but it's still too much at default.  I'm just worried that lowering it a notch may overshoot my ideal spot.

Some day I will have to show more self control and not review bug threads for new games...just can't help myself:)  Looks like there are 7-pages of posts already listed in the bug thread for OOTP15...issues ranging from things that were already known issues from OOTP14, slowness/lags, incorrect data, scouting reports wrong, system crashes and a variety of other things.  Not sure if they are game stopping (likely not), but does look like some cleanup needed.

I'll probably just mess around for now and get use to the new version, but will wait to get serious until a few patches released....they are already talking about a patch for Monday.

Patch 1 details:

QuoteHey guys,

we have been very busy going through reported problems and have fixed most of them already. Here is the current changelist for patch #1, which we will release on Monday:

- Fixed missing OSA scouting reports when starting a Standard Game from the main screen (this resulted in messed up top prospects list as well)
- The minimum screen resolution before the game automatically switches to fullscreen mode was reduced to 680 (from 700). Please keep in mind that OOTP 15 was designed for a minimum vertical window reolution of 768 pixels, so for users with screen resolutions of 768 vertical pixels or less and a fixed taksbar (dock on a Mac) we suggest to set your taskbar to auto-hide or run the game in fullscreen mode, otherwise some game screens will have missing info.
- Fixed problems with low overall ratings (stars) when using the new relative rating system
- The game now attempts to automatically import ballpark export data files when creating a new game. These files have to be named properly, i.e. "Fenway Park.prk" and located in the "\ballparks" folder inside the OOTP 15 data folder (i.e. \My Documents\ Out of the Park Developments\OOTP Baseball 15\".
- Fixed visibility of some league setting options, i.e. the position player fatigue and the option to set a fee for players purchased (for independent leagues, league setup financial tab)
- Added the option to unretire uniform numbers
- You can now manually change facial hair for players/coaches/managers even if facial hair is disabled for team or saved game
- Added button to Add-Ons dialog to remove files from the Add-Ons downloads folder
- Fixed various other reported bugs & some rare crashes
- Fixed various issues with the default roster sets

If you are experiencing random crashes (which usually happens because of some sort of system conflict - make sure you update your graphics card driver), please file a support ticket here: OOTP Developments - Kayako eSupport Help Desk Software

Unfortunately, we made a mistake with the minimum system requirements of the Mac. If you run Mac OSX 10.5.8 or earlier, you will not get OOTP 15 to work. You need at least Mac OSX 10.6. Please file a support ticket and ask for a refund if this concerns you.

Alright, apart from these issues, this release was brilliant and people really love the game. We are very proud!

Cheers,
Markus

That's a decent list of updates for the first patch....so two ways people will look at that.

1)  Great Service!  - Unbelievable that they already have a patch ready to go on Monday!

OR

2)  How could those items be missed in all the testing and be noticed within the first day of playing the game?

There is quite a bit of reporting of other issues and roster items not specifically listed, but that is pretty typical every year.  I guess to be fair, Friday's release was only to the pre order customers and the official release is not until Monday anyway so the patched version is what most customers will see as a starting point.

Have to say I've gone back to OOTP14 for the time being.  I don't regret buying 15 at all, but it is definitely going to be some time before everything gets ironed out.  Plus, I prefer 14's overall aesthetic -- 15 is a little too "iOS" for my liking. 

Hate to miss out on the new features, but I'd rather play a great, polished game (ootp14) than one that's still kind of a work in progress.

Quote from: sandman2575 on April 20, 2014, 11:39:17 AM
Have to say I've gone back to OOTP14 for the time being.  I don't regret buying 15 at all, but it is definitely going to be some time before everything gets ironed out.  Plus, I prefer 14's overall aesthetic -- 15 is a little too "iOS" for my liking. 

Hate to miss out on the new features, but I'd rather play a great, polished game (ootp14) than one that's still kind of a work in progress.

This is why I kick myself each year for not waiting until the all-star break when it is usually half price and a bunch of patches have already been released....I always get sucked up into the pre order hype....I vow not to do that next year especially since the pre order discount seems smaller nowadays (just $5)  :)  Let's see if I hold to that promise next year.

The good money is on no.

You're worse than I am - and I've got a reputation!  ;D

I may actually pick up Baseball Mogul 2015 sometime in the next couple months.  Depending on whether all the issues from last years' edition has been addressed.  From reports I've read on the forum, some of the big ones were. 

My only reason to hold back is knowing that last year's was left needing those updates so I don't want to buy one that will be caught in the same position, despite their offering a big discount to those who purchased the previous one.

While OOTP is the king for it's thoroughness, I still think the Baseball Mogul series has it's advantages in ease & quickness of play.  Some of the OOTP interface tends to drive me nuts like when having to change a bunch of tabs on every player for specific contract, personality, improvement info, etc along with the huge amounts of different Team & League screens.  I can move seasons along much quicker in BM so that's a plus.  As long as the sim engine and AI is passable.

Quote from: JudgeDredd on April 20, 2014, 05:05:26 PM
The good money is on no.

You're worse than I am - and I've got a reputation!  ;D

Yep...I wouldn't even bet on myself:)  I have improved this year from previous years so baby steps....

Interesting, released on steam which is good so people have choices....but......already on sale for basically the same price as a pre-order customer???????  Sure, pre-orders received an extra $1 off, but hardly seems worth pre-ordering any more...although people did get a few days early.

http://store.steampowered.com/app/272670/

The UI looks a bit different in this version, but I'm not really sure if they improved it's ease of use much in the videos I've seen. 

Seems like you must still click forward and back even on one specific subject constantly.  The 'Back' hotkey has been a huge click-saver in past editions and it still looks like that will be getting a steady workout if I pick this up.

Quote from: Nefaro on April 24, 2014, 08:49:46 PM
The UI looks a bit different in this version, but I'm not really sure if they improved it's ease of use much in the videos I've seen. 

Seems like you must still click forward and back even on one specific subject constantly.  The 'Back' hotkey has been a huge click-saver in past editions and it still looks like that will be getting a steady workout if I pick this up.

I was just going to add "Thank god for the back button" - it has helped me try to get back where I was (my lack of understanding of the interface and lack of familiarity - not the game's fault)

Quote from: JudgeDredd on April 25, 2014, 01:17:19 AM

Quote from: Nefaro on April 24, 2014, 08:49:46 PM
The UI looks a bit different in this version, but I'm not really sure if they improved it's ease of use much in the videos I've seen. 

Seems like you must still click forward and back even on one specific subject constantly.  The 'Back' hotkey has been a huge click-saver in past editions and it still looks like that will be getting a steady workout if I pick this up.

