Hello,
I only played 3 editions, but I was always deeply absorbed with them, more tinkering with databases, xml's, and stages than actually playing though, because to be honest, in the 3 versions I always found some fun breaking problems:
2010 : the broken AI sprints are frustrating; the AI teams/riders planning can also be totally unrealiatic; too big emphasis on race day and warmups. I like the easy-to-understand algorithm in many of the db/gameplay aspects though.
2014 : the uncatchable break; the mass leaders' attacks from the foot of the climb: basically domestics have no significant use other than fetching bottles; RES stat means nothing. Upside is I found the stage editor and the stage-making managements in general is an improvement to 2010.
2019 : major setback at UI clarity and practicality at races, and the game feels too easy in general. I don't really like the MO/HI stats system either. I like the teammate/training system, it's the positive.
A recurrent theme in those three editions are unrealistic transfer, it's getting better with time but at the same time more difficult to fix (unlike 2010, in later versions new season tend to crash when you 'fix' too many unrealistic transfers, resulted in me playing every new season starting new game with refreshed db containing less crazy transfer movement)
I'm not looking for a perfect game, but I'd love to hear opinions about PCM editions that you think can give more fun than the three editions I played. I heard 2011 is the most popular, what makes it standout to the 3 editions I played?
Cheers
P.S.:
My knowledge in computer/game programming is close to non-existent, I just have too much time on my hand to edit things like every important rider's programme every start of the season, startlist for every important race, etc. just so I can have a better time playing a season. But I'd rather not if I have a choice...
Edited by gunara on 16-03-2021 08:45
I'am quite like you, spending more time on editing files to improve the career mode than playing the game
Regarding the PCM editions:
I spent a lot of time on PCM 06 but outdated graphics are the big disadvantage today over the next PCM editions. Anyway AI was quite good, team management was very good, PCM.exe was very stable, it was very easy to create variants through .xml stages files.
PCM 13/14 (they are quite the same basis) are somewhat understimated and quite good from my point of view. RES useless stat is not a big concern, rider potential with stars was a good system, promotion was based on points ranking, difficulty was OK. PCM.exe was very stable. IA was OK but with a flawless: as you pointed out, the probability of a insane breakaway that could get more than 20 minutes on a flat stage... I just quit and restart the stage when it occurs (it happens very rarely though).
I'm sure we're not the only two, the game has always been in need of some extra help from the players.
Yes, 2014 was not all that bad, especially from someone who last played in 2010, it's joyful to finally see more than 2 sprinters going for the win on flat stage....if they're lucky enough to catch the breakaway that is.
Me too I always restart the stage that was too unrealistic, or kill my own team relaying at 90% including my leader just so Fleche Wallone can have realistic outcome every season
