MLB 13 The Show - Beginner Mode Impressions

[Bahnzo]

Quote: Originally Posted by Perfect Zero

I've played for years and getting the swing of the hitting game down is tough. I'm still not where I want to be. Look, you think you're the Second Comming; we get that. For the 99% of us who are mere mortals, this mode is a great way to get into the game.

I don't think I've ever said I was "the Second Comming" (sic). I just said there's already mechanics in place to improve your hitting. This new "mode" really doesn't improve on that.

I like what RudyJuly says above about further slowing the pitch speed (which I really think needs done, my old eyes and reactions could use another notch lower) and/or the pitch recognition/batter's eye for the lowest level. To me, both those in conjunction with what's already in place would be much better IMO.

[Russell_SCEA]

Quote: Originally Posted by Bahnzo

I don't think I've ever said I was "the Second Comming" (sic). I just said there's already mechanics in place to improve your hitting. This new "mode" really doesn't improve on that. I like what RudyJuly says above about further slowing the pitch speed (which I really think needs done, my old eyes and reactions could use another notch lower) and/or the pitch recognition/batter's eye for the lowest level. To me, both those in conjunction with what's already in place would be much better IMO.

The pitch speed has been lowered across the board along with a much wider timing window in conjunction with the addition of beginner mode. It was only part of the equation.

[seanjeezy]

Quote: Originally Posted by Russell_SCEA

The pitch speed has been lowered across the board along with a much wider timing window in conjunction with the addition of beginner mode. It was only part of the equation.

Even for HOF and Legend? (I'm hoping you say no...)

[Russell_SCEA]

Quote: Originally Posted by seanjeezy

Even for HOF and Legend? (I'm hoping you say no...)

Yes but Legend is harder this year than it was last year. We've been re-balancing every difficulty since the changes went in back in April.

[nomo17k]

Quote: Originally Posted by Russell_SCEA

Yes but Legend is harder this year than it was last year. We've been re-balancing every difficulty since the changes went in back in April.

Not that I can consistently play well at Pitch Speed slider at max, but I hope the slider adjustment can bring pitch speed to where it has been. For example, if the Pitch Speed slider adjustments are such that

10 = 95 mph in game feels close to 95 mph in real life
5 = 95 mph in game actually is closer to 85 mph in real life
0 = 95 mph in game actually is closer to 75 mph in real life

then slowing pitch speed for lower

10 = 95 mph in game feels close to 95 mph in real life
5 = 95 mph in game actually is closer to 80 mph in real life
0 = 95 mph in game actually is closer to 65 mph in real life

so that we can still get to real-life speed at the slider maxed out. That way the game still caters to everyone while making easier for someone wanting slower speeds...

I don't know if I can play with the slider maxed out anymore, but I like watching games at real-life speed.

[rjackson]

Quote: Originally Posted by Russell_SCEA

It's actually very very necessary this new feature isn't really for anyone on this site. We do extensive post morterms with all types of groups of gamers and one of the most consistent thing we've heard the past three years is the game isn't very accessible. Especially when it comes to hitting. Making rookie easier (which we have done two years straight) isnt' the answer it's just an easier difficulty setting. That's not the issue people are having hence why we designed a new mode to help ease (those who need it) into the hitting portion of the game. The purpose of beginner mode is to teach someone how to hit by starting out with squaring up on a fast ball down the middle of the plate and gradually working into fast ball placement. Eventually working into pitch recognition ball recognition and pitcher tendencies. Making the game easier accomplishes none of these issues. Now your comment about the resources you really have no idea what you are talking about here. It's December we choose to talk about specific things during this time and this year it's beginner mode. The design and art work needed for feature completion is minimal when compared to the work that was done to franchise and RTTS. That's not even taking into account the other features and improvements that haven't been announced yet.

I love it when Russell stops by...thank you and to any/all devs who are willing to listen to our little group here.

As for this mode, it is a solid managerial decision that Bahnzo and other smart people would get on board with if they had all of the information that SCEA has, I am confident of that. Consider it an investment into the serie's future, if nothing else. If the consumer base shrinks instead of grows, then there will be less resources available to put in the improvements you might want in the future or the series could go away completely.

tbh, I'm going to do it to see where it puts me on difficulty and heck, I might even learn something. I use classic timing etc. to keep player's skills as the most important factor rather than mine so this might not even be made for me. Yet, I'm still doing it and with an open mind.

Is it dynamic at least as far as it might suggest putting a player at HoF level pitching but All-Star level for hitting?

[HustlinOwl]

http://www.polygon.com/2012/12/27/38...-beginner-mode

Quote:

The idea of Beginner Mode is smart not only because it slowly introduces you to the elements of hitting — recognizing pitch location, type and speed — but also because it gives novice players something they've never felt before in an MLB The Show game: success at the start, as opposed to frustration. For a newbie, going up against a guy like Verlander is usually a fool's errand destined to end in failure. But on Beginner Mode, that player can get an instant confidence boost by getting some hits off one of baseball's best pitchers.

[@legendm0de]

Quote: Originally Posted by Russell_SCEA

Yes but Legend is harder this year than it was last year. We've been re-balancing every difficulty since the changes went in back in April.

oh yea? bring it ONNNNNNNN ! *joe swanson voice*


i haven't tinkered with pitch speed sliders, it felt accurate, but I've also never stood in front of a real mid-90s fast ball before either. I hope that whatever is done to them will keep the pitching and speed accurate. If not, i will fish around here and see what they are saying about this issue