I was just going to add "Thank god for the back button" - it has helped me try to get back where I was (my lack of understanding of the interface and lack of familiarity - not the game's fault)

Navigating their interface is my biggest complaint.  Too many clicks to get to stuff.  Definitely gotta use the hotkey for going back, at the least.  Their hockey game doesn't even have hotkeys, nor the Rt-click to exit player info window last I checked, and that's why I've not bothered with it even though it has much less windows & tabs to 'dig down' into.

To their credit, they DO have customizable 'favorites' pages which you can bind to the function hotkeys.  However, as with many of the others, you'll have to dig down further once you get there and constantly use the Back button/key.  I'm sure this can't be avoided to some extent due to the sheer amount of information to display but I think some of it could be organized a bit more efficiently to cut down on the Forward-Back-Forward-Forward-Back.  This new interface only looks different - not really any better.

I don't know if anyone noticed, but with the latest patch, the developer had to remove trial team nicknames because MLB asked him too....hopefully mlb doesn't go too far...developer said they are trying to get official license for ootp16...do I sense a price increase:)

There is a cheat that will get you all real names back...hit the randomize name option several times and real names will show up.

Can't you type them in manually, too?

Also.. can you no longer download the team logo mods from the links within game?  I thought the in-game mod support was wonderful, so it would blow if they were forced to remove that too.

Quote from: Nefaro on June 08, 2014, 06:13:12 PM
Can't you type them in manually, too?

Also.. can you no longer download the team logo mods from the links within game?  I thought the in-game mod support was wonderful, so it would blow if they were forced to remove that too.

Sure you can type, but you would have to do for 200+ teams since it includes minors too....no way I am doing that:)

Logos are still fine since not made by developer

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on June 08, 2014, 06:20:47 PM

Quote from: Nefaro on June 08, 2014, 06:13:12 PM
Can't you type them in manually, too?

Also.. can you no longer download the team logo mods from the links within game?  I thought the in-game mod support was wonderful, so it would blow if they were forced to remove that too.

Sure you can type, but you would have to do for 200+ teams since it includes minors too....no way I am doing that:)

Logos are still fine since not made by developer

Good to know we can still get the team names back.  I didn't think about the buttload of Minors teams.. doah!

Hopefully.. if it gets further whacked.. then a similar mod would be made.  I've not picked up #15 yet.. not been in the text sim mood lately.

Sorry - my lack of understanding of the baseball world...but WHAT have they been asked to remove from the game? And have they removed them for everyone and all versions (does OOTP14 which I currently use get affected by whatever this is?)

Quote from: JudgeDredd on June 09, 2014, 12:24:25 AM
Sorry - my lack of understanding of the baseball world...but WHAT have they been asked to remove from the game? And have they removed them for everyone and all versions (does OOTP14 which I currently use get affected by whatever this is?)

Believe it is only version ootp15 and will only happen when you start a new career.  If you already have one started, it won't impact it.  What has been removed is the official team nick names.  For example in real life you have the pittsburgh pirates but in the game it will have some fake nickname such as pittsburgh iron men or something like that.  The mlb has never liked game companies using their license material without officially getting a license to use it from them, which is expensive.

Hopefully the developer will get official license at some point where this becomes a non issue.  Like mentioned above, you can still get to the name using the trick of using the random team name feature.  Sounds like he put in a cheat to get around the issue.  Or you can name them all manually and make your league a QuickStart so that in the future you can use as template.

Just trying to determine if something wrong with my computer/browser...been trying to access the OOTP site and forums all weekend and has been unavailable....anybody else having that issue or is it just me? 

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on June 29, 2014, 06:09:58 AM
Just trying to determine if something wrong with my computer/browser...been trying to access the OOTP site and forums all weekend and has been unavailable....anybody else having that issue or is it just me? 

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/

Not working for me either!

Quote from: bbmike on June 29, 2014, 06:49:15 AM

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on June 29, 2014, 06:09:58 AM
Just trying to determine if something wrong with my computer/browser...been trying to access the OOTP site and forums all weekend and has been unavailable....anybody else having that issue or is it just me? 

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/

Not working for me either!

Thank you for confirming....maybe just routine maintenance, but odd they would do it over a weekend, especially during sales season....or maybe infrastructure problems or a hacking....

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on June 29, 2014, 06:53:40 AM

Quote from: bbmike on June 29, 2014, 06:49:15 AM

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on June 29, 2014, 06:09:58 AM
Just trying to determine if something wrong with my computer/browser...been trying to access the OOTP site and forums all weekend and has been unavailable....anybody else having that issue or is it just me? 

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/

Not working for me either!

Thank you for confirming....maybe just routine maintenance, but odd they would do it over a weekend, especially during sales season....or maybe infrastructure problems or a hacking....

I have been a member of their forum boards for longer than this one..and I have been purchasing their games since 2002. They frequently take the boards down on a weekend. It is very odd, and a decision I don't understand.

If you have any interest in baseball, this is the one for you.

Of all the sports management games in the world, this is second only to the FM series. Not other baseball sim can touch it.

Note that this company also makes a hockey version ... stay away from that one, for another year. Major kinks and bugs to be worked out. Also on the horizon is "Sideline Football", and American football sports management game.

Take a good look at their boxing game. Excellent little title, and based of the old Avalon Hill Title Bout boardgame, and developed by the brothers that originally designed that game. Very cool to run tournament after tournament. I have played thousands of bouts on that one. Muhammad Ali is still the best, marginally, over Rocky Marciano.

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on June 08, 2014, 06:09:37 PM
There is a cheat that will get you all real names back...hit the randomize name option several times and real names will show up.

THANK YOU for this!  This salvages the game for me.  O0

This should be 50% off next month during the All-Stars.  Amiright?

Quote from: Nefaro on June 29, 2014, 02:49:31 PM
This should be 50% off next month during the All-Stars.  Amiright?

Yes, typically around all star it gets to 50% off...

They posted this on their Facebook page...site issue...

"Sorry for the delay in replying to this - I spent Friday traveling from Germany to CA and was up for over 24 hours. I spent Sat. recovering and spending time with my wife and kids. I am just now catching up on things, but I was online late Friday night and saw that the site was down. I alerted Andreas, who told me he had filed a support ticket. Unfortunately, all we can do is wait for our hosting provider to fix it. Sorry."

If I was them I would get better support who can address issues quicker:)

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on June 29, 2014, 04:11:08 PM
They posted this on their Facebook page...site issue...

"Sorry for the delay in replying to this - I spent Friday traveling from Germany to CA and was up for over 24 hours. I spent Sat. recovering and spending time with my wife and kids. I am just now catching up on things, but I was online late Friday night and saw that the site was down. I alerted Andreas, who told me he had filed a support ticket. Unfortunately, all we can do is wait for our hosting provider to fix it. Sorry."

