Bowl Bound College Football Demo is out! - Page 7

Anthony · 11-25-2005, 02:59 AM

ICY: for your real teams file you have Rice as "Central TexasRice Owls". maybe you can fix that when you get a chance, i don't have Access on my home PC.

Icy · 11-25-2005, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hell Atlantic

ICY: for your real teams file you have Rice as "Central TexasRice Owls". maybe you can fix that when you get a chance, i don't have Access on my home PC.

Weird, that was fixed on the second file i released, somewhat that mistake is back. Will fix it.

Icy · 11-25-2005, 03:13 AM

Dola, HA you must have one of the old versions as in the latest one that is fixed. Download it again from http://www.prodeportes.com/bb/pstats1.3.zip

dervack · 11-25-2005, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbmagic

yep

also a lot of plays are not getting recorded on the play by play log.

look at my example above.

Oh man. JB pointing out grammar mistakes. Now that's funny.

jbmagic · 11-25-2005, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dervack

Oh man. JB pointing out grammar mistakes. Now that's funny.

i am not talking about grammar mistakes. i guess you cant read, but you always like taking shots at me.

i am talking that not all plays are getting recorded on play by play log.

look at my plays i posted above and you will see.

i think thats a major bug. at least we still in beta.

MizzouRah · 11-25-2005, 01:23 PM

jb's getting fired up!!

INDalltheway · 11-25-2005, 01:28 PM

Someone here doesn't want to read 7 pages worth of discussion, so could someone some up how this game is lookin? I will be downloading it soon, but a nice summary would be nice.

st.cronin · 11-25-2005, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by INDalltheway

Someone here doesn't want to read 7 pages worth of discussion, so could someone some up how this game is lookin? I will be downloading it soon, but a nice summary would be nice.

Solid ... lot of little things need scrubbing; academics is bad, but in the full game you will have the option to turn it off; recruiting is deep and intriguing but messy and complicated.

Pretty much meets or exceeds expectations at this point, imo.

yabanci · 11-25-2005, 02:27 PM

So this isn't really a demo, but rather a big beta testing project?

MrBug708 · 11-25-2005, 03:35 PM

I think it's a combo of both. Everyone's been waiting and while it's not totally done, it gives them a feel on how it's going. Icy's on the beta team so he can work on things as they are finishing. You can look at it different ways I guess.

Arles · 11-25-2005, 03:52 PM

The main point of the demo is to make sure people can install the game OK before they shell out cash and also make sure people get a 50-foot view on the different features the game will offer. That way, when we do the final release, we should hopefully have fewer issues with people being unable to play the moment they download the game. In fact, for all of you with the demo working, you will simply need to download and install a 15 MB (or so) update with a new EXE and nothing else.

It seems there is a lot of debate on the academics aspect of the game. As an FYI, the beta team is very insistent upon upping injuries and reducing suspensions and I fought it a little bit wanting to make sure the academics option wasn't just a formality. But, based on what I've seen in comments, I will definately be toning the suspensions down and adding an option to remove them alltogether (primarily for use in MP leagues - I would guess).

The rest of the issues are ones that had been reported by the beta team in many cases, but had multiple causes (the FG/XP bug being the main example of this). I had thought we had cleaned most of these out but the volume of playing on the demo helped me find a couple instances I hadn't seen in the beta. In the end, I think this weekend will have really helped the quality of the final product, but also provided you guys with a nice view into the types of options/features that will be part of the final game.

One of the areas that was not enabled for the demo was editing. There will be an in-game player and team editor, as well as a help file for modifying the initial database for those inclined to do so. We also have made it possible to "skin" every screen in the game - with the exception that the font colors on a given screen cannot be changed. Still, for those of you that are adament about the background (which seems about 50-50 on preference), there will be ways for people to modify any screen they wish.

Finally, there are certain design decisions people may not agree with that I've made (recruiting in the offseason, academic suspension method, QB rushing stats,...). One of the things that's hard to do as a developer is to make every person happy while also ending up with a game that's fun and challenging to play. I will certainly try to give options for some of these (ie, turn off suspensions, getting fired, recording playoff stats, allowing players to leave early,...), but this can't be done for everything. So, all I ask is that you give the game a shot and if something is really bothering you, let me know and we will see what we can do for the next version.

sovereignstar · 11-25-2005, 04:04 PM

I think beta demos are great ideas. Especially for first-version games.

