FBCB2 discussion: Full version now available

[Young Drachma]

Originally Posted by Capital

You guys are right...it's a fun game...just spent a bunch of time with the demo.

Due to the sheer number of guys to recruit in college games, I oftentimes felt these portions a bit cumbersome. That's not the case here and you don't have to spend a ridiculous amount of time combing though a bunch of players.

Do you know how many licenses come with the game - 2?

Correct 2.

[britrock88]

2, yeah.

[CleBrownsfan]

It's that time of year where I get the itch and want to play some college hoops game. I think I'm officially past Ch2k and looking somewhere else. Is this our best option for a text based game?

[Young Drachma]

Originally Posted by CleBrownsfan

It's that time of year where I get that itch and want to play some college hoops game. I think I'm officially past Ch2k and looking somewhere else. Is this our best option for a text based game?

Wolverine Studios Releases DDS: College Basketball 2 - Front Office Football Central

[korme]

Nothing beats FBCB (until FBB comes)

[Groundhog]

DDS and FBCB2 are your two options. FBCB2 is more versatile and deep while being quicker to play through, while DDS has a more indepth focus on particular aspects (recruiting in particular). I'm a total FBCB/FBB fanboy so I wont pretend to be impartial, but for my money FBCB2 is the single best basketball game on the market (currently). The developer (HR) just flatout knows how to code basketball games.

[Young Drachma]

I'm agree. FBCB is more stable and speedier to play through in my estimation having spent quite a bit of time with both. And HR is the best in the business when it comes to supporting the game, too.

[Capital]

What starting level do you all play? It says that 7 is "normal" so if you wanted more of a challenge, would something like 5 be more appropriate? Any thoughts?

[britrock88]

5 is generally the lowest level at which an AI coach will be hired as a head coach, so that's a good choice.

EDIT: I have seen head coaches as low as level 2, but they are, by and large, internal promotions that never do well.

[markprior22]

Is there a way to see a full boxscore in the middle of playing out a game?

[Young Drachma]

Originally Posted by markprior22

Is there a way to see a full boxscore in the middle of playing out a game?

I don't think the game generates a boxscore until the end of the game.

[markprior22]

Originally Posted by Young Drachma

I don't think the game generates a boxscore until the end of the game.

Seems like almost a necessity to have some way to see complete stats of both teams at any point during the game (if you are playing it out). As it is, all you can see are a few stats for whatever players happen to be on the court at a given time...unless I'm missing something.

[britrock88]

Originally Posted by markprior22

Seems like almost a necessity to have some way to see complete stats of both teams at any point during the game (if you are playing it out). As it is, all you can see are a few stats for whatever players happen to be on the court at a given time...unless I'm missing something.

Can't you get more individual stats in the substitution screen?

[Young Drachma]

Originally Posted by britrock88

Can't you get more individual stats in the substitution screen?

That's what I was thinking.

[markprior22]

Can you access stats for both teams through the sub screen?

[OldGiants]

Originally Posted by Capital

What starting level do you all play? It says that 7 is "normal" so if you wanted more of a challenge, would something like 5 be more appropriate? Any thoughts?

My take on this is that you should choose the level appropriate to the league you are starting out with. Starting out as level 7 and taking Duke will get you frustrated. Starting out with level 7 at Longwood is competitive.

I'm also coming to think that the most realistic way to play is give yourself the most points in Scouting, to represent you know what a good kid looks like. Then either offense or defense, your choice. For recruiting, I'm starting out with 40 at a Longwood-type and adding all points there when I get them to represent the growth of my personal scouting network. Since I drop any kid that anyone else gives a scolly to, Recruiting skill is not all that important to me. I also go for 1 and 2 star recruits based on stats and nothing else, so them liking me is not an issue. I'm not going to get a 3-star kid even if he's Very High since anyone else recruits him, he's gone and a waste of my money.

If you are new to FBCB2, don't do this. But if you are a vet and looking for a new challenge, give it a try.

[yeah826]

I start at level 5 with all my coaches then fast sim 4 years after the fast sim is over I accept the first job offer given to me which is usually the worst team in the league or pretty close to it.

[nol]

The general consensus seems to be that FBCB2 is more challenging than the original. From what I gather, two of the main reasons for this are:

1) recruiting three perimeter guys who are specialists in stealing the ball and then pressing and trapping all game no longer has the devastating effects it once did
and 2) larger schools now show more interest in the highly-rated foreign/Alaska/Hawaii players.

What else has changed? It's been a while since I played FBCB, but I remember being able to have successful careers starting with a level 0 coach or "assuming control" of a twentysomething computer-generated assistant. I'm guessing the addition of transfers and not being able to redshirt as many players also play a role in the difficulty upgrade.

