Difference between SOM and SOM online

[supertyphoon]

I could be totally off-base here, but it seems to me the two games are like peaches and nectarines, similar in a lot of ways, but still very different.

SOM is terrific for "baseball nerds" who want to re-create past seasons and match up one roster against another to see what would happen if they played each other in real life, either head-to-head or by yourself. Realism is very important.

SOM online on the other hand, is a resource allocation puzzle, where we try to maximize runs scored vs. runs allowed differential by picking players based on value relative to their performance potential in their home park and divisional opponents. A person can only have a passing interest in baseball realism, but love playing the online game because they enjoy analyzing statistical probabilities and it appeals to a competitive nature to build a better team than the other guys.

I think it's possible many of the people that absolutely love the board game hate the online version, and vice-versa.

[lev.cohen]

I personally like SOM better, but the online game is easier id say. I have hall of fame cards in both SOM and ive played ATG online, and in that the online version blows away the cards. But if we are talking about individual seasons, i have to say that the board game is more enjoyable

[coyote303]

[quote:86b34ca797="nexrad"]...
I think it's possible many of the people that absolutely love the board game hate the online version, and vice-versa.[/quote:86b34ca797]

An interesting thought. In at least one case, it's true. A friend of mine who started S-O-M online with me decided he didn't like it after just one season. He loves playing the board game.

If there was a good local face-to-face league, I'm not sure I would play online. However, online does offer these advantages:

1. Easy to complete an entire season, even with limited playing time.
2. Stats automatically kept.
3. Salary cap makes for an interesting game within the game.
4. Real life does not slow league progress.
5. Even if someone quits, their team plays on.

What else am I forgetting?

Of course, the one thing it can't do is let you actually manage the games (except indirectly). And that's huge.

[hallerose]

Online you are more Billy Beane, with the cards you can be more Tony LaRussa. Both are interesting, but obviously not exactly the same. I preferred reading Moneyball than to see LaRussa bring in his 4th reliever of the inning.

[coyote303]

[quote="hallerose"...I preferred reading Moneyball than to see LaRussa bring in his 4th reliever of the inning.[/quote]

:lol:

Fortunately, SOM can be played in under 30 minutes and that's at a leisurely pace!

[LARRYLANG]

I have played in a head to head 16 team league for the past 5 years and there is no comparison...Head to Head is much better on the board game than playing here online...Now if you do not have a head to head league close to you and do not like playing the board game solitare then online is great. My biggest problem with strat online is you can never really get HAL to do what you want...He will sometimes and along comes a what the heck is he thinking. :shock: . Also the cost involved in the online game drives some away..You can spend alot of money very quickly playing online.

I would actually like to see Strat online come up with a way for you to play a season 1 game per nite, where you could set lineups each and every game..I do not like some of the choices HAL makes when injuries occur in your series..Yeah they tweaked the backup scenarios but HAL does not always do what you want...It would make the season alot longer but I would be tickled if they did this and I actually believe people would enjoy it more..But I know it will not happen simply because of monetary reasons..Why do that when people continue to pump money into short seasons with three games a nite...Seasons are quick and in goes another 24.95 to get em next time :wink:

Plus in our H-H league the draft is an absolute blast. :D

[Eddie E]

I have been in a 20 team head to head league since 2000. I enjoy that league the most due to drafting and building a franchise along with the batter to batter decisions during the game that you dont get from HAL.

That being said, just trying to build teams under the financial constraints is fun. You also get to try out different stadiums and the theme leagues are always fun.

I enjoy both.