Anthony · 11-25-2005, 04:08 PM

as long as you make as many aspects of the game editable as possible, i'm on board. i think as a game developer your primary responsibility is to allow me to make the universe *i* want to, and not necessarily handcuff me to the universe *you* want (and i mean "you" as in general terms, not you specifically). that's why OOTP works for me, i can edit as much as i want. other games are a bit more rigid in terms of forcing me to play in the constraints placed upon me by the creator. i like to think outside the box, and i formed a FOF league with some pretty radical ideas, but unfortunately as good as FOF is in providing realistic results it's a bitch to play in any way not intended by the creator.

so make your game as customizable as possible.

dubb93 · 11-25-2005, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arles

QB rushing stats,

I've yet to download the demo but am big on realistic stats. What exactly is wrong with the QB rushing stats?

Flasch186 · 11-25-2005, 04:28 PM

Arles:

Not only has this beta demo been well executed and your communications thereafter an awesome Plus to the experience, I believe that the end product is going to be an incrdible game. I WILL be purchasing the game and appreciate the hard work you have done and the well thought out decisions leading up to the realease date.

Ben E Lou · 11-25-2005, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sovereignstar

I think beta demos are great ideas. Especially for first-version games.

I agree wholeheartedly. Earlier this week (after having had the preview beta for about a week), I mentioned that very thing to Arlie--that I thought the game was at the point that it could be helped greatly by letting lots of people bang away at it and give opinions on things like academics and injuries. I was very pleased to find out that he had already planned to do just that. While some may be annoyed at playing around with a demo that still has bugs, I think that overall, this will help the game immensely. After all, how many text sims can you name that you were able to get into a serious career before the first patch, anyway? Rather than the ol' "paying to beta test" accusation, in this case, we are choosing (or not choosing) to help tighten up the game before paying one red cent. Given the past history of text sims, I can't imagine why anyone could complain about the way they're going about this.

(Oh, and to answer the above question for me, out of the 20+ text sims I've purchased since the original Mogul, there's only been one text sim *ever* that I didn't have to wait for a patch before getting serious about a career.)

TazFTW · 11-25-2005, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubb93

I've yet to download the demo but am big on realistic stats. What exactly is wrong with the QB rushing stats?

IRL, QB sacks are subtracted from QB rushing stats. Arlie decided not to subtract them from a QB's rushing stats but they are subtracted from the team's rushing stats. Arlie says that this is a better way for people to judge a QB's running ability. Some people disagree because it is not as it is in real life.

Ben E Lou · 11-25-2005, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TazFTW

IRL, QB sacks are subtracted from QB rushing stats. Arlie decided not to subtract them from a QB's rushing stats but they are subtracted from the team's rushing stats. Arlie says that this is a better way for people to judge a QB's running ability. Some people disagree because it is not as it is in real life.

To me, this is analogous to FOF's using "points per visit" stat in the red zone. In the case of both the case of points per visit and BBCF's method of calculating QB rushing stats, are they the way that the stat is tracked in real life? No. Are both *MUCH* better indicators of the success/failure that the real-life stats are supposed to help indicate? Yes.

dubb93 · 11-25-2005, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TazFTW

IRL, QB sacks are subtracted from QB rushing stats. Arlie decided not to subtract them from a QB's rushing stats but they are subtracted from the team's rushing stats. Arlie says that this is a better way for people to judge a QB's running ability. Some people disagree because it is not as it is in real life.

That is refreshing to hear. I was expecting something along the lines of all QB's being pocket passers, or every QB being able to put up solid rushing stats.

johnnyshaka · 11-25-2005, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TazFTW

IRL, QB sacks are subtracted from QB rushing stats. Arlie decided not to subtract them from a QB's rushing stats but they are subtracted from the team's rushing stats. Arlie says that this is a better way for people to judge a QB's running ability. Some people disagree because it is not as it is in real life.

