FOM Gets Hit Hard By More Reviews
by 
Last week it was OXM that had the first review for MLB Front Office Manager giving it a 5/10. Now the latest edition of Game Informer includes a review along with a second opinion where it received scores of 3/10 and 5/10.
After the first poor review I felt it would be important that 2K change the story by finally beginning to show the game off and lay out the specifics of it. A similar type game in NFL Head Coach 09 did an excellent job of that. There has been nothing about the game since then though making it well over a month since anything new came out about it and leaving less than two weeks until it releases.
Unfortunately 2K has put the community in a position where there is very little to go off of which naturally forces speculation. With the lack of info, media, and no demo there isn’t much choice. So it is starting to look like Front Office Manager is one of two things:
1) The game isn’t very good as the reviewers are saying. 2K is holding back on it because they aren’t confident about the final product and are attempting to shield criticism by now showing it.
2) The reviewers are not the intended audience for this game and their thoughts may not reflect the feelings of the crowd that is interested in it. This was the case with some, but not all, reviews for Head Coach. A full online fantasy league could be what turns out to make the game and they likely haven’t even tried that mode.
While I hold out hope that it is the second option they aren’t giving much reason to think so. It is disappointing because this has been a title I’ve been looking forward to since it was announced.
January 15, 2009 at 8:01 pm
lets get that madden update article pasta!!!
January 15, 2009 at 8:09 pm
EA did I great job of letting you know what was in Head Coach 09. And they did a better job of delivering on what they said. This game sounds like it will go the same way the first Head Coach. Liked by few and hated by many. With the lack of information or any sort answers this game may fade as fast as it was announced. Right now the only thing 2K sports has going for them is basketball but Live is getting better and better every year.
January 15, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Then how about you go and post that in a Madden article, not this. Stay on subject…
January 15, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Yeah its off-topic but for the sake of answering instead of leaving to speculate…the last I heard was there won't be an update this week but will next week and then following the Super Bowl.
January 15, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Yeah its off-topic but for the sake of answering instead of leaving to speculate…the last I heard was there won't be an update this week but will next week and then following the Super Bowl. I mentioned it in the comments for the roster update article.
January 15, 2009 at 8:30 pm
Baseball simulations appeal to a specific crowd. I am not knocking the reviews but I have to agree it doesn't seem like 2K is pushing this product.
I was expecting a lot more detail from 2K especially so close to launch. This also makes me wonder about the quality of MLB 2K9 since there has been very little released about this game (compared to The Show, that is).
I am not sure if 2K is going to steer away from potential over-hype, which has hurt the perception of a number of games, even good ones. However, not releasing anything critical that would help push its baseball games is mind boggling.
January 15, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Is Visual Concepts making this game? Maybe 2K is putting most of the efforts into MLB 2K9….let's hope so anyway.
January 15, 2009 at 9:01 pm
I think this game is going to be a sloppy attempt at taking advantage of the 3rd party license, and I think MLB 2K9 is going to be average at best.
Hopefully I'm mistaken, but when Game Informer gives a title a 3, that's trouble, not to mention the reviewer is an avid baseball sim gamer.
January 15, 2009 at 9:04 pm
No different studio. This is Blue Castle (made The BIGS and is also apparently working on the sequel to Dead Rising).
January 15, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Whew! At least we still have a chance with MLB 2K9….I trust that VC knows what they are doing with their games…
January 15, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Wow, great job 2k!!! That's actually HIGHER than I thought it would receive…
January 15, 2009 at 9:48 pm
I have been looking forward to this since the day I found out about it. Now i'm getting nervous. Maybe I should rent it first. I am big on the GM aspects of sports so this is right in my field. I thought that both NFL Head Coach games sucked though. Hmmm…
January 15, 2009 at 9:51 pm
I'll be walking into walmart opening day and buying this game.
January 15, 2009 at 10:03 pm
This game sucks more than Pamela Anderson
January 15, 2009 at 11:10 pm
THIS GAME IS AWFUL AND NOTHING LIKE NFL HEAD COACH
January 15, 2009 at 11:46 pm
Pasta, did the Game Informer review have more info as to WHY the game drew those ratings? If it's tied to the game's AI, that is a definite concern. If it's tied to poor presentation, well, that's just a typical 2K Sports effort. However, given Game Informer's reputation so far as ratings goes, I'm concerned it's more of the former and less of the latter.
