2007-10-27 19:33:15
72 votes, rating 4.8
Whether you like or dislike the FUMBBL Major system, no-one can deny the buzz they create and the fun to be had from spectating games. This FUMBBL Cup is the biggest and best example of a Major since I joined the site, 512 coaches and teams get to enter the fray, no seeding makes for some coaches with good draws, and some get real stinkers that lead to cracking games. The excitement surrounding the Cup is such that each game I spectate has 100+ fans by the end of the game, and I've seen some fantastic Bloodbowl. I've seen some average BB too - but with 512 teams, that's always going to be an issue!
With the buzz around the thing, coaches let it get under their skin more. Myself, I missed a T8 chainpush in my first round matchup that would have led me to a 75% chance of scoring. Luckily, the replay showed that the dice would have failed me, but the point is I missed a chance I'd usually take due to the pressure of the occasion - even though I'm not the no.1 Major fan in the World. This has happened across the games, big name coaches have fallen, famous teams have missclicked and formed poor cages, humans are fallible under the avalanche of 100 /cheers or 100 /hurts.
When someone stuffs up, like I stuffed up, you expect the wise old heads in chat to speak up. N00b! WTF! Deserved! we cry. It shouldn't be taken to heart - it's the easiest game in the World this Bloodbowl whilst you're watching. Infact I've been BB spectating Champion of the World three years running - it's just when I'm in control I'm fallible. But what really gets under my skin are the guys that enter games with no spectator name, and start laying into the coaches playing. It's not simple "N00b! The BOB is 1 square out of position!" it's line after line of unfounded criticism, abuse and general lame behaviour. When pressed, these guys are normally 15 game n00bs who think that stalling is bad sportsmanship, and foulers should be banned.
If you are going to spectate a game and forward an opinion, at least have the nuts to put your coach name on. Let's be frank and open, and lastly, let's give the coaches playing a bit of a break. They are only human, and mistakes sure as hell add to the excitement, eh?