Don't know if this has been suggested yet or not, but why not just include both calculations?? Have a stat for QBs showing their rushing yards with sacks figured in and then another one showing them without sacks. Or, just include the yardage lost via the sack in the rushing portion of the stats report so it's readily available to make comparisons.

Emiliano · 11-25-2005, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flasch186

Arles:

Not only has this beta demo been well executed and your communications thereafter an awesome Plus to the experience, I believe that the end product is going to be an incrdible game. I WILL be purchasing the game and appreciate the hard work you have done and the well thought out decisions leading up to the realease date.

Exactly my thoughts. Great job Arlie.

st.cronin · 11-25-2005, 06:25 PM

Has anybody figured out a way, during recruiting, to a) track your weekly budget expenditures? and b) find out which other schools have offered scholarships to recruits you are interested in?

a) I have had to do with pen/paper.
b) I suspect this is a design decision, a fog of war type setting - if this is so, it's a bad idea.

TazFTW · 11-25-2005, 06:49 PM

Ouch. How common is this injury going to be?

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBCF

TE Bobbie Kotite is out a couple months with his Testicles (Testicular Cancer). We will do what we can to get him back into action as soon as possible, but we can't make any promises at this point.

[edit]Interesting. I simmed 1 week and he is now cured of cancer. He went from Out 12-14 weeks to OK.

Ajaxab · 11-25-2005, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by st.cronin

Has anybody figured out a way, during recruiting, to a) track your weekly budget expenditures? and b) find out which other schools have offered scholarships to recruits you are interested in?

a) I have had to do with pen/paper.
b) I suspect this is a design decision, a fog of war type setting - if this is so, it's a bad idea.

I agree on these points. Even if we don't know exactly which schools have offered recruits scholarships, it would be nice to get a bit more feedback about where recruits' respective heads are at in their decision-making processes. Maybe this info can be ascertained through a combination of interest levels and your scouting service's feedback, but it would be nice to have this information handy. Adding this info might also provide for a more interesting universe in the sense recruits could tell you they really wanted to play for your school and then turn around and go to your rival instead. These kinds of situations could theoretically give you more of an emotional engagement with the game.

Anthony · 11-25-2005, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TazFTW

Ouch. How common is this injury going to be?

[edit]Interesting. I simmed 1 week and he is now cured of cancer. He went from Out 12-14 weeks to OK.

lol...WOW

DaddyTorgo · 11-25-2005, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ajaxab

I agree on these points. Even if we don't know exactly which schools have offered recruits scholarships, it would be nice to get a bit more feedback about where recruits' respective heads are at in their decision-making processes. Maybe this info can be ascertained through a combination of interest levels and your scouting service's feedback, but it would be nice to have this information handy. Adding this info might also provide for a more interesting universe in the sense recruits could tell you they really wanted to play for your school and then turn around and go to your rival instead. These kinds of situations could theoretically give you more of an emotional engagement with the game.

well there is that weekly email that comes from the scouting service giving you advice. But yes, it would be nice if it could be a bit more specific. "No Alcorn State, QB Joey Briggs won't sign with you because he's going to play for Michigan. He feels your school is way beneath him."

but maybe i'm spoiled by FM?

DaddyTorgo · 11-25-2005, 07:37 PM

dola

when monitoring recruits in-season, can you actually DO anything? like add them to your watch list or something from the "monitor recruits" screen?

dubb93 · 11-25-2005, 07:53 PM

Aside from being able to see the upcoming recruits and their interest level do I actually need to do ANYTHING at all about recruiting in season? Or do I just look at them?

gstelmack · 11-25-2005, 07:54 PM

I'm just drooling at the reports and utilities I'll be able to write given that this is an Access database and VS.NET 2005 comes with some sweet tools that make it trivial to read from an Access data source...

dubb93 · 11-25-2005, 07:54 PM

Ya beat me to it DaddyTorgo

, I can't figure it out either.