January 16, 2009 at 12:25 am
I read the article in GI. The major gripe was with the menu presentation. The fact that it was next to impossible to navigate, which by nature of this game is going to hurt its overall likability. If you're trying to scout players and info, build your team and do research, and all this is a pain in the @#! then you're probably going to get frustrated and not have much fun.
January 16, 2009 at 12:50 am
Just in case some of you haven't noticed:
PastaPadre.com= EA Sports.com
Game Made By 2K= Bad Press From Pasta
2K Game+Bad Press From Pasta=Great Game
Remeber Folks, This Site Is On EA Sports Payroll. Pay Very Close Arttention To All Upcoming Reviews. (Check The Archives If You Don't Believe Me). This Site Hates 2K, So If You;re Expecting An Honest Review On Any 2K Game, GO ELSEWHERE!
January 16, 2009 at 1:00 am
cosigned, I couldn't have said it any better. nice to see someone not kissing pasta's @ss for a change.
January 16, 2009 at 1:08 am
I got a good laugh out of this post so thanks
I'm curious…can you show me another site that has been so supportive of Front Office Manager? That's covered it more? That had plans for an online fantasy league? Unfortunately 2K is letting everyone down who was looking forward to it and it is becoming apparent that it might be time to temper expectations unfortunately.
January 16, 2009 at 1:08 am
I got a good laugh out of this post so thanks
I'm curious…can you show me another site that has been so supportive of Front Office Manager? That's covered it more? That had plans for an online fantasy league? Right now 2K is letting everyone down who was looking forward to it and it is becoming apparent that it might be time to temper expectations unfortunately.
January 16, 2009 at 1:10 am
I got a good laugh out of this post so thanks
I'm curious…can you show me another site that has been so supportive of Front Office Manager? That's covered it more? That had plans for an online fantasy league? I haven't reviewed it or even played it, I don't review games anyway. Right now 2K is letting everyone down who was looking forward to it and it is becoming apparent that it might be time to temper expectations unfortunately.
January 16, 2009 at 1:47 am
BackDown2No1 brings up a good point. I think it's time for you to answer some questions pasta, like who pays for this site? Why do you always favor EA Sports games? On the Madden post you get to the bottom of issues by speaking to developers so easily, why is that? Why not speak to 2K developers on issues with their product? Pasta I think you got some explaining to do.
January 16, 2009 at 2:29 am
Sure, those are pretty easy to answer.
1) I do 100%. I also have a regular job
2) I favor the games I like, its that simple. The BIGS was my favorite game of 2007 and that was a 2K game. In terms of coverage not only does EA release something probably around 80% of the sports games that come out, but they promote them much more and offer greater access to them. Here with Front Office Manager we are seeing an example of that.
3) EA employees are very accessible and communicates directly with community. Can't same the same about 2K in either regard.
All that being said I just throw out my opinions. I've been hard on both companies at times, and I've supported products from both companies at times. Everything else is just what comes naturally with covering them.
January 16, 2009 at 2:30 am
Sure, those are pretty easy to answer.
1) I do 100%. I also have a regular job
2) I favor the games I like, its that simple. The BIGS was my favorite game of 2007 and that was a 2K game. In terms of coverage not only does EA release something probably around 80% of the sports games that come out, but they promote them much more and offer greater access to them. Here with Front Office Manager we are seeing an example of that.
3) EA employees are very accessible and communicates directly with myself and numerous individuals/outlets. Can't same the same about 2K in either regard.
All that being said I just throw out my opinions. I've been hard on both companies at times, and I've supported products from both companies at times. Everything else is just what comes naturally with covering them.
January 16, 2009 at 7:35 pm
I was just joking I was trying my hand at sarcasm. Didn't mean to offend anyone. I think that pasta does an excellent job at presenting the information in regards to sport games. My apologies to pasta and to everyone els eon this site. Now I do have a real question for pasta. Do you think that the PHILADELPHIA EAGLES as they are rated now should have a higher rating? Which players do you think should be rated higher?
January 16, 2009 at 5:15 am
Why are you on this site? Pasta is the best guy on any forum. He tells it like it is and also lets us share our opinions as well.
