2021 Roll Call

[tarcone]

I agree, jester. The game has been learned by a few guys. They know how to game the game. So, in a league where you have a bunch of guys that dont know the game or dont take the time to learn the game, you see the outcome.

I hope this isnt the end of this game. With no alternatives on the horizon it would be a huge loss to my gaming.

[Suicane]

I learned that lesson a long time ago and basically there are two roads you can go. Dig in and learn the game at that deeper level, or just play the way you want to play, aware that you'll most likely be beaten most of the time. I have no desire to go route one but I'm also not gonna bitch about it (not saying you're bitching Jester, not saying that all).

I think you just have to find your comfort level with things. I'd like to win, but not at the expense of turning how I view the game into a spreadsheet, formulaic, deep analysis kind of deal. And I don't begrudge those who sat down and figured it out, they did and are doing the right thing, but that's just not for me.

I'm still playing the game the same way I did when I got the first version all those many years ago, and I know it hinders me but that's the game I fell in love with and that's how I like to play even though now it tends to frustrate me at times.

A big for instance is a couple of seasons back I drafted two wide receivers whom I hoped would anchor my team. A guy who knows better than me could probably have seen that they weren't gonna pan out as I was hoping, and if I had done a better job investigating I probably would have figured that out too. But I didn't and so here I am. I'll just take it on the chin and try again.

In the end the joy of drafting (even if I suck at it) and the joy of watching my games (even if I suck at game planning) are still fun to me, so I keep playing.

[markc]

I'd be happy to share what I know about the game. But I haven't come up with anything myself, all that I know is taken from advice/information given by other owners here and of what I've gleaned from FOFC. I think that besides roster talent; cohesion, affinities and coaching are all important, but I don't know that any of them are a silver bullet-I just try to maximize them the best I can. I can share my gameplans, but there really isn't anything unique about them. I still don't think gameplanning matters "that much" in FOF (maybe it would be better to say that if you have a "bad" gameplan it can matter a lot, but otherwise it is not a difference-maker). For example, in my recent playoff game against Lawrence, my very first defensive play (which is the only reason I noticed it) I came out keying aggressively on the pass. I had that only set to 1% in my gameplan, and with no modifiers in effect, I refuse to believe I "rolled" a straight 100. I think there is something else going on with the engine, and I don't have any idea what that is (maybe related to coaching?). I've tinkered with my gp a little bit week to week trying to fit it to my opponent, but it hasn't changed very much the whole season.

Just to follow on with the roster strength, there are several threads on how to build a good defense in FOFC, and the prevailing opinion seems to be "big red bars". No consensus on 3-4 over 4-3, BnR over M2M, blitz over no blitz, etc., so I'm as or more clueless than anyone on what to do. I play a 4-3 and BnR because it better suites my roster talent, that's all.

[Mike17]

I disagree with these sentiments 100%. You can stop WV if you want, I almost did.

To be dominant, you have to do all the little things right. Chemistry, Cohesion, Special teams, having the Right bars to fit your scheme and not just high overall ratings, coaching, training camp, etc etc.

You don't have to "learn" the game to do well, just do the things right that you know how to do. Don't trade that guy that's been on your team 10 seasons, make sure your late rounders that are probably not starters can play special teams, etc.

Guys do well not because the game is broken, but because they take the time to manage their rosters well and others don't. Just my two cents

[Suicane]

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't insinuating that the game was broken at all.

[Matt]

kozure has figured out the special teams aspect of the game......that's evident.

[CyYoung]

I think suicane said all the good things. The 1st reason I'm here is not to win. I can do that in single player mode. I'm playing MP for the camaraderie. I'm taking some infos here and there from other GMs looking at how they do things. I don't have the time to read about the game on FOF Central.

Am I getting frustrated about the game sometimes? Oh yeah big time!!! But since the main reason I'm here is the fun I have with other GMs, I always get over it.

Personnaly, when I see a team dominating like that, my 1st reflex is to try to take a page off their book.

[JesterBlaze]

I don't disagree with many of the recent posts, and in fact completely agree that the "little things" should add up to be the difference maker between two teams. I just can't see what's perhaps the least talented (player for player) non-rebuilding roster in the league being successful regardless if EVERY SINGLE other factor was set perfectly. IMO everything should matter but nothing should be able to overcome a certain level of lack of talent.

Anyway, I basically feel as Sui wrote, and should've known not to post when I wasn't calm. Instead I flirted with the "dickery" rule". I'm going through a crazy real life time right now and feel as though my FOF/IFL has abandoned me. I'm losing my religion when I need it most.