OT: 2004 Baseball Games

[MizzouRah]

Besides ootp6, I really enjoyed MVP baseball last year, even if it was a bit small in the features department.

This year however, I'm really psyched about this years addition. Reading from this article http://www.1up.com/article2/0,4364,1442715,00.asp this part really interests me:

Helping you get through a season in Dynasty Mode is a variety of speed aids, including the brand-new manager mode. One common complaint with Dynasty Mode, according to Nielsen, is that if you're simulating a series of games, it's hard to really feel in control of your team's destiny. That's where the manager's game comes in: it gives you a modicum of control and still wraps up a complete match in short order. This mode looks a fair bit like the play-by-play reports on MLB.com, if you're familiar with that: you're shown a baseball diamond, and textual commentary on the game appears at the bottom. As manager, you're given a set of batting and pitching options at all times -- calling for home runs or steals and setting up hit-and-runs on offense, or pitching around hitters or dealing intentional walks on defense. This extra freedom gives you a great deal more control over your team's destiny, but it also wraps up the game within five minutes -- a great boon for Dynasty Mode freaks without much time on their hands. What's more, you can simulate the rest of the game or play it out yourself at any time during the match, which gives you a chance to take control if matters are getting out of hand.

The ability to play, manage, or just watch games play is uncanny for a console game! I'll be keeping an eye on this one.


Todd

[Philliesfan980]

That really sounds awsome.

I've owned most console baseball video games at one point or another. I haven't found one that really works for me though. High Heat was great, but like all other console games, I felt like it was simply a matter of "getting the timing down". Eventually, I never (hardly) ever struck out in any console game.

I think its next to impossible to get a realistic console video game relating to baseball. It might be the hardest of all sports to replicate on a console. Its all related to timing.

On the other hand, I really like games that have manage only modes for console/computer games. I'm fussy, because I like to SEE the action unfold behind my eyes. To their credit, most console baseball games are at least "simulating" good results, which means a good manage only option is just around the corner.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I thought World Series Baseball 2K3 was great last year, and now that ESPN is onboard, I think the presentation will be even better. I had no problems with the gameplay, although walks were a little hard to come by (then again, I swung at a lot of bad pitches until I learned some patience). One other thing was that I had J.D. Drew on something like a 40-game hitting streak when I stopped playing. Yes, I played every game myself, so it was really my control, but I didn't get any of my other players even close to that. I wouldn't really consider it a problem because anything can happen, but seeing J.D. Drew get a hit every game was pretty bizarre.

[MizzouRah]

High Heat 2000 was awesome, imo. I used the 'manage only' option and had a blast watching the game unfold. Sounds like MVP is getting there. The ability to call the shots as manager in a 'quick' text style simulation is very interesting. Also, if you wanted to play a big game (playoffs), you can do that as well.


Todd

[MizzouRah]

dola,

IGN.com has some movies for the xbox version of MVP 2004. It shows how you can play with the farm teams and watch that #1 pick power hitter abuse AA pitching.

[MizzouRah]

Still following this game over at ign.com and I'm telling all you console baseball gamers, I really like what I have seen in movies and have read about MVP 2004.

If you have a high speed connection, check out some of the videos that are up - hitting/pitching/fielding, play of the day(s), and some new ones about the new hitting system.


Todd

[MizzouRah]

Grand Slam Dola,

I feel like Kodos, but more MVP 2004 information.

Thanks to OS for the interview!!


Operation Sports: Is there a manage only mode with generated pitch counts?

MVP Baseball 2004 Team: Yes. We have included a Manager Mode as a separate mode unto itself AND incorporated it into Dynasty Mode. You are able to manage each at-bat and perform substitutions, hit and runs, steals etc. while the game unfolds. This is also available for ALL of your minor league teams as well. Think of it as an extension of the intervention option we had last year. This year, you can sim a few innings, intervene and jump right into the game and play a few innings, jump back out and manage a few innings. It’s a great way to get through even more games in Dynasty Mode while keeping a macro level of control over your team, their strategies and the results.



Operation Sports: I would like to know more about the player happiness and manager/player dynamic, as it seems very RPG’ish and VERY interesting.

MVP Baseball 2004 Team: Yep – this is a pretty amazing feature for 2004. We received a lot of great response to the momentum meter last year and so we decided to take it a step further. And then another step. And we kept going until we had designed Team Chemistry. Managing a baseball team is more than simply substituting players and setting line-ups. The best managers are the ones that can deal with the varying personalities that exist in a clubhouse and get the most out of that team. Team Chemistry in MVP Baseball 2004 is essentially a sum of your players’ happiness/morale levels. There are different personality types in our game – some guys are more team oriented than other guys – some guys focus on their individual stats and so forth. By managing these differing player happiness levels, you will arrive at your team’s chemistry. There are different levels of team chemistry for each team in your organization, so you can’t simply ignore your minor league teams. There are a multitude of choices and options at your fingertips that you have as a Manager to impact player morale and as a result, affect your overall Team Chemistry. While I don’t want to give away too much information, one hint is to look at your team’s depth chart – it will provide a snapshot of which players are happy and which are pretty annoyed. It’s up to you to manage your team – both on and off the field.