What OldGiants said definitely holds true for the older version; once you've played enough, you can come up with a pretty good estimate of what a prospect's ratings will be based on their high school stats and star ranking, so you can power level your coach by leaving scouting at 0 as you max everything else out. You're pretty much always better off spending ~$30k on a scout so you have more money for recruit visits/improving training facilities (unless you're at a 90+ prestige school and only have one or two scholarships to offer, at which point you have more money than you even know how to spend).

This seems like a negative aspect of the game, but it's kind of the epitome of a good problem to have because it means that the game's good enough and immersive enough to play for so long that you get to the point where you need to invent these little challenges. Another fun house rule to implement is to let the CPU recruit the first month, and then only recruiting from those players the CPU already contacted.

[Radii]

Originally Posted by nol

1) recruiting three perimeter guys who are specialists in stealing the ball and then pressing and trapping all game no longer has the devastating effects it once did

This is far and away the most important change. This completely changed the game.

The only other thing I'd add is that recruiting simply seems more difficult in general. If you're a 90+ prestige school you can't just go land every player you want and have your pick of the entire nation in prospects. Some players just aren't coming to your school. Some seem to have heavy preferences to stay local and you aren't going into someone else's state and taking them. Some it seems inexplicable.

Sometimes this feels a bit random and out of control, but most of the time it feels pretty ok, and certainly makes it a little harder to make the final four 15 years in a row. In the original game w/ steals the way they were, a final four every single year was not unheard of.

[TargetPractice6]

It seems to be more rare that your coach ratings improve as well. I used to start at level 0 in the first game as well and, after taking some lumps at first, could usually max out my coach within a reasonable length career.

I tried the same approach in FBCB2 and only got one ratings boost in 10-20 seasons. I was never able to get off the ground at all.

[Groundhog]

Originally Posted by Radii

This is far and away the most important change. This completely changed the game.

I actually feel bad sometimes because my long-running career, where I took a school from low prestige up to a national contender, was built off the back of the steals exploit. I didn't know it was really an exploit at that time however, so I try console myself with that fact. I just figued I was an awesome strategist/recruiter. It was only once I saw the results that that strategy had in your league that I realised...

The only other thing I'd add is that recruiting simply seems more difficult in general. If you're a 90+ prestige school you can't just go land every player you want and have your pick of the entire nation in prospects. Some players just aren't coming to your school. Some seem to have heavy preferences to stay local and you aren't going into someone else's state and taking them. Some it seems inexplicable.

Sometimes this feels a bit random and out of control, but most of the time it feels pretty ok, and certainly makes it a little harder to make the final four 15 years in a row. In the original game w/ steals the way they were, a final four every single year was not unheard of.

I personally love the fact that, now that I'm a 100 prestige school, I still just can't grab the guys I want. I've actually gotten over the urge to grab guys because of their rankings which plagued me for a couple of seasons - leading to some unimpressive performers who all ended up leaving school after the first or second years anyway. Often it's the guys in the 100-300 ranked crop of recruits who end up being that super Senior for you down the track.

[nol]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

I personally love the fact that, now that I'm a 100 prestige school, I still just can't grab the guys I want. I've actually gotten over the urge to grab guys because of their rankings which plagued me for a couple of seasons - leading to some unimpressive performers who all ended up leaving school after the first or second years anyway. Often it's the guys in the 100-300 ranked crop of recruits who end up being that super Senior for you down the track.

I love that too. You're never going to have a Calipari-type recruiting class (and for the most part not even the best of the five-star recruits are talented enough to be All-American impact players along the lines of a Kevin Durant or Anthony Davis as freshmen). In my opinion, that makes it even sweeter when you get that class of 3-4 guys whose skills perfectly complement your system and the players you have in place. The game will rank it around #72 in the nation, and it might be in the middle of the pack in your conference, and you won't even care because you know that they're going to stay for four years and keep your 30+ wins per year machine rolling.

[yeah826]

I usually go for scheme type player but if I only got 1 scholarship I go after that top tier talent

[Radii]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

I actually feel bad sometimes because my long-running career, where I took a school from low prestige up to a national contender, was built off the back of the steals exploit. I didn't know it was really an exploit at that time however, so I try console myself with that fact. I just figued I was an awesome strategist/recruiter. It was only once I saw the results that that strategy had in your league that I realised...

I still dislike seeing the phrase "exploit" used. It was a strategy that needed to be balanced but it wasn't cheating. Coming from MMOs and other multiplayer games "exploiting" has extremely negative connotations. The closest thing that existed in FBCB to an exploit would be to potential to run hundreds or thousands of games in exhibition mode to try to optimize your strategy/lineups before simming your season. Finding the optimal strategy and using it is just smart. Especially if you found it yourself!

[Lathum]

I love this game.

