Version 5.0d

[Solecismic]

I've fixed the problems found with 5.0c, and created 5.0d.

Since ViaTech is not open during the weekend, the link on my web site still points to 5.0c. But SkyDog was kind enough to let me use his server (link in the perma-sticky item), as my ISP doesn't give me a lot of web space. So you can download 5.0d right now.

Fixed: The new recommend non-kicker free agency list no longer includes players who aren't free agents, you can access the personnel screen for the I formation again, added some abbreviations to the text used for telling you about conflicts and affinities when offering a salary, backed out the restriction on releasing players once free agency begins, and dynamically added these players to the list of those who can receive offers.

Now that last fix is a bit risky in that it required a major change to how a certain structure is used. I think I've handled all cases, but unlike anything in 5.0c, it's a high-risk fix.

[Ben E Lou]

LINK (http://www.younglifenorthdekalb.com/FrontOfficeFootball2004.exe)

[TRO]

Bravo Jim.

[FBPro]

I'm not getting an option to install the patch into the game dir. Is the patch searching for and finding the game and installing?

[yabanci]

Very nice, very responsive. Thank you.

[amdaily]

Great news Jim. I knew this was coming, but never expected it within 1 day :).

[Vinatieri for Prez]

That was mighty quick. I would still like to see edit coach/coordinator names, I guess we will see that in 5.0e coming out tomorrow.

[VPI97]

Bravo Jim.What he said.

[chinaski]

any plans too make a patch, instead of releasing the whole game each time?

[Alf]

ditto chinaski. I still only have phone modem internet access...

[Eaglesfan27]

Thanks for the quick patch, Jim.

[MizzouRah]

Thanks!!


Todd

[Flasch186]

what do you mean by Risky? Are any MP leagues at risk by installing this?

Commish

[Flasch186]

jim - its awesome i just hope it doesnt crash anything.....what a great combo to have both Fido's HTML and yours pumping out info.

Incredible....makes the USFL even better

[Fritz]

hooligan indeed

[Crim]

I'd like to just make a comment about Jim. I am amazed and impressed at his attention to the needs of the community that has evolved around his games. To come out with a huge patch, to discover that there are flaws/bugs/things the community just didn't like, and then to put in the proverbial overtime necessary to remedy those concerns immediately shows the kind of pride in one's product that is almost unheard of, in this or any industry.

I don't even have FOF (only TCY), but I'm purchasing it now.

Bravo, Jim.


Crim

[Flasch186]

smart move to buy it, its awesome

[Solecismic]

Thanks for the support. By risky, I meant that I probably would have heard of crashes by now if something went wrong. There's nothing in 5.0d that should cause anyone to think of staying on 5.0c. The big change in AI FA acquisition was from 5.0b to 5.0c.

Teams in the NFL seem to have a core of 20-30 players that they keep for more than a year. Some go as small as 16 in retention, others as high as 32. Obviously, FOF 2004 is retaining fewer players. If that's what it takes to maintain a competitive AI, that's okay with me. I'll have to see how this issue plays out over the next week or so before I make any decisions on how to proceed.

Unfortunately, distribution requires that I put the whole game out in one large chunk rather than a patch. I just don't have the space on my ISP. A patch would run several MB. I know it's a pain, and I apologize for that.

[tripps04]

Thanks for the reply. I will still try it on laptop first.

[nuggett]

Wondering if there will be an update for the HTML... I think it is pretty goood, bbut missing some of the items from Fido's utility:

1. Will there be a College Draft Tracking system.
2. Ability to Look at Box Scores
3. League Leaders set-up
4. Ability to click on player an view his career info including Stats, Championships won, Awards won, leaders.
5. Part of team page that shows Teams Overall Record, Playoff Record, Year-by-year Record with Year-by-year schedule, Championships won....

I know this is a lot, if these components are added this will be kick ass.

[rpommier]

Wondering if there will be an update for the HTML... I think it is pretty goood, bbut missing some of the items from Fido's utility:

1. Will there be a College Draft Tracking system.
2. Ability to Look at Box Scores
3. League Leaders set-up
4. Ability to click on player an view his career info including Stats, Championships won, Awards won, leaders.
5. Part of team page that shows Teams Overall Record, Playoff Record, Year-by-year Record with Year-by-year schedule, Championships won....

I know this is a lot, if these components are added this will be kick ass.