Airhog · 11-25-2005, 08:14 PM

Hopefully Arlie will release a non-beta demo, one that runs on my machine at least.

dubb93 · 11-25-2005, 08:23 PM

Incase Arlie reads this, I would really like a way to see what plays we get a bonus and penalty for running in game while I'm calling plays. I figured it would already be in, so I'm pretty much calling plays in the dark on offense for the time being.

My first game is off to an interesting start. I'm playing as Indiana and somehow actually got some good players, mainly a quick RB with great hands(4 carries 21 yards so far) and one of the best QB's in the big ten. If only we had the receivers and line to go with them.....

On the defensive side, we have no lineman worth anything(1.5 current NT!!), average linebackers(4 starters range from 3.5 current to 2.0 current), and a secondary that should be able to shut down ANYONE! A 4.5/5.0 CB and a 4.0/4.5 CB.

So far against Kentucky we lost a fumble that was returned for a TD on our first possession, and then marched the ball down the field 80 yards on 6 plays for a TD. So its 7-7, time to see how this interesting D can do.

DaddyTorgo · 11-25-2005, 08:50 PM

i'd like to see that too dub. right now it just seems like there's a lot that you're going to have to write down when playing the game. which is no fun. stuff like that, and recruits in-season, stuff like that.

edit: tooth-and-nail right now as #3 Florida against #2 LSU.

AlexB · 11-25-2005, 09:09 PM

FWIW, although I have not downloaded the demo, I think that for a 1st release the input from a board like this is invaluable for the developers, and in the vast majority of cases the points have been raised in a constructive manner.

I'm sure Arles is grateful for the input, and you guys can feel good that you have responded in the right way, and should all pat yourselves on the bakc in the knowledge that you have helped make a game that you will enjoy in the future a better experience for many others.

dubb93 · 11-25-2005, 09:13 PM

The Hoosiers are doing their best to frustrate me. Right now it is 20-14 Kentucky at the half despite the fact that we have 150+ more yards than them right now.

Their 2 TDs were a 56 yard fumble return for a TD, and a big 12 yard drive off a fumble we had on a kickoff return.

We set them up for a 41 yard field goal attempt with a defensive holding and roughing the passer penalty(on 3rd down!). They missed the 41 yarder, but we jumped offsides giving them a 1st down. They ended up getting a field goal later on the drive. The 1 good drive they did have ended with a made 45 yarder.

On our side we've dropped 6 passes in the first half, including what would have been a 60+ yard touchdown when the WR had the corner burned. Both of our scoring drives have been 80 or more yard drives.

This second half better go better for us....

DaddyTorgo · 11-25-2005, 09:22 PM

44-9 Florida over LSU with 7:53 left in the 4th. The suspense is pretty much out of this one, I just hope I get the bump to #1/#2 after this. I want to end a season @ #1 and see how well I can do recruiting then, cuz the season I actually ended at #2 or #3 I did really horrible in recruiting. And that might be a problem somewhat Arles...I'm talking of all the guys i went hard after (and this is as the #2/#3 team in the country, lost in the championship game by 6 points or something)...I got ONE of them. And this was guys with 10 interest in coming to Michigan that I spent max money on through the entire recruiting process...methinks a little tweaking might need to be done.

WVUFAN · 11-25-2005, 09:22 PM

Rather than post in a whole new topic, I thought I'd toss this in here -- this was posted in the Grey Dog forum, but I know not everyone looks over there. My apologies for those who may have already read this:

I've always loved the online leagues -- from my first league using FPS Pro to FOF. I've wanted the chance to participate in an actual college league, and since this game is soon to be upon us, I've decided to go ahead and begin the process of creating a league for players of Bowl Bound.

The website is yet to be set up, but if you're interested in participating, go to the newly setup forums HERE and register, talk about what you would like to see in the league and grab up your favorite team! It's my hope to, along with good dedicated players, to make this a fun, enjoyable league for many years to come.

Anyway, please stop by, and again, thanks for this fantastic game. :-)

Eric
www.ncaacfl.org

Groundhog · 11-25-2005, 09:27 PM

OK, I've spent several hours on this now, and I'm very impressed. The full version of this game is going to keep me entertained for a LONG time.

