On field gameplay

[MUTT]

Greetings...I am anxiously awaiting this title and wish the developers well. Ive played several computer based sports games-OOTP, FOF to name a couple. Most of these games seem geared toward "GM types" if you will, who prefer to manage the big picture. I have no problem with that. However, to me, the "meat"/most immersive part of a sports sim should be on the field. I would love a fictional universe where playing the games/making the calls was involved, fun, and dramatic (ok, I may be asking a lot). After reading some recent posts, the developer interview and FAQ's, I dont see much on the on field experience (maybe I missed it). Could someone involved with the game please comment. Thanks in advance ! Tony

[Jason Warholic]

Q: What kind of depth can we expect in formations and play calling? Arlie Rahn- You will have 15 different offensive formations, 11 defensive formations and over 300 plays at your disposal with any philosophy. There will be advantages to using certain formations with certain offenses/defenses and penalties for others. Again, this is under the assumption that you have a fixed time in camp to go through formation. So, choosing smash mouth means you will get a bonus for Double TE and a penalty when using 5-WR spread. In addition to what Arlie posted above, you will see each formation and play called by the offense and defense. So you'll see how your play matches up with your opponent. You'll also have a wealth of information available to make personnel and playcalling decisions without having to leave the in-game screen. Look for screenshots about this part of the game soon.

[MUTT]

Sounds very encouraging-thanx. Tony

[Sef0r]

JW - Please answer if you can the following. Reading Arlie's answer and your comments can you please confirm what you mean when you say you will see the formation and play called? Does that mean you see the name of the formation (i.e. I-Form 3WR set) or the personel (i.e. 1HB, 2TE, 2WR)? I would prefer personel myself since my DEF is based on the personel and not the formation called. Just makes sense as I might want to play a 4-4 or 3-5 against a 2TE set rather then the Dime package if for some reason a 2TE set is called "Singleback 4 Bunch" when in actual fact it could be 2TE and 2WR bunched for a run...sorry to sound a little confusing here but I hope my explanation makes sense. Also, does the above occur before or after the snap? If its after the snap then ignore everything I've said. PS - I really enjoyed TPF Arlie, when you left 400 I was a little happy since it meant you would make another TPF type game quickly but obviously that didn't happen with that agreement you had with them. There was a question asked in the chat where I read you "might" think about making it possible to import the rookie class from BB to be used in TPF. Can I suggest not doing that, instead make a new Pro football game that is all yours (just a suggestion of course). Although I enjoyed TPF, there were several problems with it and one of them was the playcalling when you actually played (coached) a game, it wasn't that hot, the other problems I wont talk about since you probably knew about them before you left.