Should We Compare Console Games to Text-Sims?

[RaychelSnr]

Two months ago I wrote a piece titled "Does MLB 10: The Show Belong in the Text-Sim Hall of Fame?" There were 33 reader comments about the piece and only one was somewhat positive. The other 32 commenters wondered why Operation Sports would bother publishing something so silly.

I stand behind the content of the piece, but I would like a mulligan on the headline. Obviously, The Show does not belong in the text-sim hall of fame. My main goal was to compare The Show to other text sims and see how it stacked up. Instead of giving the piece a generic title like "How Does the Show Compare to a Text Sim?" I wanted to make it a little a more interesting. I put text-sim hall of fame in the headline thinking it would get a reaction. It did.

Read More - Should we compare console games to text sims?

[xblake16x]

i would love for the depth of my main game madden to be at the level of a text sim. Not including the RPG aspect of NFL HC 09, how close to a text sim was Head Coach 09?

[boxboy99]

Right on, good read. 100 percent agree.

[GlennN]

I agree with Adam completely. There is no reason console developers, with their available resources, cannot do a better job of adding elements which were designed and implemented by one-person text sims.

[SHAKYR]

yes, they should be compared because fans want gameplay depth, options, and everything else that a text-sim has to offer. Many of sport gamers are huge fans of a sport that a gaming company is trying to portray in a game.

[mwolin]

I also liked your piece. Its my dream to have the depth of OTTP with the graphics, presentation of MLB. Or the gameplay of FIFA with the soccer world of football manager. I know it can be done, I just dont know why; the market would be there.

[blackscorpion11]

Console gamers don't want sim style play..Sim play is more difficult, console gamers want over the top, cartoon sports..

Is it possible to blend the two? YES, I just think most gamers don't want it.

[SHAKYR]

Console gamers don't want sim style play..Sim play is more difficult, console gamers want over the top, cartoon sports..

Is it possible to blend the two? YES, I just think most gamers don't want it.

Oh, they want...they want it big time. I did a survey a couple of months ago and it seems like many gamers want this. Even if it's an option fans will be into it. !0 and 13 year olds don't make up the sports gaming demographic.

[sniperhare]

I would say no. I've never even heard of a text sim sports game.

[SHAKYR]

I would say no. I've never even heard of a text sim sports game.

So why would you say no about a game/games you know nothing about? This is confusing to me.

[Juiceman]

Sure, why not compare? Both games are trying to represent the realism of MLB. I play both The Show and OOTP. That said, I want the statistical accuracy of OOTP in The Show, but not necessarily the depth of OOTP in The Show. If I am playing out a game in The Show I don't really have time to manage and scout like I do in OOTP. And that right there explains why I shouldn't own both these games with a 3 month old child. No time to play them. But if I did have time to play them more I still would be satisfied with the current depth of The Show, but better accuracy in terms of statistics over the course of a franchise. I also can't play The Show on my laptop in bed. So, I need both games anyway

[SHAKYR]

Sure, why not compare? Both games are trying to represent the realism of MLB. I play both The Show and OOTP. That said, I want the statistical accuracy of OOTP in The Show, but not necessarily the depth of OOTP in The Show. If I am playing out a game in The Show I don't really have time to manage and scout like I do in OOTP. And that right there explains why I shouldn't own both these games with a 3 month old child. No time to play them. But if I did have time to play them more I still would be satisfied with the current depth of The Show, but better accuracy in terms of statistics over the course of a franchise. I also can't play The Show on my laptop in bed. So, I need both games anyway

If it was optional to use the depth of OOTP wouldn't you be excited?

[packers jersey]

Re: Should We Compare Console Games to Text-Sims?

I agree with Adam completely. There is no reason console developers, with their available resources, cannot do a better job of adding elements which were designed and implemented by one-person text sims.

Good point! Adam illustrated this well.

[buster65]

Sims? it simulates aspects of a human social environment. Why not compared? both of them represents MLB. I agree with Juiceman.

[Draxion]

I'd say give us the option.
For instance in NCAA give us a casual Dynasty mode and a "Hardcore" dynasty mode.
Every ones happy.