DaddyTorgo · 11-25-2005, 09:31 PM

agreed. but one thing that seems kind of weird to me...the descriptions of "short/medium/long" passing play seem kind of arbitrary. More often than not I've seen short passes on say 3rd and 4 go for 11-12 yards, and medium passes for 30-40 yards. More often then they would if it was simply broken coverage...or maybe there just needs to be more of "and coverage broke down on that play" kinda PBP, because right now as it stands I could make a living just throwing short passes and never having to go to medium/long. Anyone else notice this?

dubb93 · 11-25-2005, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

agreed. but one thing that seems kind of weird to me...the descriptions of "short/medium/long" passing play seem kind of arbitrary. More often than not I've seen short passes on say 3rd and 4 go for 11-12 yards, and medium passes for 30-40 yards. More often then they would if it was simply broken coverage...or maybe there just needs to be more of "and coverage broke down on that play" kinda PBP, because right now as it stands I could make a living just throwing short passes and never having to go to medium/long. Anyone else notice this?

Could it be your wide receivers? B/C I just haven't seen my short passes go for more than 12 yards so far, and that was once on a screen and the PBP said my RB broke several tackles. More often than not they have gone for 3-4 yards(or even no gain on screens), and my medium passes go for 7-12 yards. This is with WR's of 2.5 and 1.5 current starting. My RB that broke the screen is a 3.0 current listed as a "3rd down back."

dubb93 · 11-25-2005, 09:48 PM

:SIGH: Touchdown on 3rd down called back for holding. We throw an incomplete pass and miss a field goal. This team is going to be hard to get to win games...

dervack · 11-25-2005, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbmagic

i am not talking about grammar mistakes.

Uh, yeah you were, but what fucking ever. Apparently

means nothing to you.

AlexB · 11-25-2005, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dervack

Uh, yeah you were, but what fucking ever. Apparently

means nothing to you.

This has nothing to do with me, and I shouldn't get involved, but it's Friday night 4am over here so intenet board etiquette is not so important right now.

jbmagic was not talking about a grammar error - he was highlighting the fact that around about a minute of the game logs appeared to go missing from his report.

And the

would have been fine if he had have been making a point about grammar - the joke was good, you just chose the one occasion where it was not applicable. Store it up for next time, copy and paste, everyone's a winner.

dubb93 · 11-25-2005, 10:09 PM

If anyone is waiting for an update for how the game ended, I quit it when they scored a late TD, and decided to go for 2. They got a false start and it changed from going for 2 to 1st and goal. 3 plays later they had 6 more points and I decided to quit. I plan on trying again later, but I must say it was very frustrating actually coming back and taking the lead and losing it on that.

MizzouRah · 11-25-2005, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubb93

If anyone is waiting for an update for how the game ended, I quit it when they scored a late TD, and decided to go for 2. They got a false start and it changed from going for 2 to 1st and goal. 3 plays later they had 6 more points and I decided to quit. I plan on trying again later, but I must say it was very frustrating actually coming back and taking the lead and losing it on that.

Whattya mean you quit?

Dutch · 11-25-2005, 10:22 PM

Initial Impressions:

1. The game is very nice looking, but it still will take some time to get used to it. Lots of information, but that may just be initial shock that wears off as you learn the ropes. And yes, I haven't had an epileptic seizure, but the white fonts on the dark screen are tougher than I expected. Not showstopping however.

2. I do like the strong emphasis on linear gameplay. (The left-hand pane) That should keep you focused on what you should be doing when you return to the game after an absence. I understand that folks who play the heck out of the game are not going to care about that, but for casual players, I'll bet it's very useful.

3. Observation - The sim to next week in the initial stages is oddly placed. It should be available on the primary game window, not tucked away on another screen.

4. The Play-by-Play for games is great. I love it! Obviously, the actual wording needs to be refined. I want it to read more like a professional telecast than a color commentator. That may just be me, but it sounds corny when the guy says "The SS charged up and gave the WR Alligator Arms!" I like the detail, but not the emotion, I think I'll end up knowing when to be emotional more than the PBP. A simple, "The SS was looking to make a big hit on that play. The WR looked nervous and may have taken his eye off the ball in anticipation of getting hit by the SS." Then I can scream, "W00T! WR's got Alligator Arms!"