If I was them I would get better support who can address issues quicker:)

It really blows... I wanted to grab some mods for a new OOTP15 game, and can't because their entire site has gone t*ts up.   Been trying to get to their forums most of the weekend.

Quote from: smittyohio on June 29, 2014, 06:47:50 PM


It really blows... I wanted to grab some mods for a new OOTP15 game, and can't because their entire site has gone t*ts up.   Been trying to get to their forums most of the weekend.

Is it still down?  :o

Quote from: Nefaro on June 30, 2014, 10:21:50 AM

Quote from: smittyohio on June 29, 2014, 06:47:50 PM


It really blows... I wanted to grab some mods for a new OOTP15 game, and can't because their entire site has gone t*ts up.   Been trying to get to their forums most of the weekend.

Is it still down?  :o

Main site is up, but forums still down....

Hey All:

I'm the guy who manages our FB and Twitter accounts, among other things. I just wanted to note that the tech support for our hosting provider said that there was a hard drive failure in our server, so we are currently still migrating data to a new server. Not sure when the forums will be back online, but hopefully soon.

We are also moving to a new hosting provider and will always have the site mirrored in the future, so we won't be offline for so long again.

Thanks.

- Brad

Quote from: bradootp on June 30, 2014, 06:23:13 PM

We are also moving to a new hosting provider and will always have the site mirrored in the future, so we won't be offline for so long again.

Ooohh!  Looks like a provider managed to lose some business over the weekend!    ^-^

missed it in sales have added to wishlist

Quote from: FlickJax on July 01, 2014, 05:32:08 AM
missed it in sales have added to wishlist

No need to worry, got your back..still on sale at Amazon which gets you a steam code for $29:)  Also, usually around the all star break, some times even gets cheaper for around 50% off.

http://www.amazon.com/Out-Park-Baseball-Online-Game/dp/B00K1IFF1U/ref=sr_1_146_bnp_0/188-1703106-1977819?s=videogames-download&ie=UTF8&qid=1404191935&sr=1-146&tag=isthcom0a-20

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on July 01, 2014, 05:56:28 AM

Quote from: FlickJax on July 01, 2014, 05:32:08 AM
missed it in sales have added to wishlist

No need to worry, got your back..still on sale at Amazon which gets you a steam code for $29:)  Also, usually around the all star break, some times even gets cheaper for around 50% off.

http://www.amazon.com/Out-Park-Baseball-Online-Game/dp/B00K1IFF1U/ref=sr_1_146_bnp_0/188-1703106-1977819?s=videogames-download&ie=UTF8&qid=1404191935&sr=1-146&tag=isthcom0a-20

Im not in US :(

Quote from: FlickJax on July 01, 2014, 09:07:39 AM

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on July 01, 2014, 05:56:28 AM

Quote from: FlickJax on July 01, 2014, 05:32:08 AM
missed it in sales have added to wishlist

No need to worry, got your back..still on sale at Amazon which gets you a steam code for $29:)  Also, usually around the all star break, some times even gets cheaper for around 50% off.

http://www.amazon.com/Out-Park-Baseball-Online-Game/dp/B00K1IFF1U/ref=sr_1_146_bnp_0/188-1703106-1977819?s=videogames-download&ie=UTF8&qid=1404191935&sr=1-146&tag=isthcom0a-20

Im not in US :(

Bummer, strange that even steam codes require US address from Amazon....well, all star break not too far away:) 

50% off through the 17th

Count me in. I have purchased most versions of this game, since about 2002.

im in now, lots to learn...much more complex than the old baseball games I used to play.

My resolve is seriously weakening here.  Only problem is getting the purchase past my lady...not that I'm complaining about the price, just that I've spent a bit of money this week already...

Looks like it has multiplayer!  Do you guys have a league going or anything?

Quote from: Huw the Poo on July 12, 2014, 11:02:10 AM
My resolve is seriously weakening here.  Only problem is getting the purchase past my lady...not that I'm complaining about the price, just that I've spent a bit of money this week already...

Looks like it has multiplayer!  Do you guys have a league going or anything?

You can sell her on the fact it likely won't be on sale for much cheaper in the future:)  Might as well bite the bullet and save a few bucks.

couldn't wait ...bought it last week on steam. absolutely loving every minute with it!!
got my nippon pro lineup ready and pimped the whole show with fitting photos and logos - ready to go!
you guys telling me that the developer is doing that half price off sale every year around this time of year?

Quote from: chemkid on July 12, 2014, 11:57:59 AM

you guys telling me that the developer is doing that half price off sale every year around this time of year?

Yes.  Probably a good idea to pull in the rest of us who attempt to skip a year.  It works on me.

They also tend to put it on sale for half off sometime after the season is over, permanently.

thanks - will do so for the next version.

Well, I just got OOTP15 and I have to say two things....

1. What's with the crappy interface (style)
2. Why - when they release these games - do they NOT allow you to use any previous interface settings (style)

I really don't like the OOTP15 look. It's very sterile compared to 14.

Also - I'm not so worried about faces or names - but where's my company logo (Los Angeles Angels)?

Quote from: Nefaro on July 12, 2014, 12:13:20 PM

Quote from: chemkid on July 12, 2014, 11:57:59 AM

you guys telling me that the developer is doing that half price off sale every year around this time of year?

Yes.  Probably a good idea to pull in the rest of us who attempt to skip a year.  It works on me.

They also tend to put it on sale for half off sometime after the season is over, permanently.

Yes. That's what we're telling you. Always goes to half price around the All Star game, for about a two week period.

So when does the Groghead Baseball League start?  :knuppel2:

Quote from: JudgeDredd on July 12, 2014, 12:56:15 PM
Well, I just got OOTP15 and I have to say two things....

1. What's with the crappy interface (style)
2. Why - when they release these games - do they NOT allow you to use any previous interface settings (style)

I really don't like the OOTP15 look. It's very sterile compared to 14.

Also - I'm not so worried about faces or names - but where's my company logo (Los Angeles Angels)?

Agreed.  The interface style is a bit odd compared to 14.

Quote from: KyzBP on July 12, 2014, 04:36:59 PM
So when does the Groghead Baseball League start?  :knuppel2:

That's what I want to know!  If you all get a league going, that'll pretty much seal the deal for me!

Quote from: JudgeDredd on July 12, 2014, 12:56:15 PM
Well, I just got OOTP15 and I have to say two things....

1. What's with the crappy interface (style)
2. Why - when they release these games - do they NOT allow you to use any previous interface settings (style)

I really don't like the OOTP15 look. It's very sterile compared to 14.

