Sims and the recognition condition

[Bonegavel]

(i don't play CM4, so if this is done or something like it, don't freak. Also, this has probably come up countless times, but bear with me.)

One of my biggest problems with FOF or OOTP (the 2 sports sims I own) beyond the correct stat generation, AI, Trades, etc., is the lack of player recognition. Now, I'm sure some of you out there (especially the dynasty writers) know the McNabbs, Barry Sanderseses, and their ilk of your games. But I don't have the patience to memorise the stat leaders of the league etc. Besides, they are just numbers.

I think I saw TournDreams do some sort of random face generation for its players, but each looks like an egg with eyes (if you think this feature has helped, post). How can the game get us to know the players better?

My thoughts:

Build in some sort of Sports Center-like feature that talks about players that receive endorsement deals, contracts that are huge, controversy, or anything you would see on ESPN that helps us remember and know the players in the NFL.

This feature could be daily, weekly, or whatever. It would talk about the players after the games and show how these "big fellas" fared this week. But most of all, it would get those names in your face on a regular basis.

Also, on the player card (or stat list) show some sort of "celebrity" status. Something (icon, rating) that lets you know when looking at a player whether they are a type of Brett Favre or no-name scrub.

This could just be my laziness, but this would help me get into the game a bit more.

[Franklinnoble]

Good idea... it would be nice to have that kind of personalization in the game.

[Leonidas]

OOTP at least tries to address this with their news reports on POW, POM, the player tracker etc. I think Madden tried the "Player Card" thing, but it was really just an arcade thing to accomplish certain feats to collect cards to be turned in for cheats.

But some personalization would be nice.

[Anrhydeddu]

Another reason why I love playing with the Lahman database, along with the historical facepacks. Instant recognition even if the known players perform differently.

[mrsimperless]

I think the SI covers in NCAA2004 do a great job of providing what you are describing, which is why I spend so much more time in the stats now than ever before. I think seeing these guys in the features makes me want to look up their stats. More could definitely be done though. I especially liked your endorsements idea.

[daedalus]

I've seen bits and pieces of what you're talking about sprinkled throughout various games, although I don't know that I've seen one that puts everything together.

CM, EHM and OOTP all have newspaper functions that does a little of the reporting and what nots. I like EHM's because it does a little bit about who's hot and who's not and all that (or it did when I last looked at it many versions ago). I like CM's because it has a lot of the human-like interaction stuff (which probably could still use even more fleshing out) like this person wants to move where and this person is happy or unhappy.

I think FOF does or did tried to implement the whole celebrity status thing on a very limited basis. I don't know that it's as extensive as I'd like to see but it's a start. CM also does this on a minor basis as well. If you managed to sign a long-time superstar (say, Raul) then you'll get a notification that your supporters are very happy about this signing and what nots. I do wish the negative aspect of this (say, selling a superstar) was implemented a bit more. I haven't played CM4, though, so I don't know if this part has been expanded or not.

[Dutch]

One of the biggest challenges is the speed of the games. If you play one season a day, 3 weeks from now, you're stud 1st round draft pick who was exceptional is already retired and on his way to the hall of fame ballots.

Now you should have some recognition with your own players. Then you pay attention to the league leaders from time to time (I usually just check it once at the end of the year to see where my players fit into the "world").

But what about that guy who played for the Kasas City Chiefs during their down years and ended up with 13,000 yards rushing or 1,000 tackles in his career? Who knew they had him? I didn't. Because within 3 weeks, he's in the hall of fame, and I'm off worrying about my own guys again.

How is this fixed? The only thing I can think of is a very detailed pre-game report ESPN styled that knows who's good and who's not.

Perhaps implementing the CM game rating (1-10) and then averaging that out over a career, last 3 years, last 10 games, and the last game and being able to say that

"RB Joe Johnson (rating average 8.43 over the last 3 years) is the best RB in the business today. He has been roughing up defenses (rating 9.23 over the last 10 games) as of late but had a rough go in Dallas last week facing the #3 defense in the leage (and only mustering a rating of 5)."

On the other side of the ball, rumors have been confirmed that DE Jack Forest is hanging up the cleats at the end of this year. He has dominated throughout his career (career average 8.91) and has been steady again so far this year collecting 8 sacks over 10 games. He has played through numerous injuries in his career to accumulate a team-high 122 game starts and will be missed greatly by the Seattle Seahawks. He will be lining up opposite of projected started LT John Hawkins of the Miami Dolphins today."

Then go into as much depth as you can work out.

Just ideas.

[Marc Vaughan]

I agree this side of things needs to be brought to the fore in most games, CM has done some things to emphasise this sort of thing (as mentioned by previous posters - News items, Descriptions of players in their proifles (ie. wonderkid etc.)).

There is more than needs to be done however, for instance having a player marked as a 'legend' at a club and then referred to seasons on in the game would be cool ... eg.

"Rookie Quarter back has been compared to former club legend 'BoneGavel' after his start at the club"

(or something along those lines)

Lots of plans with regards to this sort of thing, it'll take several years however for me to work all of it into the game ...

[Marc Vaughan]

Oh yeah and you can also add face packs etc. to CM4 if you're that way inclined (cmskins.com has loads I believe).

[Dutch]

If I remember correctly, in order to enjoy the CM experience, you really have to take your time each week in paying attention to your team. So CM has the benefit of a slower season and thus you end up getting better player recognition.

I don't ever remember thinking that Midfielder A was a smart player with good team tactics vs. Midfielder B who played aggressive naturally tended to try and make things happen on his own.

Perhaps the ratings reflect that, but with so many ratings, I would get lost looking at a player profile. But I confess I was never an expert of the subject matter (soccer).