5. The scoring has issues. Here's the box score from the Air Force/Army's first game. (Extra-Points counting for 3 and taking time off the clock.)

6. The QB for Army is named Stallings. This is an obvious typo that needs to be fixed.

That's as far as I've gotten (Game #1). So far, I like the game and think it can be a lot of fun once the bugs are worked out. While I feel much more confident in TCY's box scores I realize that this is BBCF 1.0 (if that) and I am so far very impressed. In order to support the effort, I know I'll be picking up a copy when it's ready for release.

DaddyTorgo · 11-25-2005, 10:23 PM

he means he quit b/c of the error in the game engine

MizzouRah · 11-25-2005, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

he means he quit b/c of the error in the game engine

Ok, I need to go to bed.

dervack · 11-25-2005, 10:46 PM

nevermind, I'm done with this...

DaddyTorgo · 11-25-2005, 11:42 PM

Arles...anyway we could get an e-mail inviting us to our bowl game? That'd be nice, especially so we could see what week we are playing in in terms of bowl games. Or is there a list already in-game that I just can't find for the current year?

11-25-2005, 04:28 PM	#315
Flasch186 Coordinator Join Date: May 2002 Location: Jacksonville, FL	Arles: Not only has this beta demo been well executed and your communications thereafter an awesome Plus to the experience, I believe that the end product is going to be an incrdible game. I WILL be purchasing the game and appreciate the hard work you have done and the well thought out decisions leading up to the realease date. __________________ Jacksonville-florida-homes-for-sale Putting a New Spin on Real Estate! ----------------------------------------------------------- Commissioner of the USFL USFL

11-25-2005, 07:54 PM	#329
gstelmack Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Cary, NC	I'm just drooling at the reports and utilities I'll be able to write given that this is an Access database and VS.NET 2005 comes with some sweet tools that make it trivial to read from an Access data source... __________________ -- Greg -- Author of various FOF utilities

11-25-2005, 08:14 PM	#331
Airhog Captain Obvious Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Norman, Oklahoma	Hopefully Arlie will release a non-beta demo, one that runs on my machine at least. __________________ Thread Killer extraordinaire Yay! its football season once again!

11-25-2005, 08:50 PM	#333
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	i'd like to see that too dub. right now it just seems like there's a lot that you're going to have to write down when playing the game. which is no fun. stuff like that, and recruits in-season, stuff like that. edit: tooth-and-nail right now as #3 Florida against #2 LSU. Last edited by DaddyTorgo : 11-25-2005 at 08:51 PM.

11-25-2005, 09:09 PM	#334
AlexB Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Newbury, England	FWIW, although I have not downloaded the demo, I think that for a 1st release the input from a board like this is invaluable for the developers, and in the vast majority of cases the points have been raised in a constructive manner. I'm sure Arles is grateful for the input, and you guys can feel good that you have responded in the right way, and should all pat yourselves on the bakc in the knowledge that you have helped make a game that you will enjoy in the future a better experience for many others. __________________ 'A song is a beautiful lie', Idlewild, Self Healer. When you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you. Sports!

11-25-2005, 02:59 AM	#301
Anthony Banned Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Astoria, NY, USA	ICY: for your real teams file you have Rice as "Central TexasRice Owls". maybe you can fix that when you get a chance, i don't have Access on my home PC.

11-25-2005, 03:13 AM	#303
Icy Pro Starter Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Toledo - Spain	Dola, HA you must have one of the old versions as in the latest one that is fixed. Download it again from http://www.prodeportes.com/bb/pstats1.3.zip

11-25-2005, 01:23 PM	#306
MizzouRah Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Troy, Mo	jb's getting fired up!!

11-25-2005, 01:28 PM	#307
INDalltheway College Benchwarmer Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Chicago	Someone here doesn't want to read 7 pages worth of discussion, so could someone some up how this game is lookin? I will be downloading it soon, but a nice summary would be nice.

11-25-2005, 02:27 PM	#309
yabanci College Benchwarmer Join Date: Jun 2003	So this isn't really a demo, but rather a big beta testing project?