Playing as Monmouth my goal is to play in a post season tourny, my prestige is 46 and I have worked my way to the A10. I figure as long as I get to .500 I can get into one. Graduated 6 seniors last year, so going into the conference tourny I am 15-15, lose first round and I am out.

Tie game with 4 seconds left and my center fouls a guy on the inbounds, guy hits the first and with 2 seconds left misses the second, my power forward gets the board and hits a half courter to win! I had visions of watching it over and over on the ESPN championship week highlights.

edit: I was the 11 seed and beat the 6th seed. My next game I just beat the 3 seed by 30+, 2 more wins and I go dancing

[Lathum]

Just pulled off the upset winning by 11 against the 2 seed. I play the 1 seed in the title game who beat me by 40 earlier this year

[Capital]

Do most people tend to start a career with a less than 10 prestige team and level 5 human coach. Then try to work your way up the ranks by changing teams when offered new jobs. That sounds like the "career" sim kind of way.

Any other thoughts about how to begin your career?

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by Capital

Do most people tend to start a career with a less than 10 prestige team and level 5 human coach. Then try to work your way up the ranks by changing teams when offered new jobs. That sounds like the "career" sim kind of way.

Any other thoughts about how to begin your career?

there are a bunch of different ways.

There is the one you suggested. You can also start as a crappy school in a power conference, like Rutgers, and try to work your way up. You can play as an above average team in a good conference and try to get over the top, like Washington, etc...

The fun of the game is trying several different scenerios.

I have even created a conference with schools all 0 prestige and seen if I can rise to the top, likewise I have created a conference with all 100 prestige and seen where it goes from there.

[OldGiants]

Originally Posted by Capital

Do most people tend to start a career with a less than 10 prestige team and level 5 human coach. Then try to work your way up the ranks by changing teams when offered new jobs. That sounds like the "career" sim kind of way.

Any other thoughts about how to begin your career?

Recently, I take a an independent team, switch on full conference mobility and try to reach a level 5 conference. Takes around 20 seasons. Once I get there, I tend to quit because it is like starting in a level 5 conference, except my facilities are crap.

I usually do a recruiting style and plan each time and that becomes outmoded at level 5 where getting top 100 recruits is the name of the game.

It takes 7 or so seasons to get an independent into a conference, but then promotion to level 3 is a season or two and 4 is fast, but 5 takes some work again.

[nol]

Your team's location also adds a lot to the challenge. I'd argue it's harder to start at a school in Idaho or Montana than somewhere like NJIT. You have to be much more careful with your budget when there might only be one or two 3-star recruits within 250 miles.

[britrock88]

Originally Posted by nol

Your team's location also adds a lot to the challenge. I'd argue it's harder to start at a school in Idaho or Montana than somewhere like NJIT. You have to be much more careful with your budget when there might only be one or two 3-star recruits within 250 miles.

Yeah, schools in the northwest/Rockies and Hawaii are great challenges in that sense.

[TargetPractice6]

For anyone interested, I did a merger of britrock's 2014 teams file and dawgfan's logo pack. This should provide team colors in the 2014 file that match the logos in the pack. Also added logos for new teams in the file (Abilene Christian, Grand Canyon, Incarnate Word, Nebraska Omaha, Northern Kentucky).

Full thanks to britrock and dawgfan, who did far more work than me.

Edit: Added conference and tourneys file for completeness.

[JPhillips]

Just found a three star PG prospect named Cyril Tircuit.

[britrock88]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

Just found a three star PG prospect named Cyril Tircuit.

NO.

[dawgfan]

Originally Posted by TargetPractice6

For anyone interested, I did a merger of britrock's 2014 teams file and dawgfan's logo pack. This should provide team colors in the 2014 file that match the logos in the pack. Also added logos for new teams in the file (Abilene Christian, Grand Canyon, Incarnate Word, Nebraska Omaha, Northern Kentucky).

Full thanks to britrock and dawgfan, who did far more work than me.

I'm always up for doing more logos or updating ones that have changed. I'm tracking Oregon State as it looks like they may have a new logo soon, and I'm probably going to update the Ohio State one soon (though frankly, it's not a major change IMO). I'm also keeping an eye on North Dakota since they appear to have finally resolved the legal issues regarding their mascot.

I'd be happy to hit up any new D1 teams too, or if someone is interested in a particular lower division team, shoot me a request.

[TargetPractice6]

Originally Posted by dawgfan

I'm always up for doing more logos or updating ones that have changed. I'm tracking Oregon State as it looks like they may have a new logo soon, and I'm probably going to update the Ohio State one soon (though frankly, it's not a major change IMO). I'm also keeping an eye on North Dakota since they appear to have finally resolved the legal issues regarding their mascot.