Hmmmmm.... do I get it on PC or PS2?



Todd

[ice4277]

Wow, sounds really interesting. I haven't bought a video baseball game since High Heat headed south a few years ago, but this may be one worth getting. Anybody hear anything about the ESPN Baseball coming out? WSB on the Genesis was my favorite baseball series ever, I am hoping it can eventually come back and capture some of that magic.

[Cuckoo]

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

Still following this game over at ign.com and I'm telling all you console baseball gamers, I really like what I have seen in movies and have read about MVP 2004.

If you have a high speed connection, check out some of the videos that are up - hitting/pitching/fielding, play of the day(s), and some new ones about the new hitting system.


Todd

Looks good. My only question about MVP is: How deep will the dynasty mode actually be? Last year's All-Star had the best franchise mode, in my opinion, but I'm hoping things like Rule V and 40 man rosters become common place in all of these games.

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by Cuckoo

Looks good. My only question about MVP is: How deep will the dynasty mode actually be? Last year's All-Star had the best franchise mode, in my opinion, but I'm hoping things like Rule V and 40 man rosters become common place in all of these games.

Well, according to IGN, it's pretty deep. What depth that is, I guess we'll see. This is only version 2 of MVP and it seems to me like they've added a ton of stuff from last years skeleton. Just the ability to play/watch your minor league teams right down to the playoffs is very interesting to me. Also, I can play say, the first 5 games of my franchise and then manage a bunch (it looks similar to ootp with you calling for bunt, swing, etc...) That way, I can get more than 1 season in and get much more into the game. Instead of the game simming by itself across the screen, I get to manage those games (which, btw can take as little as 5-10 mins).

Seeing visually, my minor league players step up to bat or watching the next Pedro Martinez in my system pitch a game, really gets me going for this game. I loved the mechanics of MVP 2003, so this is all meat and potatoes. IGN has had tons of videos and I've seen some amazing stuff for a joystick/graphics style baseball game.

Check out some of the videos over at IGN, if you want a graphics/ootp mix, MVP is getting close.


Todd

[Eaglesfan27]

Sounds exciting, I'll be watching further developments with interest.

[mtaystl03]

Is High Heat done completely? What about release dates for MVP (for PC) and where can I find a bunch of information on OOTP 6. I know its around Im just lazy and don't feel like looking for it all. Thanks! Go Cardinals (Man, im pumped for baseball).

[Cuckoo]

Originally Posted by mtaystl03

Is High Heat done completely? What about release dates for MVP (for PC) and where can I find a bunch of information on OOTP 6. I know its around Im just lazy and don't feel like looking for it all. Thanks! Go Cardinals (Man, im pumped for baseball).

Even though I'm a Cubs fan, I'll still provide you some information.

I'm fairly certain that High Heat is over. The release date for MVP, I think, is March 9th, and go HERE for info on OOTP6. There's a sticky in the Comments and Feedback forum for OOTP5.

[Easy Mac]

I don't think you can say this version of MVP Baseball is number 2, seing as how EA has been doing baseball games for about a decade or more.

Also, World Series '95 was the greatest baseball game ever.

And last I heard, High Heat is completely dead.

[mtaystl03]

I just read that interview at Operation Sports about MVP and I think thats my early frontrunner. Will that be out before OOTP?

For me, it is nice to see the stadiums every once in a while, play with your minors but still have good solid dynasty engine. MVP looks like it will do that. What is your guys #1 as of right now?

[Cuckoo]

Originally Posted by mtaystl03

I just read that interview at Operation Sports about MVP and I think thats my early frontrunner. Will that be out before OOTP?

For me, it is nice to see the stadiums every once in a while, play with your minors but still have good solid dynasty engine. MVP looks like it will do that. What is your guys #1 as of right now?

There's no definite release date yet on OOTP6, but it tends to be released around opening day which would put it just after MVP. I think MVP looks really solid, but I'm not sold on its Dynasty Mode as there has been little information released on it. I also haven't seen much at all on this year's versions of All-Star and World Series, both of which were pretty good last year. As it has usually been, all will likely have their respective strengths and weaknesses, and it will depend on what's most important to you in a console game. MVP, in my humble opinion, had great gameplay last year but was way behind the other two in career play aspects.

