Quote:
Originally Posted by The Wolf
Having ratings available is Easy Mode, video game mode.
|
I think that if you are using normal scouting accuracy and a 1-20 ratings scale then stats only would be relatively more difficult.
But if you have scouting set to low, are using a 2-8 scale (which is essentially what scouts use in real life, anyway), the challenge between the two are likely very similar. The ratings numbers are so vague that they might as well be the written scout's comments. The difference is that they are quicker to look at and there are more categories.
I think the most
realistic way to play the game would be low scouting, 2-8 ratings scale, trades on hard and favor prospects, with the AI evaluation using ratings for 20% or less, maybe like a 20/50/20/10 scale or something. The bottom line is that a GM should be able to ask a scout "how's that guy's arm in left field?"
I like the concept of stats only, but I can't get around the fact that I know GM's in real life have scouts telling them one thing, and stats telling them another. I always end up spending annoying amounts of time reading the written scouting reports when I could just be looking at a vague ratings scale (2-8, low accuracy) and essentially have the same level of challenge.
However, I know that having the numbers right in front of you all the time can lead to players using ratings much more than a real life GM would. At a certain point a manager is just going to be looking at a players stats, at least on the foundational hitting and pitching stuff, maybe not so much on fielding and foot speed.
Yes, out-of-the-box OOTP with a 1-20 rating scale and pretty accurate scouting is going to be much easier than stats only. Stats only might be the hardest way to play the game, but I agree with Orcin that having to choose between stats and ratings can make for a challenge also.
Prior to like the 1960's scouts didn't even really use the 20-80 scale and the sport was pretty much "stats only." Grit was a big thing back then.
I guess my point is that stats only is an extremely challenging way to play, but a heavy fog ratings system can also be just as challenging. It's the default granular ratings settings that are seen as "easy" by OOTP vets and leads to people winning 120 games every season.