Front Office 2004 vs Front Office 4

[mmarra82]

I know I have mentioned this more than once in the past few weeks, but I do think it is a bug the way the computer AI handles their rosters in 2004 compared to FOF4. In simming season 1 for both game titles it appears the 2004 versions enters the second season with as low as 15 players on their roster to as many as 25 on their roster. When you compare to FOF4 where the low was 22 to around 35 players on their roster as the game prepares for the free agency period. It appears that FOF4 has the roster management a little further in line than the latest version of the game.

Now, I like a lot of the new features placed in the 2004 version, however, I cannot seem to get past the way the computer AI handles this.

[FBPro]

I've played 50+ seasons w/ 2k4 and love it. I've not even noticed the issue and have not dominated the game. Just having fun. :)

[amdaily]

I've played 50+ seasons w/ 2k4 and love it. I've not even noticed the issue and have not dominated the game. Just having fun. :)
It's fun, but not as fun as it should be.

Seeing a division rivals HOF QB move on to his 4th team in 8 years the season after you battle it out for 1st place is quite disappointing.

Having next to zero continunity in terms of long term rivalries (both with players in your division who swap teams every 4 years, or with overall teams who bring in 40 new players every season) saps alot of realism out of the game.

[Peregrine]

I have to agree that there are problems with the way the AI teams handle their rosters. You can see it each year in FA signings, the megastars that don't even get an offer from their existing teams (who have cap room and no good backups,) the way players seem to go into AI offer limbo when an offer falls through because of cap, and never get another offer the rest of free agency, the way the AI teams shuffle around 2/3rds of their rosters each year and it doesn't seem to affect cohesion ratings. I am hoping against hope this gets looked at in the next patch.

[Darkiller]

Basically, FOF2004 is multiplayer only for me now so I don't worry about that (important) issue anymore.
Multiplayer was obviously my main reason for buying/playing the new version. When I want some solo play, I turn back to FOF2 which has its flows (not a lot actually) and fewer features but which is basically perfect and smooth for the operational processes.