I'd be happy to hit up any new D1 teams too, or if someone is interested in a particular lower division team, shoot me a request.

Since I spend a lot of time in the SEC, I made a couple new ones for Kentucky and one for Vandy with a background that matches the gold team color. If you like any of them (or any of those for the new teams) feel free to add them to your set

ImageShack Album - 12 images

[murrayyyyy]

Game crashes in the new version when all the conference tournaments aren't in action. So let's say the MVC is going on and the Pac-12 hasn't started yet, if you try to scroll through the conference tournament pages it will work until one has started.

run time error 340
Control array element '2' doesn't exist

I'm on 2.3.16 version

[legendsport]

Since this seems to be a very active area for FBCB discussion I thought I'd post about a new MP league I'm starting. The plan is to have a linked college and pro league using the new Pro version as well as FBCB 2010.

I've created a complete NCAA Universe for the 1981-82 season with about 98% of the players being real guys (it's something like 4000 players) for the Fast Break College Basketball 2010 sim. It took literally two years (off and on) to do it.

The idea was that since the 81-82 season was the college debut of a bunch of Hall of Famers (you've probably heard of Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Chris Mullin, etc) it would be a great season to start a college league.

The plan going forward is to add a couple hundred real life recruits each season (so that the number is manageable, but we can likely avoid having any fictional players end up in the NBA). The recruits for the first season are already done and if it looks like the league will fly, I'll get started on the next batch of recruits asap.

If you're interested in signing up, head over to Hardwood Heroes Basketball League and then use the More Info/Sign-Up link to fill out the form which will gather all the info I need to add you to the league forum and, of course, the game.

I'd like to leave the pro sign-ups inactive for the time being, so you'll be able to sign up for the college league only initially. But when the pro game is released, those who've signed up for the college league will get first crack at grabbing an NBA squad.

[HeavyReign]

http://www.fbbgames.com/FBCB2010v2317.exe

Version 2.3.17 (3/1/13)
************************************************************
Fixes:
*Current league editor should allow 15 team tourneys rather than reset them to 14 teams.
*Fixed error 340 when viewing certain conference tourney formats.

[britrock88]

One more trifle, HR. The 15-team, 18-game ACC schedule gives you 5 H/H opponents, 8 one-time opponents, and skips the 14th and last possible opponent in conference. I expect that standard method will be 4 H/H opponents and 10 one-off games.

For FBCB3, my wish would be to choose teams' every-year double round-robin opponents.

[britrock88]

And, as always, thanks for the update! :-)

[Marmel]

Thanks HR.

If you ever feel like adding something a little cosmetic to the game, I would love to see winning(and losing) streak to the record books. Both an overall record and a team record would be cool, but whatever.

[Balldog]

Legendsport,
Is there anyway you can post the file? I would love to play this and don't have the ability to play consistently enough to be in a league...

[korme]

Originally Posted by TargetPractice6

For anyone interested, I did a merger of britrock's 2014 teams file and dawgfan's logo pack. This should provide team colors in the 2014 file that match the logos in the pack. Also added logos for new teams in the file (Abilene Christian, Grand Canyon, Incarnate Word, Nebraska Omaha, Northern Kentucky).

Full thanks to britrock and dawgfan, who did far more work than me.

Could I get the conference csv with that? I'm getting a RTE now

[TargetPractice6]

Sure thing. I think it's unchanged from when britrock posted it.

[korme]

Thanks dude

[legendsport]

Originally Posted by Balldog

Legendsport,
Is there anyway you can post the file? I would love to play this and don't have the ability to play consistently enough to be in a league...

Eventually yes - but I want to get the league up and running before I post the files for public consumption.

For those who might want to take a deeper look, I've posted the HTML reports for the league, including the player pages.

[henry296]

Brian

In the fofc league, with 15 ACC teams and 18 conference games I don't play one of the other teams this season. I have 5 home and homes and 8 single games. Not sure what the structure of the new ACC schedule will be but that doesn't seem right.

[britrock88]

Originally Posted by britrock88

One more trifle, HR. The 15-team, 18-game ACC schedule gives you 5 H/H opponents, 8 one-time opponents, and skips the 14th and last possible opponent in conference. I expect that standard method will be 4 H/H opponents and 10 one-off games.

For FBCB3, my wish would be to choose teams' every-year double round-robin opponents.

Originally Posted by henry296

Brian

In the fofc league, with 15 ACC teams and 18 conference games I don't play one of the other teams this season. I have 5 home and homes and 8 single games. Not sure what the structure of the new ACC schedule will be but that doesn't seem right.

Combining for ease of reference. (With the side effect of being repetitive. Sorry.)

[korme]

heavy, for some reason when I create a new league now, it times out and never gets past the setup screen. Any idea what could be causing that? (I'm using the .csv's recently posted in this thread)