Ditto, I really miss those features from Fido's, especially the Individual Career and the Team Career.

I hate to go the "It Should be easy", route... But, the information is already in the games record book. How hard would it be to parse the player card and team info out?

Roderick

[fantastic flying froggies]

Damn, I go 4 days without internet access, and when I come back, there 's not 1 but TWO patches !

I'm slightly confused by all the posting though, what's the fuss about the FA period ? And which version is the right one to d/l ? I'm assuming 5.0d would be the logical choice, no ?

[MizzouRah]

Ditto, I really miss those features from Fido's, especially the Individual Career and the Team Career.

I hate to go the "It Should be easy", route... But, the information is already in the games record book. How hard would it be to parse the player card and team info out?

Roderick

Individual player cards would be at the top of the list for me, although I like nuggett's suggestions as well.


Todd

[nuggett]

Does anyone know if Fido is done.... I hope not, but have not heard from him in a while....

[TSD]

Is the game after 5d patch supposed to show 5d? Sounds silly except
mine shows 5c, and I have run the patch?

Just wondering, TSD

[hukarez]

Is the game after 5d patch supposed to show 5d? Sounds silly except
mine shows 5c, and I have run the patch?

Just wondering, TSD
Should say 5.0d in the Solecismic 'About' icon.

[MizzouRah]

One thing happened tonight that ticked me off.

2008 Draft, Oakland is first and as documented as needing a tackle. The best draftee is a tackle rated at current: 40 future: 94. Who do they draft? A RB who's rated at 59:76, when they have these two guys:

Justin Fargas 67:67 (3 years left on contract)
Marcel Shipp 46:46 (2 years left on contract)

Why would they draft this guy? They next necessities are DE and ILB. What gives?? Arrggghhhh!! :mad:


Todd

[Ben E Lou]

Bump. Un-stick. Archive.

[Eaglesfan27]

One thing happened tonight that ticked me off.

2008 Draft, Oakland is first and as documented as needing a tackle. The best draftee is a tackle rated at current: 40 future: 94. Who do they draft? A RB who's rated at 59:76, when they have these two guys:

Justin Fargas 67:67 (3 years left on contract)
Marcel Shipp 46:46 (2 years left on contract)

Why would they draft this guy? They next necessities are DE and ILB. What gives?? Arrggghhhh!! :mad:


Todd

Was there any sign that the tackle would bust?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Why would they draft this guy? They next necessities are DE and ILB. What gives??
Go to staff & check their scouts abilities by position. If what I've been seeing lately (pre-patch but just noticed it recently) is consistent & not just me, there's a pretty good chance that their scout is great with RB's & lousy with OL. Not guaranteed, but I'd say it's likely.

I still haven't decided whether the tendency to pick where scouts are strongest is a function of undervaluing players at certain positions or if there's some sort of "confidence factor" influencing draft picks.

[gstelmack]

Is the game after 5d patch supposed to show 5d? Sounds silly except
mine shows 5c, and I have run the patch?

Just wondering, TSD
Check and make sure you did not have the game installed to a different directory but installed the patch to the default directory, giving you two installations. Not that I would ever do that, or go so far as to fire off an e-mail to support asking where my leagues went, no, not me, not ever...

[MizzouRah]

Was there any sign that the tackle would bust?

Nope, his votality ratings are Low (11).

His ratings are:

Run Blocking: 18/86
Pass Blocking: 24/100
Blocking Strength: 89
Endurance: 96/100

He was drafted 2nd by Indy, who merely drafted him because he was clearly the best player in the draft.


Todd

[MizzouRah]

Go to staff & check their scouts abilities by position. If what I've been seeing lately (pre-patch but just noticed it recently) is consistent & not just me, there's a pretty good chance that their scout is great with RB's & lousy with OL. Not guaranteed, but I'd say it's likely.

I still haven't decided whether the tendency to pick where scouts are strongest is a function of undervaluing players at certain positions or if there's some sort of "confidence factor" influencing draft picks.
Jon, he's rated Good in both RB's and OL. I don't know what happened on this one? :confused:


Todd

[Easy Mac]

what about young players, and what were the tackles and RB's combine scores?

[MizzouRah]

what about young players, and what were the tackles and RB's combine scores?
Ack! I'm too far along to see that anymore. Sorry.


Todd