FBCB startup questions

[yabanci]

I just downloaded the demo based on all the good things people say about it here. I've got a couple of questions before I start it up:

1. What setting should I use for player attributes (i.e., 1-10, 1-20, 1-100, A-F)? I'm not a big basketball fan so I'm thinking of using A-F for sake of simplicity. Is that *too* simple? Does the A-F system include the A+/A- variations?

2. Is the real player file any good? By that I mean does it produce overall results/talent distribution similar to what a game-generated fictional file would produce? The file I'm talking about is the 02/03 file from here: http://www.goosejuice.com/fbcb/ .

3. Is there any other advice I should know about before getting started?

Thanks in advance.

[Peregrine]

1. Settings like that are pure personal preference. I know people that use all of them, if A-F helps you get started, I'd go with that, but if may get confusing since player potentials are already rated A-F. I've never used A-F personally, I started with 1-100 but have switched to 1-20 and find it a lot easier to deal with (less number overload, it's pretty simple at a glance to know that double digits are good, etc)

2. Never used it, don't know.

3. Definitely try a mix of letting the computer run games and you coaching them. A lot of players don't check out the play by play and the coaching the games for a while, but they're a great part of the game and a lot of fun. The ultimate mix between the two options will be whatever you feel comfortable with.

Have fun, it's a great game, playing it right now actually.

[RPI-Fan]

FWIW, A-F is similar to 1-10... it does indeed include + and -.

[Sweed]

I've had the game for about three or four weeks and love it. I am using the real roster that you have linked to and am happy with the results about 20 games into my first season. I can't say I've looked at totals for the whole country but they look pretty good in the Big 10 so far and are about what I'd expect from my Iowa Hawkeyes. Remember though that your coaching can make a difference in the stats your team produces depending on all the decisions you are allowed to make in the game.

If you're getting the roster there you just as well pick up the logos and real coach file also. Not sure how much difference the coach file makes (wheather they used random ratings or actually rated them) but it looks better seeing real names when your first starting out imho.

Enjoy the game.

[John Galt]

1) I like A-F because I read them easier. I think I just got used to Baseball Mogul way back when and have always preferred letters. I also don't like too much accuracy (ie 100 point scale) - it takes out the guesswork.

2) The real player file is ok, but has issues. For smaller program especially, a ton of players are listed without scholarships so it distorts recruiting class sizes early on. It is also impossible to win or not get fired with some programs because the talent is so poor. I still had fun with it for a while, but now just play fictional teams.

3) Don't aim too high or too low with recruits. If you are playing a crappy school (where it is more fun :)), my strategy is just to shoot for regional *** recruits and accpet walkons if I have to. Building a base of *** recruits with good skills in their key positional areas is the key to moving up in the league. I also redshirt almost every freshmen even though that is hard to do early on when you see how bad your talent is. Resist the urge and it pays off over the long fun.

It is a great game - you'll have a ton of fun.

[yabanci]

These are all great comments, so thanks. I'm going to go with the A-F system. I think I'll just generate fictional players. To tell the truth, I've paid zero attention to college basketball over the last four years, so the real players would not be recognizable to me anyway. I'll be starting with UCLA, since it's my alma mater and the only team to which I've ever paid any attention. I figure by the time I destroy the program and get fired I'll be ready to start OOTP 6 anyway.

[John Galt]

If you are going to start with a top program then I suggest making your coaching skill ratings a bit higher. I know that is contrary to most games, but in FBCB, if you lack skills you will get eaten alive in big conferences. Besides, I think it is more fun to start with average or low schools at a bad program and eventually get hired by your alma matter (it is genuinely exciting when you finally get the email from them). And during that time, your skills improve so you won't be in over your head when your playing with the big boys.