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I’ve been playing Strat-O-Matic products for almost 40 years now so I can’t say too much negative. They are great fun, as other reviewers have pointed out. There are two caveats, however.
1. Avoid the computer games, unless you don’t mind being gypped. SOM has the most atrocious copy-protection scheme I’ve seen. My vocabulary does not contain the words to tell the reader how inestimably putrid I think SOM’s copy protection scheme is. They only allow you to put the game on one computer at a time, and you must have an Internet connection, and I find this inexcusable. I pay good money for their product, I think I should be able to do with it whatever I wish (minus illegalities, of course). But, for example, you can’t run the game on a desktop and laptop at the same time. You have to take ALL seasons off one computer–one at a time and I have over 30 baseball seasons–then remove the game authorization, and then move everything to a 2nd computer. Unbelievably horrid. Stick with the board game.
I might also add that SOM has undoubtedly the worst AI I have ever seen in a game, especially in its computer football game. If you let the computer play offense or defense (which you basically must do in solitaire version), you will find yourself constantly having to override the incredibly ridiculous calls of the computer (i.e., short yardage defenses on 2 and 10, run defenses when a team must pass late in the game to catch up–and the opposite. As an example, I was recently playing 1986 Denver vs. 1986 Seattle. Seattle–with a great running back, Curt Warner–had a 1 point lead with under 5 minutes to play in the game. Obvious situation to run and use up the clock, right? SOM’s AI defense called for a pass defense SIX STRAIGHT PLAYS!! I finally had to override it, it was so ridiculous. I also find that, on 3rd or 4th and 1, the AI defense will call for a pass defense at least half the time.) Again, no words can describe how atrocious SOM’s AI is. And they have had several versions now to improve this and haven’t done so. It can really be aggravating sometimes.
2. And for all its fun, dice games have one frustrating, and unabated drawback–there’s an element of luck that can’t be overcome. The “clutchness” of Joe Montana or John Elway–the “intangibles” that separate the good from the great–cannot be captured in a roll of the dice. You can do everything perfectly as manager/coach, strategically and tactically, and still get beaten by an importunate roll of the dice or split card draw. (My brother quit playing SOM completely when Boog Powell stole home on a missed squeeze bunt attempt.) Of course, in real life, the human element comes into play; but there’s a difference between dice and human, between luck and skill, and when one continues to get beaten by dice rolls of 2 and 12, one can’t help being a bit sour. So prepare yourself for the one thing no board game can overcome–sheer, unadulterated luck. If you don’t mind that element, this is a great product. If you want something where skill and your own reasoning abilities truly come into play, stick to chess.
But again, I’ve been playing SOM for 40 years. I have to walk away from it sometimes when the frustrations and aggravations get too much. But I always seem to come back. True sports fan. Or sucker. I haven’t figured out which.
Amazon User Rating: 4 / 5
Love this game. I grew up playing it and am now introducing it to my 10 year old son. Great game, but how long have they been providing sheets instead of individual cards? Come on Strat Company. Why so lazy? It would be cheaper for you to cut the cards to size rather than have me spend a few nights with my son folding and tearing cards apart. Give me a break. I’ll pay a coupld of dollars more for precut cards!!!
Amazon User Rating: 5 / 5
A mention of this game in Sports Illustrated caught my eye and I thought it would make an appropriate gift for my husband’s birthday. And did I ever hit a home run with this one! He was thrilled to know this game was still available (and updated to current baseball statistics)and we have had lots of fun with it.
Amazon User Rating: 4 / 5
I started playing Strat-O-Matic Baseball in 1965, at age 12. It was the second season released by SOM, I believe. I’ve tried other games over the years and nothing else comes close to statistical accuracy in replay and attention to detail. Everything is taken into consideration, pitcher stats, hitter stats, fielders, weather conditions, etc. You can play a game using the advanced rules in about 30 minutes with the board game. I use the computer game, that can be set up to show the individual player cards. You can play any games you want, and have the computer play the others. If you’re thinking about a baseball strategy game, where brains matter more than reflexes, make SOM Baseball your first choice.
Amazon User Rating: 5 / 5
We bought this game (2004 edition) and love it. We have father son seasons complete with drafts and trophies. It is now a huge tradition. We want the 2006 edition. Once you get into it- you won’t be disappointed!
Amazon User Rating: 5 / 5