Also - I'm not so worried about faces or names - but where's my company logo (Los Angeles Angels)?

I actually like the new style, but if you don't have you tried the other skins that come with the game that might suite your style better?  As for logos, they are there, you have to go to add on central and install the all-in-one-mod...you will get everything you need from that.

Quote from: Nefaro on July 12, 2014, 04:38:54 PM

Quote from: JudgeDredd on July 12, 2014, 12:56:15 PM
Well, I just got OOTP15 and I have to say two things....

1. What's with the crappy interface (style)
2. Why - when they release these games - do they NOT allow you to use any previous interface settings (style)

I really don't like the OOTP15 look. It's very sterile compared to 14.

Also - I'm not so worried about faces or names - but where's my company logo (Los Angeles Angels)?

Agreed.  The interface style is a bit odd compared to 14.

In what way?  I know they change the interface to be better with widescreen to take advantage of screen real estate, but nothing really stood out to me as being that bad.

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on July 12, 2014, 09:56:48 PM

Quote from: Nefaro on July 12, 2014, 04:38:54 PM

Quote from: JudgeDredd on July 12, 2014, 12:56:15 PM
Well, I just got OOTP15 and I have to say two things....

1. What's with the crappy interface (style)
2. Why - when they release these games - do they NOT allow you to use any previous interface settings (style)

I really don't like the OOTP15 look. It's very sterile compared to 14.

Also - I'm not so worried about faces or names - but where's my company logo (Los Angeles Angels)?

Agreed.  The interface style is a bit odd compared to 14.

In what way?  I know they change the interface to be better with widescreen to take advantage of screen real estate, but nothing really stood out to me as being that bad.

Just the background behind the title bar.   It looks like blurry shit. 

I'm just thankful they haven't gone to the plain ass silver or dead plastic look like the TW Rome 2 or Civil War 2 interfaces. 

I also dislike the round Glossy Logo mods.  I always avoided them, but those seem to be the only MLB franchise ones available right now.  They look like damn hat pins.  Blah!

Anyone using a set other than the 2014 All-In-One/Justafan's Glossy Logos (the same in both)?  I'm not sure if the ones I used last year are even compatible now with this new interface, unfortunately.  >:(


EDIT:  I found a non-glossy set here -  http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/board/ootp-mods-logos-graphics-html/233883-simple-circle-logo-set.html

I still kinda miss the ones that didn't even have the circular borders and such, but this is an improvement over the glossies.

I can't really be very specific - it's certainly not one thing...but it hit me like a brick when I fired it up. Maybe it'll grow on me.

Ok, I fired both up...I was going to post screen by screen - but Photoshop decided to screw with the order.

Basically
Buttons are flat and bland - looks like a corporate Windows program now
Text is larger (not bad for some I guess)
Scheme seems darker in general

Woot!

I found someone's Logo mod that doesn't look like a button, with all the new leagues and such. 

Ya know.. the kind that is just the logo with a transparent background (in plain & drop shadow versions).   Like these:

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv71%2Ffizzjob%2FOOTP%2Ferie_seawolves_e37222_000000-1.png&hash=211b7da768b7a532cff58da26ba422f1a478fefc)(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv71%2Ffizzjob%2FOOTP%2Ferie_seawolves_e37222_000000.png&hash=a82205206f53664a8435891a96cd9ae8c43565ee)


http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/board/ootp-mods-logos-graphics-html/244651-plain-drop-shadow-logos-every-team-game.html

YAY!

That should make it look much better.  I had been using some from a different modder, which hasn't been updated since 2012.  So it's good to see someone carrying on this type.  O0

^Thanks - but I'm not desperate enough for logos to download YET ANOTHER download manager!

Quote from: JudgeDredd on July 13, 2014, 02:20:07 AM
^Thanks - but I'm not desperate enough for logos to download YET ANOTHER download manager!

You just download the pack and drop it in your OOTP logos folder in My Docs.  I'm not sure if the sub-folder structure works as the modder has those separated into folders by league, but I just got done putting all the logos into one big folder just in case. 

Gonna test it out first.  If the original doesn't work, then the merged one will and I'll upload that somewhere for anyone who wants it.  These logos look wayyy better than the round ones IMO.

I clicked on the link to download, it took me to the mediafire website site with a great big green download button...clicking on that takes me to another site that wants me to install iLivid download manager!

I just tried it again and it's another windows popping up (or tab should I say) with a download that has NOTHING to do with the item you're downloading. I thought it was because it was a download manager at first. I just saw this time it was Bet365...which alerted me, so I went back to the original page and the download option was there.

So everyone else beware - stay on the big green button page and your download will occur

You clicked the wrong link or something.. ?


Here is what it looks like once you get this one going:

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi57.tinypic.com%2F210djc3.jpg&hash=a9b9502cf1cc77fb00b527bf85e1b4e4f0915021)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi62.tinypic.com%2F23w7ehu.jpg&hash=573d2ac25043e898e6b9fd4a0e058d5d37832217)


I had to delete all the logos in the MyDocs folder from the All-In-One mod, copy & paste all the individual graphics files from this one into that folder.  After creating a new game (and using the "randomize" button to get the proper names), I had to force it to reload the team logos in the Game Settings after getting to my Home screen.

Quote from: JudgeDredd on July 13, 2014, 01:58:12 AM
I can't really be very specific - it's certainly not one thing...but it hit me like a brick when I fired it up. Maybe it'll grow on me.

Ok, I fired both up...I was going to post screen by screen - but Photoshop decided to screw with the order.

Basically
Buttons are flat and bland - looks like a corporate Windows program now
Text is larger (not bad for some I guess)
Scheme seems darker in general

Did you try selecting one of the other skins that come with the game to see if any better for you?

Quote from: JudgeDredd on July 13, 2014, 02:20:07 AM
^Thanks - but I'm not desperate enough for logos to download YET ANOTHER download manager!

You can download the all in one mod directly from inside the game under addon central which makes it very easy.  It won't be the one posted by Nefaro, but still a decent set to make things more realistic.

I repackaged Ericjaffe's so-called "plain" logos, as featured in my pics above. 

This way you can just unzip them into the MyDocs/Out Of The Parks Developments/Out Of The Park Baseball 15/Logos folder. 