January 16, 2009 at 1:03 am
cause of all 2ks great games yea lol. nba 2k is the only good one. the rest are terrible
January 16, 2009 at 1:20 am
I was really excited about this game because of it's depth… untill I found out that MLB 09 is almost or as in depth. I can't wait untill MLB 09!
January 16, 2009 at 1:24 am
Well, at least we have a solid game to play with the MLB2K series… oh wait.
January 16, 2009 at 1:45 am
I stand by my comments 100% I don't give a damn if this is pasta's site, what is he gone do? kick me off, stop me from coming back(LOL) Who gives a shit, I'm not one of those guys that kiss somebodys ass just because you could be kicked off of one site out of millions. I could stay here and post all day wit you guys, but I've got better things to do with my life. I expect a lot of people to come and defend for pasta thinking that there's some kind of reward for it, so carry on all you ass kissers, meanwhile I'll be on some call of duty 5 LMAO!!
January 16, 2009 at 5:18 am
you seem like a very friendly guy….need a hug?
January 16, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Cool, then go away.
January 16, 2009 at 1:49 am
Oh Yeah, And I Quote: I got a good laugh out of this post so thanks
LOLOLOLOLOL
January 16, 2009 at 2:35 am
BackDown2No1 is totally right!!! MLB 2K8 was AWESOME!!!!! oh wait….. If you hate this website then why don't you just go to your little 2k sports fanboy sites and post there. People like you think it makes you cool when you bash other people's work, but once again, if you don't like this site, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. Here's a newsflash 2k baseball games SUCK!!! Get over it and do some of those better things you claim you have to do.
January 16, 2009 at 2:49 am
That's 1(ass kisser), I love it. Gimme more
January 16, 2009 at 6:16 am
Suck my **** Cubz
January 16, 2009 at 5:39 am
Yikes o ramma.
January 16, 2009 at 5:49 am
Man 2k hasnt had on on stroung line up of games since 2k 7 its like the dummer the fanboy population get the worse there games get.
January 16, 2009 at 3:45 pm
their getting desperate cause they realize 2k is dying
January 16, 2009 at 3:25 pm
LOL @ 2K…there so garbage, but best games ever on the DC
January 16, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Then why are you on here? MLB 2K8 = Sucked….NBA 2K9 = NBA 2K6, NBA 2K7, NBA 2K8…2K All-Pro Football = Sucked….
Regardless if Pasta appears to be biased, most relevant sports games are made by EA. Although you failed to mention that Pasta is also a Sony Pony as he has put up a ton of information in regards to The Show.
I don't understand that if people hate this site, regardless of reason, why they visit and post non-sense…
January 16, 2009 at 8:24 pm
I'd just like to thank PastaPadre for the all information he relays on this site for us sports gamers. I doubt very much the time he puts into writing for and maintaining this site is financially lucrative due to the advertising revenue it generates. Frankly, I'm guessing if PastaPadre put this much effort into another business, he'd probably make more money but it appears he enjoys doing this.
I think it's clear if Pasta gets information about a sports game he relays it as soon as possible. If 2K's marketing department doesn't give him (or anyone else) information there's nothing he can do.
So PastaPadre since you're getting a lot of abuse on your own page I'd like to point out that many people enjoy and look forward to your daily updates. Thanks.
January 16, 2009 at 8:44 pm
your exactly right i visit pasta daily for sports gaming update, i dont know why people are going such off topic, people if you dont like pasta stfu and stop coming here
January 16, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Yo mama, why don't you go suck on your jacked up 2k sports collection? Go congregate with your other narrow-minded, 360-only, livin in mom's basement whackjobs and work yourself into a frenzy about how terrible Front Office Manager and MLB 2k9 are gonna be. And maybe you can come up with some more great insults like " suck my *** ". I cried myself to sleep after reading that. You sound like a stupid little 14 year old who thinks you sound tough when you swear. Get over yourself and your sucky 2K sports' games!!!
January 16, 2009 at 10:21 pm
I tried it out and it was many levels below nfl head coach and a planet away from baseball mogul or ootp
January 21, 2009 at 9:50 pm
…and where/how did you try this game?
January 23, 2009 at 3:14 am
I'm ready for this game. I know its got bad reviews. I'm not expecting the best game ever made but I will enjoy what this game has to offer. I just hope they don't stop making it after the first year if it doesn't sell good. They need to make it at least 3 years in a row to get an idea at how it will sell year after year.