From: sandoval@stsci.edu
Subject: Re: PTP vs Strat 4.0
Organization: Space Telescope Science Institute
Distribution: usa,na
Date: Mon, 14 Dec 1992 16:15:06 GMT

In article <1992Dec14.055011.23397@vela.acs.oakland.edu>, jmkerrig@vela.acs.oakland.edu (KERRIGAN JOHN M) writes:
> Recently there were posts to this group concerning Strat-O-Matic v4.0 for
> the PC.  I have Earl Weaver II and am so totally disappointed in it that
> I have decided to get a game which ignores graphics in favor of statistical
> accuracy and good drafting and league management functions.  APBA was okay,
> but not outstanding in any way.  Does anyone have any opinions on whether
> Strat-O-Matic v4.0 or Pursue The Pennant would be a better buy?  I would
> really appreciate some guidance before I blow any more bucks on sub-par
> baseball simulations.  Please e-mail or post.
> 
> Thanks in advance,
> 
>  
> -- 
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> **        John Kerrigan        a.k.a.  jmkerrig@vela.acs.oakland.edu        **
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    John,

   Well, I'm the guy who was posting those SOM v4 notes.  If you've been
following the thread, then you could probably tell that I think that SOM v4
will be the superior product.  I say will be because it won't be released until
March.  I am a beta-tester for SOM, so I do have the sim now.
   Both games are very detailed statistical simulations of baseball.  The only
thing that really separates them are the little extras.  They both allow for
human vs. human, human vs. computer, and computer vs. computer play.  They
both will replay entire seasons (PTP takes about 6 hours, SOM 8 hours).  They
both keep track of all the stats.  Now for the differences...
   SOM keeps track of about 100 stat categories and allows you to select which
ones you want to view.  PTP keeps track of about 50, but you can't user
select which ones to view.  (SOM also tracks hitting streaks.)  SOM will save
boxscores based upon certain criteria (no-hitters, 3 HR games).  PTP will 
either save them all, or none.  SOM v4 will have VGA (640x480x16) screen
backdrops which are the home ballparks.  All 26 of the current parks will
be included.  PTP v5, (which will also be out in March or April) is an
unknown as far a graphics go.  At present, there is only text on a black 
screen.  PTP has a full player creation utility. You can create as many teams
as you like, with up to 40 players on the roster.  SOM will only allow you to
create 12 players per team.  So you can't really create your own teams from
scratch.
   Since I have both sims, and I've been happy with them, I must say this for
PTP.  They are making changes for v5, but they haven't even hinted at what the
changes might be.  SOM has been very upfront about their changes on Prodigy,
and they have encouraged us to spread the word.  I have done so, but I feel it
is necessary to point out that PTP is a solid platform too.  I just think SOM
is going in a better direction, and faster.
   I have the PTP phone number here at work, but I keep forgetting to get the
SOM number.  I will TRY to remember tonight and bring it to work tomorrow.  If
anyone is interested, you can e-mail me or post publicly.  The PTP number is:
   1-919-299-4388.

   One more thing, concerning EWII.  I also purchased the game, and was VERY
disappointed.  Now, I have, on VERY GOOD authority that there IS a fix for the
game.  The problem is that Eddie D. (the designer) and EA (THE company) have
parted ways.  Eddie has been working on the game still, and has sent a beta
copy to some gamers.  The legal ramifications of the fix have not been 
established.  EA REFUSES to acknowledge that there is a fix, and Eddie D. has
NOT given the testers permission to release the beta.  Until the legality of
all this is straightened out, we wait...

   Any other questions, feel free to ask...

   John
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games