Just can't make the jump

[chrisn96]

I've been giving the online version of the game a try lately and while I do enjoy it a lot I just can't bring myself to make the switch. I've been playing since 94 and I just about have every card that FG has released. I bought the 2087 online set and really enjoyed the games I was playing and was considering playing through the game again only online since the matches are quicker and I really enjoy the colored cards. The problem I ran into is that I just can't bring myself to spend the 300+ dollars to get all the cards again (I do a lot of GWFF stuff) because I feel like we are basically renting the games editions since if the severs ever went down we are basically out what ever money we put into the game. I know the the online version will be around for years and years, but I'll always have that in the back of my head when with the physical cards FG could close tomorrow and I could still enjoy the game.

I don't want to come off as sour grapes, I'm just giving my impression of the game and why I can't justify going all in with the online version. Maybe if there was an off line mode or stand alone version that didn't rely on being connected to the internet that could be backed up so even in the worst case scenario we could still enjoy our purchase or maybe including a PDF set with the colored images with the digital version so that we get the option of a physical card with we so choose.

Keep up the good work guys, I never thought when I started this game it would grow to what it has become.

[swarm]

Online isn't designed to make anyone "make the switch". It's not designed to sell against the cards and dice, instead as a supplement to them. While some people play their entire feds online, it's designed to expand the game's platforms. Whether you are traveling, at work, unable to bust out the cards and dice for whatever reason, Online can come real handy if you're looking to play some COTG. In fact, most people I know who do play Online still play cards and dice too.

[BDS]

I understand your reservations, so let me try to ease your mind a little bit: the servers aren't going anywhere any time soon.

From a technical perspective, even if a giant sinkhole were to swallow up everything within a 200-mile radius of Jamestown, we'd be able to keep the servers running. If same giant sinkhole swallowed up our actual servers, we'd just move to new servers and be back up and running in a matter of days.

The only kinds of problems that would keep the COTGonline servers from ever coming back up again are the kinds of problems that cause mass looting and rioting: EMP bursts, nuclear war, invasions of California, that kind of thing. If COTGonline ever got to the point that it couldn't be accessed for technical reasons, that's probably going to be the least of everyone's worries.

Now, from a business perspective, I obviously can't guarantee that FG exists forever since I'm not named Filsinger. However, I'd say that even if Tom woke up tomorrow and decided that he was never going to make another card, Kris and I would do everything possible to make sure that the online service stayed up. We love it, and we don't want it to go away.

[du5tin]

I play both. I like having both.

[jefft]

...and you don't have to spend $300 on all the editions, some people just use online to manage their feds and/or display their results while still playing with all their cards and stuff.

[chrisn96]

I appreciate all of the comments. COTG Online is a fine product, I'm basically just stating my opinon about it like one would with those comment cards you get from a resturant.

[Steef]

I actually agree with you. I would LOVE to get the color cards from the earlier years (playing online has it's perks, but I don't play with anyone else, so it's all solo) It's easier than pulling out the cards and dice, but I can't justify the expense (or get my wife to think it's justified either!) to re-buy what I already have in hard copy form. She just tells me she'll get the kids to color my cards for me....I've held her off from doing THAT so far!

S

[chrisn96]

lol, my wife gave me "the look" when I started explaining to her what COTG Online is and that I would just be getting the same cards I already own only in digital format. It's still something I would like to do, I just can't justify it at the moment.

[johnandryan]

The Strat-O-Matic Fan Forum has similar discussions all the time concerning C&D versus computer, which is better, benefits of each, etc. I think it all comes down to personal preference. If the game engine was drastically different, then maybe we would have a more spirited discussion. As it stands now, the Online version gives an additional outlet for players to play the game on another platform.

I know I have had many a night where I wanted to play but did not feel like getting every thing out, opening the box, setting up, etc. Online would be great for that - you just click and go. I do understand though in not purchasing something that I already own, but I am interested in getting say the alternate Curt Hennig and Jimmy Snuka versions.

ultimately, it will come down to personal preference and choice. This is not a case of better versus worse.

-J

[Crimson Cross]

CotG Online at it's launch helped spark my interest back into the game, but 6 months to a Year later it brought me back to the Cardstock format that for me is the best way to play. As mentioned here it's a preference thing and the options are there for you to play both ways. In the end the Filsinger Games products are the Greatest in the Gaming World in my Book...