Make sure you have deleted all previous logos in this folder before you put these in!  Otherwise you will probably get a strange mix of different logo styles due to duplicates.


http://www.mediafire.com/download/u9agc5575j8kmop/Ericjaffes+Plain+Logos.7z

Once you get into the game, you'll need to make sure you have the correct (official) team names, per usual, by using the randomize team name option until the right set pops up.  Load into the game, open 'Game Settings', and click on the custom Facegen & gfx tab.  Scroll down on the right side until you see a colored text link that says something like "Reload Team Logos", click that and you'll be good to go after it is finished reloading them.  O0

Personally, I downloaded the All-In-One mod through the "Add-Ons Central" link at the bottom of the front OOTP menu & installed that first since it has lots of other stuff.  Then I nuked it's logos and replaced them with these .. but I have to manually force it to reload the logos once on each career.  I could probably just package it up and replace the core game files so I don't have to but I'm done modding for now, since it's working.

I know I will be laughed at, especially in a thread dedicated to OOTP, but lately I have been also considering playing Baseball Mogul 2015....OOTP is great and I stand by my recommendation that it is the best and most full feature baseball sim on the market, but I will have to admit at times it boggles my mind with all the options and features contained within the game.  Don't get me wrong, this makes everything realistic, but some times it might be just too much for the casual play through.

This brings me to Baseball Mogul...it has been around for a long time and often considered a light version of baseball.....which might not be bad if that is what your after.  With my limited time of playing the demo, it has the basics you would expect, but it does feel much easier to play through.  I was kind of surprised how much it actually appealed to me.  I have no idea how good the AI is for things like roster management, strategy, trading, etc., but it has been around a very long time so I am purely guessing it must be "good enough".

Here is a link to the demo.
http://www.sportsmogul.com/games/baseball2k15.html

Again, I am not suggesting to anybody they should dump OOTP, just thought I would provide this in case anyone is looking for a lighter version of a baseball sim.....

Quote from: JudgeDredd on July 12, 2014, 12:56:15 PM
Well, I just got OOTP15 and I have to say two things....

1. What's with the crappy interface (style)
2. Why - when they release these games - do they NOT allow you to use any previous interface settings (style)

I really don't like the OOTP15 look. It's very sterile compared to 14.

Also - I'm not so worried about faces or names - but where's my company logo (Los Angeles Angels)?

just finished watching moneyball - tell you what: i'll find myself a crappy monochrome pc-screen to boot! the ootp15 interface just ROCKS! (man!)  :D

baseball mogul? what about puresim?! it doesn't have a shiny demo, though - it's FREE!
http://www.puresimbaseball.com/
anybody can compare these three...?

Quote from: chemkid on July 13, 2014, 04:11:14 AM
baseball mogul? what about puresim?! it doesn't have a shiny demo, though - it's FREE!
http://www.puresimbaseball.com/
anybody can compare these three...?

Puresim to me has had a strange history....the game has been stopped and started a number of times by the developer (at the time was not a full time developer so had real life things to deal with), ultimately now resulting in the FREE version.  After that latest change, I lost touch with the game so I can't comment how good it is nowadays.  I did play it a bit a awhile ago and it was OK, but it was not exactly what I was looking for back then.  Just because of the history, I am hesitant in putting too much time into the game if there is any chance it might change directions again.

But if it is FREE, sounds like you can try yourself to see if you like....

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on July 13, 2014, 04:23:18 AM

Quote from: chemkid on July 13, 2014, 04:11:14 AM
baseball mogul? what about puresim?! it doesn't have a shiny demo, though - it's FREE!
http://www.puresimbaseball.com/
anybody can compare these three...?

Puresim to me has had a strange history....the game has been stopped and started a number of times by the developer (at the time was not a full time developer so had real life things to deal with), ultimately now resulting in the FREE version.  After that latest change, I lost touch with the game so I can't comment how good it is nowadays.  I did play it a bit a awhile ago and it was OK, but it was not exactly what I was looking for back then.  Just because of the history, I am hesitant in putting too much time into the game if there is any chance it might change directions again.

But if it is FREE, sounds like you can try yourself to see if you like....

Took a quick look at their message board and doesn't seem like the game has been updated in a while and someone mentioned the developer taking a long leave of absence and didn't see any recent posts from them.  Therefore, I would be hesitant myself, but of course the game is FREE:)

you're right. i had it installed some days ago... but lack of time made me delete it.
(couldn't find any newer mods for the game didn't help either...)

Puresim 2007 (?) was superb from what I recall

Quote from: JudgeDredd on July 13, 2014, 05:12:11 AM
Puresim 2007 (?) was superb from what I recall

Yeah, there have been many versions and it always seemed the developer was on the verge of something really good....he just was never able to sustain it and became very unreliable in starting and stopping development/support of the game.  We can hardly complain now since it is free, but personally I would only play/support games I know will have some consistent improvements over time and actively supported by the developer/community.  Certainly a shame though...I am guessing the big name games like OOTP and Baseball Mogul really corner the market for customers so probably tough for him to keep things going.

(on baseball simulation market)

i found a top 11 of baseball sims: http://baseball.about.com/od/onlinegames/tp/bbsimulations.htm

puresim isn't even in, but still... mogul and ootp come 4th and 5th - dunno how old this list is, neither checked all of them but number 1 on this list - diamond mind feels so niche to me (more than some hardcore strategy wargames...)

Quote from: chemkid on July 13, 2014, 05:42:45 AM
(on baseball simulation market)

i found a top 11 of baseball sims: http://baseball.about.com/od/onlinegames/tp/bbsimulations.htm

puresim isn't even in, but still... mogul and ootp come 4th and 5th - dunno how old this list is, neither checked all of them but number 1 on this list - diamond mind feels so niche to me (more than some hardcore strategy wargames...)

There are a billion, a little exaggerated, baseball games in general out there, but only a handful that are career based management sims like OOTP, Baseball Mogul and Puresim.

If your into season replays (play one season, usually historical), then many good options out there like ActionPC, StratOMatic, DiamondMind, ReplayBB, etc.

ah so. see - i'm new and naive. for now, i found ootp, thanks to you guys!
(...and lucky me, got a new topic to cheer up my wife!)

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on July 13, 2014, 03:55:26 AM
I know I will be laughed at, especially in a thread dedicated to OOTP, but lately I have been also considering playing Baseball Mogul 2015....OOTP is great and I stand by my recommendation that it is the best and most full feature baseball sim on the market, but I will have to admit at times it boggles my mind with all the options and features contained within the game.  Don't get me wrong, this makes everything realistic, but some times it might be just too much for the casual play through.

This brings me to Baseball Mogul...it has been around for a long time and often considered a light version of baseball.....which might not be bad if that is what your after.  With my limited time of playing the demo, it has the basics you would expect, but it does feel much easier to play through.  I was kind of surprised how much it actually appealed to me.  I have no idea how good the AI is for things like roster management, strategy, trading, etc., but it has been around a very long time so I am purely guessing it must be "good enough".