11-25-2005, 03:35 PM	#310
MrBug708 Head Coach Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Whittier	I think it's a combo of both. Everyone's been waiting and while it's not totally done, it gives them a feel on how it's going. Icy's on the beta team so he can work on things as they are finishing. You can look at it different ways I guess.

11-25-2005, 03:52 PM	#311
Arles Grey Dog Software Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Phoenix, AZ by way of Belleville, IL	The main point of the demo is to make sure people can install the game OK before they shell out cash and also make sure people get a 50-foot view on the different features the game will offer. That way, when we do the final release, we should hopefully have fewer issues with people being unable to play the moment they download the game. In fact, for all of you with the demo working, you will simply need to download and install a 15 MB (or so) update with a new EXE and nothing else. It seems there is a lot of debate on the academics aspect of the game. As an FYI, the beta team is very insistent upon upping injuries and reducing suspensions and I fought it a little bit wanting to make sure the academics option wasn't just a formality. But, based on what I've seen in comments, I will definately be toning the suspensions down and adding an option to remove them alltogether (primarily for use in MP leagues - I would guess). The rest of the issues are ones that had been reported by the beta team in many cases, but had multiple causes (the FG/XP bug being the main example of this). I had thought we had cleaned most of these out but the volume of playing on the demo helped me find a couple instances I hadn't seen in the beta. In the end, I think this weekend will have really helped the quality of the final product, but also provided you guys with a nice view into the types of options/features that will be part of the final game. One of the areas that was not enabled for the demo was editing. There will be an in-game player and team editor, as well as a help file for modifying the initial database for those inclined to do so. We also have made it possible to "skin" every screen in the game - with the exception that the font colors on a given screen cannot be changed. Still, for those of you that are adament about the background (which seems about 50-50 on preference), there will be ways for people to modify any screen they wish. Finally, there are certain design decisions people may not agree with that I've made (recruiting in the offseason, academic suspension method, QB rushing stats,...). One of the things that's hard to do as a developer is to make every person happy while also ending up with a game that's fun and challenging to play. I will certainly try to give options for some of these (ie, turn off suspensions, getting fired, recording playoff stats, allowing players to leave early,...), but this can't be done for everything. So, all I ask is that you give the game a shot and if something is really bothering you, let me know and we will see what we can do for the next version.

11-25-2005, 04:04 PM	#312
sovereignstar Pro Starter Join Date: Feb 2004	I think beta demos are great ideas. Especially for first-version games.

11-25-2005, 04:08 PM	#313
Anthony Banned Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Astoria, NY, USA	as long as you make as many aspects of the game editable as possible, i'm on board. i think as a game developer your primary responsibility is to allow me to make the universe i want to, and not necessarily handcuff me to the universe you want (and i mean "you" as in general terms, not you specifically). that's why OOTP works for me, i can edit as much as i want. other games are a bit more rigid in terms of forcing me to play in the constraints placed upon me by the creator. i like to think outside the box, and i formed a FOF league with some pretty radical ideas, but unfortunately as good as FOF is in providing realistic results it's a bitch to play in any way not intended by the creator. so make your game as customizable as possible.

11-25-2005, 06:25 PM	#322
st.cronin General Manager Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: New Mexico	Has anybody figured out a way, during recruiting, to a) track your weekly budget expenditures? and b) find out which other schools have offered scholarships to recruits you are interested in? a) I have had to do with pen/paper. b) I suspect this is a design decision, a fog of war type setting - if this is so, it's a bad idea.

11-25-2005, 07:37 PM	#327
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	dola when monitoring recruits in-season, can you actually DO anything? like add them to your watch list or something from the "monitor recruits" screen?

11-25-2005, 09:22 PM	#336
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	44-9 Florida over LSU with 7:53 left in the 4th. The suspense is pretty much out of this one, I just hope I get the bump to #1/#2 after this. I want to end a season @ #1 and see how well I can do recruiting then, cuz the season I actually ended at #2 or #3 I did really horrible in recruiting. And that might be a problem somewhat Arles...I'm talking of all the guys i went hard after (and this is as the #2/#3 team in the country, lost in the championship game by 6 points or something)...I got ONE of them. And this was guys with 10 interest in coming to Michigan that I spent max money on through the entire recruiting process...methinks a little tweaking might need to be done.