Here is a link to the demo.
http://www.sportsmogul.com/games/baseball2k15.html

Again, I am not suggesting to anybody they should dump OOTP, just thought I would provide this in case anyone is looking for a lighter version of a baseball sim.....

I quite enjoyed Baseball Mogul a few years ago.

I've been fenced about getting it again, in the past couple years.  Last year, it was a real mess and it sounded as if it had been left in poor condition.  This year may have been received better, but things still seemed rather chilled over there the last time I checked. 

I really did like how quickly and smoothly everything went regarding the interface and 'simming' out seasons in Baseball Mogul, however.  I do plan on getting it again sometime primarily for that reason.  The UI is much easier to navigate due to being less crowded.  Perhaps I'll check it out after the season ends and it goes on sale, or next year.  But it's been a "wait and see" situation since all the big sim engine complaints last year, some of which may still be present.

If you pick it up soon, let us know how it looks after you put in some sim time.

I plan to mess around with the demo a bit, but won't buy until it gets really cheap....spending another $35 on a baseball game right now is not in the cards:)

I will let everyone know some impressions after playing some.....

hhmm....so played around with the demo for awhile this morning and I have to admit, might give this game a try for next baseball season (unless gets dirt cheap before then).  It really seems to have a simplistic and "easy/fun" vibe to it where I have to admit sometimes playing OOTP feels like work.  Even though it was a demo, seemed like fun and you could still manage a baseball season without having all the detail.

Just some comments, but keep in mind I am not a baseball guru and only played this for awhile this morning, if you seriously considering, download the demo first since it allows you to play one full season.

Positives
- UI is easy and seems to work well
- Has all the features you likely would want (management, injuries, trades, free agents, drafting, etc.)
- Sim speed is pretty fast on my machine...no idea if it slows down at all after multiple seasons
- Many league start options (start in any year from 1901-2014, can even start as an expansion team)
- Seems like it has a nice balance of setup and preference options, without overwhelming
- It has the real team names
- You can download mods to add logos/pictures
- Has a simplistic minor league system (kind of like it versus having all the detail in OOTP)
- Seems pretty easy to setup lineups/batting orders/pitching rotations
- The basic reports (sortable stats, leaders, etc.) are there, but probably not at the level of OOTP
- Good player card with basic information you would expect
- Retail price is cheaper by $5 than OOTP (unless you pre order or get on sale)

Unknowns
- Since I am not a baseball expert, I can't guarantee everything about major baseball is modeled correctly, like finances
- Trading AI (got a couple of trade offers and seemed reasonable to me)
- Roster management (impossible to know this until you play it extensively)
- Multiplayer - I never play it and didn't see anything readily in the demo
= Stats (have to play more, but didn't see anything too crazy)

This catches me out EVERY time ...

I have a player who is DFA'd who's DFA time runs out - so it's telling me to take care of it. So I moved him to the 40 man roster (my 25 man roster is full) and he's still sitting in DFA!

WTF does this mean?

I know I've had it explained to me before - but ffs humour an old, forgetful bastard please because I cannot get out of the day (just like Groundhog Day!)!  :)

Oh yeah - the "icons" next to his name suggest he's on the 40 Man Roster (thanks for confirming) and out of Minor League options. If this means he has to go on the Active Roster - what are my other options, because he's an SP but crap

Seems he wasn't out of minor league options, because I moved him to AAA and I can continue?? I thought if they were out of minor league options I couldn't move them to a minor league?

Quote from: JudgeDredd on July 13, 2014, 02:56:52 PM
Seems he wasn't out of minor league options, because I moved him to AAA and I can continue?? I thought if they were out of minor league options I couldn't move them to a minor league?

Here is a section within the manual on it....

http://manuals.ootpdevelopments.com/index.php?man=ootp15&page=designated_for_assignment_dfa

About the manual....

What's the thing with the dialogs showing a question mark but not bringing up any help? They look like context sensitive help icons

Thanks GR

In real baseball if you DFA a player you have 10 days to do something with him.  If you don't trade him you can assign him to the minors.  If he doesn't have options left, he must go through waivers and the other teams can claim him.  If nobody claims him then you can put him in the minors.

He must've been waivered and DFA'd because I was able to put him on the minors

Quote from: JudgeDredd on July 13, 2014, 03:45:23 PM
About the manual....

What's the thing with the dialogs showing a question mark but not bringing up any help? They look like context sensitive help icons

Thanks GR

the questionmark isn't helping at all... but it reminds me to try F1(help-key).

Quote from: JudgeDredd on July 13, 2014, 02:51:18 PM
This catches me out EVERY time ...

I have a player who is DFA'd who's DFA time runs out - so it's telling me to take care of it. So I moved him to the 40 man roster (my 25 man roster is full) and he's still sitting in DFA!

WTF does this mean?

I know I've had it explained to me before - but ffs humour an old, forgetful bastard please because I cannot get out of the day (just like Groundhog Day!)!  :)

Oh yeah - the "icons" next to his name suggest he's on the 40 Man Roster (thanks for confirming) and out of Minor League options. If this means he has to go on the Active Roster - what are my other options, because he's an SP but crap

JD..

The 40-Man Roster is just a wider limitation on a mixture of your Major and Minor club players.  It actually consists of both, and isn't a lone roster in itself. 

Think of it as a super set of your 25-man Major League Roster (your starters & bench) and your Minor League players who are being paid Major League salaries.  So the other 15 players on your 40-man must also be placed in one of your Minor League teams.. the 40-man roster isn't a league, just a wider ML limitation.

A couple benefits of placing those extra Minor League players on your 40-man roster:
1) You don't have to adjust their contracts when having one replace an injured player on the Majors (25) roster.  These are your immediate backups who are still (usually) playing in AAA but who can readily fill in.
2) To ensure you retain a Minors "veteran" if they are eligible for the Rule 5 Draft (aka being picked up by another team who may want to give them a Majors contract as opposed to letting the player languish in your Minors.  This is an Anti-Hoarding rule.)  The players on your 40-man roster are "protected" so they aren't eligible to be taken by another team in the Rule 5 draft every year.
3) When the primary roster expands at the end of the season, these guys can possibly get some playing time in the Majors without having to juggle them around.

Note that you'll still have to worry about their Minor League Option Years limitation, when moving them (for example) back to AAA from the Majors, after filling in for an injury.  But hopefully you don't have anyone stuck in such a perpetual depth position for more than three years;  if that's the case they probably aren't improving and should be easy to replace once the Option years are out.




The OOTP 14 manual's page on 40-man (Secondary) Roster:
http://manuals.ootpdevelopments.com/index.php?man=ootp14&page=secondary_40_man_rosters

Quote from: challerain on July 13, 2014, 03:51:17 PM
In real baseball if you DFA a player you have 10 days to do something with him.  If you don't trade him you can assign him to the minors.  If he doesn't have options left, he must go through waivers and the other teams can claim him.  If nobody claims him then you can put him in the minors.

That's pretty much how it is in OOTP. 

I think JD just forgets that the 40-man "roster" isn't really a lone roster in itself.   Gotta remind him regularly.  ;)   >:D

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on July 13, 2014, 09:15:51 AM
hhmm....so played around with the demo for awhile this morning and I have to admit, might give this game a try for next baseball season (unless gets dirt cheap before then).  It really seems to have a simplistic and "easy/fun" vibe to it where I have to admit sometimes playing OOTP feels like work.  Even though it was a demo, seemed like fun and you could still manage a baseball season without having all the detail.

Just some comments, but keep in mind I am not a baseball guru and only played this for awhile this morning, if you seriously considering, download the demo first since it allows you to play one full season.

Positives
- UI is easy and seems to work well
- Has all the features you likely would want (management, injuries, trades, free agents, drafting, etc.)
- Sim speed is pretty fast on my machine...no idea if it slows down at all after multiple seasons
- Many league start options (start in any year from 1901-2014, can even start as an expansion team)
- Seems like it has a nice balance of setup and preference options, without overwhelming
- It has the real team names
- You can download mods to add logos/pictures
- Has a simplistic minor league system (kind of like it versus having all the detail in OOTP)
- Seems pretty easy to setup lineups/batting orders/pitching rotations
- The basic reports (sortable stats, leaders, etc.) are there, but probably not at the level of OOTP
- Good player card with basic information you would expect
- Retail price is cheaper by $5 than OOTP (unless you pre order or get on sale)

Unknowns
- Since I am not a baseball expert, I can't guarantee everything about major baseball is modeled correctly, like finances
- Trading AI (got a couple of trade offers and seemed reasonable to me)
- Roster management (impossible to know this until you play it extensively)
- Multiplayer - I never play it and didn't see anything readily in the demo
= Stats (have to play more, but didn't see anything too crazy)

My experiences, too.  As of three years ago or thereabouts. 

The complaints last year were of the new simming system and the resulting game & stat outcomes, for one.  The game calculations were all upgraded to a new system and there were some nasty kinks judging by the feedback.  I'm sure it was improved a good deal this year, as there hasn't been as much complaining.   

I'd still like to know whether the stats & general player ability goes awry as your career progresses.  Whether the sim engine outcomes are believable or whether it gets strange.  Pretty sure that was a concern with Baseball Mogul recently.  If they decent, I'll probably pick it up later this year or get the new one next year.  I had really intended to alternate them, depending on sales.

Ah crap it's 50% off for all star week.  Guess it looks like I don't have to force myself to play OOTP 14 any longer.  Damn Steam sales.

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on July 13, 2014, 03:04:52 PM
Here is a section within the manual on it....

http://manuals.ootpdevelopments.com/index.php?man=ootp15&page=designated_for_assignment_dfa

Reading that has started to change my mind about this game.  I think life may be too short to learn this from a position of knowing 0% about baseball...

Quote from: Nefaro on July 13, 2014, 04:18:20 PM

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on July 13, 2014, 09:15:51 AM
hhmm....so played around with the demo for awhile this morning and I have to admit, might give this game a try for next baseball season (unless gets dirt cheap before then).  It really seems to have a simplistic and "easy/fun" vibe to it where I have to admit sometimes playing OOTP feels like work.  Even though it was a demo, seemed like fun and you could still manage a baseball season without having all the detail.

Just some comments, but keep in mind I am not a baseball guru and only played this for awhile this morning, if you seriously considering, download the demo first since it allows you to play one full season.

Positives
- UI is easy and seems to work well
- Has all the features you likely would want (management, injuries, trades, free agents, drafting, etc.)
- Sim speed is pretty fast on my machine...no idea if it slows down at all after multiple seasons
- Many league start options (start in any year from 1901-2014, can even start as an expansion team)
- Seems like it has a nice balance of setup and preference options, without overwhelming
- It has the real team names
- You can download mods to add logos/pictures
- Has a simplistic minor league system (kind of like it versus having all the detail in OOTP)
- Seems pretty easy to setup lineups/batting orders/pitching rotations
- The basic reports (sortable stats, leaders, etc.) are there, but probably not at the level of OOTP
- Good player card with basic information you would expect
- Retail price is cheaper by $5 than OOTP (unless you pre order or get on sale)

Unknowns
- Since I am not a baseball expert, I can't guarantee everything about major baseball is modeled correctly, like finances
- Trading AI (got a couple of trade offers and seemed reasonable to me)
- Roster management (impossible to know this until you play it extensively)
- Multiplayer - I never play it and didn't see anything readily in the demo
= Stats (have to play more, but didn't see anything too crazy)

My experiences, too.  As of three years ago or thereabouts. 

The complaints last year were of the new simming system and the resulting game & stat outcomes, for one.  The game calculations were all upgraded to a new system and there were some nasty kinks judging by the feedback.  I'm sure it was improved a good deal this year, as there hasn't been as much complaining.   

I'd still like to know whether the stats & general player ability goes awry as your career progresses.  Whether the sim engine outcomes are believable or whether it gets strange.  Pretty sure that was a concern with Baseball Mogul recently.  If they decent, I'll probably pick it up later this year or get the new one next year.  I had really intended to alternate them, depending on sales.

Good to know about the issues...hopefully they will figure it out for the next version because it does look like something I would like.

Quote from: Huw the Poo on July 13, 2014, 05:17:40 PM

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on July 13, 2014, 03:04:52 PM
Here is a section within the manual on it....

http://manuals.ootpdevelopments.com/index.php?man=ootp15&page=designated_for_assignment_dfa

Reading that has started to change my mind about this game.  I think life may be too short to learn this from a position of knowing 0% about baseball...

It's like soccer only...with bats and bases and a lot less injury flopping.

Quote from: Bison on July 13, 2014, 05:09:31 PM
Ah crap it's 50% off for all star week.  Guess it looks like I don't have to force myself to play OOTP 14 any longer.  Damn Steam sales.

I finally laid OOTP12 to rest.

We're getting closer to a Groghead Baseball League.  I may take a poll soon to see if there's enough interest.

Quote from: Bison on July 13, 2014, 05:22:54 PM
It's like soccer only...with bats and bases and a lot less injury flopping.

Looks closer to cricket to me. :)

I was looking at the online league setup too a few months ago.  I'd be interested for sure.

Quote from: Huw the Poo on July 13, 2014, 05:37:38 PM

Quote from: Bison on July 13, 2014, 05:22:54 PM
It's like soccer only...with bats and bases and a lot less injury flopping.