11-25-2005, 09:22 PM	#337
WVUFAN College Starter Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Huntington, WV	Online League Rather than post in a whole new topic, I thought I'd toss this in here -- this was posted in the Grey Dog forum, but I know not everyone looks over there. My apologies for those who may have already read this: I've always loved the online leagues -- from my first league using FPS Pro to FOF. I've wanted the chance to participate in an actual college league, and since this game is soon to be upon us, I've decided to go ahead and begin the process of creating a league for players of Bowl Bound. The website is yet to be set up, but if you're interested in participating, go to the newly setup forums HERE and register, talk about what you would like to see in the league and grab up your favorite team! It's my hope to, along with good dedicated players, to make this a fun, enjoyable league for many years to come. Anyway, please stop by, and again, thanks for this fantastic game. :-) Eric www.ncaacfl.org

11-25-2005, 09:27 PM	#338
Groundhog Coordinator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Sydney, Australia	OK, I've spent several hours on this now, and I'm very impressed. The full version of this game is going to keep me entertained for a LONG time. __________________ Politics, n. Strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. --Ambrose Bierce

11-25-2005, 09:31 PM	#339
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	agreed. but one thing that seems kind of weird to me...the descriptions of "short/medium/long" passing play seem kind of arbitrary. More often than not I've seen short passes on say 3rd and 4 go for 11-12 yards, and medium passes for 30-40 yards. More often then they would if it was simply broken coverage...or maybe there just needs to be more of "and coverage broke down on that play" kinda PBP, because right now as it stands I could make a living just throwing short passes and never having to go to medium/long. Anyone else notice this?

11-25-2005, 10:22 PM	#346
Dutch "Dutch" Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Tampa, FL	Initial Impressions: 1. The game is very nice looking, but it still will take some time to get used to it. Lots of information, but that may just be initial shock that wears off as you learn the ropes. And yes, I haven't had an epileptic seizure, but the white fonts on the dark screen are tougher than I expected. Not showstopping however. 2. I do like the strong emphasis on linear gameplay. (The left-hand pane) That should keep you focused on what you should be doing when you return to the game after an absence. I understand that folks who play the heck out of the game are not going to care about that, but for casual players, I'll bet it's very useful. 3. Observation - The sim to next week in the initial stages is oddly placed. It should be available on the primary game window, not tucked away on another screen. 4. The Play-by-Play for games is great. I love it! Obviously, the actual wording needs to be refined. I want it to read more like a professional telecast than a color commentator. That may just be me, but it sounds corny when the guy says "The SS charged up and gave the WR Alligator Arms!" I like the detail, but not the emotion, I think I'll end up knowing when to be emotional more than the PBP. A simple, "The SS was looking to make a big hit on that play. The WR looked nervous and may have taken his eye off the ball in anticipation of getting hit by the SS." Then I can scream, "W00T! WR's got Alligator Arms!" 5. The scoring has issues. Here's the box score from the Air Force/Army's first game. (Extra-Points counting for 3 and taking time off the clock.) 6. The QB for Army is named Stallings. This is an obvious typo that needs to be fixed. That's as far as I've gotten (Game #1). So far, I like the game and think it can be a lot of fun once the bugs are worked out. While I feel much more confident in TCY's box scores I realize that this is BBCF 1.0 (if that) and I am so far very impressed. In order to support the effort, I know I'll be picking up a copy when it's ready for release.

11-25-2005, 10:23 PM	#347
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	he means he quit b/c of the error in the game engine

11-25-2005, 10:46 PM	#349
dervack College Prospect Join Date: Jun 2005	nevermind, I'm done with this... Last edited by dervack : 11-25-2005 at 11:02 PM.

11-25-2005, 11:42 PM	#350
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	Arles...anyway we could get an e-mail inviting us to our bowl game? That'd be nice, especially so we could see what week we are playing in in terms of bowl games. Or is there a list already in-game that I just can't find for the current year?

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