Looks closer to cricket to me. :)

Just have some tea and crumpets when you are playing and it'll be ok.

Quote from: KyzBP on July 13, 2014, 05:37:29 PM

Quote from: Bison on July 13, 2014, 05:09:31 PM
Ah crap it's 50% off for all star week.  Guess it looks like I don't have to force myself to play OOTP 14 any longer.  Damn Steam sales.

I finally laid OOTP12 to rest.

We're getting closer to a Groghead Baseball League.  I may take a poll soon to see if there's enough interest.

How does an online league work in OOTP?  Never done one before but wasn't even sure of what the process was keeping the entire league in-sync with the players.

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on July 13, 2014, 05:19:41 PM

Quote from: Nefaro on July 13, 2014, 04:18:20 PM

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on July 13, 2014, 09:15:51 AM
hhmm....so played around with the demo for awhile this morning and I have to admit, might give this game a try for next baseball season (unless gets dirt cheap before then).  It really seems to have a simplistic and "easy/fun" vibe to it where I have to admit sometimes playing OOTP feels like work.  Even though it was a demo, seemed like fun and you could still manage a baseball season without having all the detail.

Just some comments, but keep in mind I am not a baseball guru and only played this for awhile this morning, if you seriously considering, download the demo first since it allows you to play one full season.

Positives
- UI is easy and seems to work well
- Has all the features you likely would want (management, injuries, trades, free agents, drafting, etc.)
- Sim speed is pretty fast on my machine...no idea if it slows down at all after multiple seasons
- Many league start options (start in any year from 1901-2014, can even start as an expansion team)
- Seems like it has a nice balance of setup and preference options, without overwhelming
- It has the real team names
- You can download mods to add logos/pictures
- Has a simplistic minor league system (kind of like it versus having all the detail in OOTP)
- Seems pretty easy to setup lineups/batting orders/pitching rotations
- The basic reports (sortable stats, leaders, etc.) are there, but probably not at the level of OOTP
- Good player card with basic information you would expect
- Retail price is cheaper by $5 than OOTP (unless you pre order or get on sale)

Unknowns
- Since I am not a baseball expert, I can't guarantee everything about major baseball is modeled correctly, like finances
- Trading AI (got a couple of trade offers and seemed reasonable to me)
- Roster management (impossible to know this until you play it extensively)
- Multiplayer - I never play it and didn't see anything readily in the demo
= Stats (have to play more, but didn't see anything too crazy)

My experiences, too.  As of three years ago or thereabouts. 

The complaints last year were of the new simming system and the resulting game & stat outcomes, for one.  The game calculations were all upgraded to a new system and there were some nasty kinks judging by the feedback.  I'm sure it was improved a good deal this year, as there hasn't been as much complaining.   

I'd still like to know whether the stats & general player ability goes awry as your career progresses.  Whether the sim engine outcomes are believable or whether it gets strange.  Pretty sure that was a concern with Baseball Mogul recently.  If they decent, I'll probably pick it up later this year or get the new one next year.  I had really intended to alternate them, depending on sales.

Good to know about the issues...hopefully they will figure it out for the next version because it does look like something I would like.

Just found an old article about the sales of Baseball Mogul...back in 2008 it had sold at least 120,000 units...that amazes me...I imagine they are at least keeping up with those numbers each year, if not even more, regardless of the issues it might have.  That is a nice sales number for a small shop when they sale it for $35 (not sure what the cost was in 2008).  I also continue to think that even though BM might have issues reported, if I look at OOTP support forums, they have the same amount and types of issues reported there....starting to talk myself back in:)

I figure it will go on sale after the season is over, so I can mess with OOTP in the meantime.

Just a reminder for those interested in OOTP, sale ends tomorrow of being 50% off....

I've been looking at how a grogheads league could be setup.  I never realized the amount of work it'd take to get one going. 

Quote from: Bison on July 16, 2014, 08:23:37 PM
I've been looking at how a grogheads league could be setup.  I never realized the amount of work it'd take to get one going.

I'll take a look at it in a couple of weeks unless someone wants to try sooner. 

Just an FYI that OOTP14 is part of the latest Weekly Humble Bundle (https://www.humblebundle.com/weekly).  Pay what you want (at least $1 USD) and you can give OOTP a "tryout" :P

Not being a big baseball fan, how steep is the learning curve and how close will 14 be to 15?

Quote from: tgb on July 17, 2014, 04:33:55 PM
Not being a big baseball fan, how steep is the learning curve and how close will 14 be to 15?

OOTP 14 is very close to what 15 is.  So you will know what it's all about if you get 14, which was a great version.  I really only upgraded to 15 in order to get the latest rosters while it was on sale.

The learning curve requires some reading on your part.  Mostly for player contract related specifics which you can read about in the in-game manual (F1 help).  I think Baseball Mogul is a much gentler entry into a baseball manager sim because it is less detailed in that area and there are less UI pages to navigate.  But the Humble sale makes OOTP14 much cheaper since BM is $35.

Well, I took the plunge since it's at an absurd price at Gamersgate at the moment.

Did you guys ever get a league going?  If not, do you want to?  I think I'd learn the game a lot better that way. :)

I'd be in as well.

Great deal for $5. About 22 hours left on the sale and you get a steam key. 

Quote from: RedArgo on November 12, 2014, 08:27:51 AM
Great deal for $5. About 22 hours left on the sale and you get a steam key.

Next year I am going to wait until this time of year to buy the game:)  I always pre order the darn thing and never get around to fully playing it....some day I will learn.

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on November 12, 2014, 08:32:07 AM

Quote from: RedArgo on November 12, 2014, 08:27:51 AM
Great deal for $5. About 22 hours left on the sale and you get a steam key.

Next year I am going to wait until this time of year to buy the game:)  I always pre order the darn thing and never get around to fully playing it....some day I will learn.

Just wait for All-Stars week.  They always have the first 50% Off sale for it at that time.  If you aren't itching to play it straight away on release. 

Quote from: Nefaro on November 12, 2014, 03:37:46 PM

Quote from: Grim.Reaper on November 12, 2014, 08:32:07 AM

Quote from: RedArgo on November 12, 2014, 08:27:51 AM
Great deal for $5. About 22 hours left on the sale and you get a steam key.

Next year I am going to wait until this time of year to buy the game:)  I always pre order the darn thing and never get around to fully playing it....some day I will learn.

Just wait for All-Stars week.  They always have the first 50% Off sale for it at that time.  If you aren't itching to play it straight away on release.

This year I didn't even play it enough to warrant 50% price....never really played much.  I'll have to fix that habit next year