[ice4277]

Originally Posted by mtaystl03

I just read that interview at Operation Sports about MVP and I think thats my early frontrunner. Will that be out before OOTP?

For me, it is nice to see the stadiums every once in a while, play with your minors but still have good solid dynasty engine. MVP looks like it will do that. What is your guys #1 as of right now?

I pretty much echo your thoughts, a strong sim with a solid arcade mode would be bliss. That said, if ESPN Baseball can match the fun I had with WSB on the Genesis, that would get strong consideration.

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by Easy Mac

I don't think you can say this version of MVP Baseball is number 2, seing as how EA has been doing baseball games for about a decade or more.

Also, World Series '95 was the greatest baseball game ever.

And last I heard, High Heat is completely dead.

Ok, #2 post Triple Crap.

WS 95? Nah, for me High Heat 2000 on the PC is still my favorite.

I've heard MVP will be out on 03/02/04, althought EA still claims it'll be out on 03/09/04.


Todd

[Mota]

No High Heat baseball this year, although next year it should probably be back. Microsoft bought the rights to this game and I'm sure they wouldn't just let it die (because Inside Pitch was such a huge success, hehe).

[sooner333]

I must say, after playing a friends version of MVP baseball last year on PS2, it made me wish I had gotten that on Xbox rather than WSB. As cool as WSB is graphically and franchise wise, I couldn't get into playing the game as much. With MVP it was pretty quick to learn, but definetly harder to master. It was a game that was a lot different than other baseball games, but that added to the fun level. It was like playing with a golf/kicking slider, but with pitchers and hitters. I really enjoyed playing it. Hopefully this franchise mode will put it over the top.

[Adamski47]

I thought ASB was hands down the best game last year. I'm a stickler for realism and ASB knocked my socks off. ASB also made you work for walks and you really had to be on top of your game with some batters to even put the ball in play. The only game I've played where I've actually been struck out a realistic # of times in a game. Randy Johnson once struck me out 11 times in a game. I usually was around 6 or 7 and I was an expansion team (which is an amazing feature in and of itself).

[mtaystl03]

This makes me want baseball more and more! Good discussion. Adamski47- I like realism as well. I loved High Heat but I didn't find it difficult enough (ie: never struck out more that 5 times no matter who I was facing).

If you are interested in the Operation Sports interview(s)...
Part I
Part II

MizzouRah - Where have you heard March, 2nd? Everywhere I have seen is sticking to March 9. I wouldn't mind having it a week early.

[j51]

You guys fall for the EA Sports hype every time.

[tucker342]

Originally Posted by Adamski47

I thought ASB was hands down the best game last year. I'm a stickler for realism and ASB knocked my socks off. ASB also made you work for walks and you really had to be on top of your game with some batters to even put the ball in play. The only game I've played where I've actually been struck out a realistic # of times in a game. Randy Johnson once struck me out 11 times in a game. I usually was around 6 or 7 and I was an expansion team (which is an amazing feature in and of itself).

wait, you could have an expansion team? Alright I know what Baseball game I'm getting this year!

[tucker342]

dola-

But it's All-Star's franchise mode that offers the most depth. You can start with an existing franchise or dive in as the owner of an all new expansion team. Expansion mode enables you to select your city, mascot, league, and even your stadium from a list of classics like the Polo Grounds and fantasy stadiums like Acclaim Sports Park. You then participate in the expansion draft and select your team from a bunch of has-beens, should've beens, and never was', assembling a lineup that you hope could compete thanks to your tremendous skills on the sticks and not necessarily their skills on the field. From there you jump into the franchise where you have to worry about everything from your budget to the trading deadline, but if you get too stressed or are confused about a specific rule, you can always check the rule book provided that explains everything from the Rule 5 Draft and salary arbitration to free agent negotiations and league leader eligibilities. You're then given a Spring Training task list that tells you how many points you will earn for everything from hitting for the cycle to achieving 20 strikeouts with one pitcher. From the GM desk you can then go ahead and crunch your budget numbers, see how the budget allotment is structured, sign players to long-term deals, and check out your payroll. The level of depth can be somewhat mind-numbing when you first start looking at all of the charts and figures, but die-hard baseball fans wouldn't have it any other way.

alright, I'll be in the bathroom. Please don't knock, I'll be "busy" for a little while

[illinifan999]

The one thing that I hated from ASB (Though I admit I didn't buy last year's version) was the finances. It seemed no matter what I did even if I had the lowerst payroll that no matter what come re-signing time I could only sign one player. It also pissed me off that is was what they demaded or you couldn't get them. Has that changed?

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by mtaystl03

This makes me want baseball more and more! Good discussion. Adamski47- I like realism as well. I loved High Heat but I didn't find it difficult enough (ie: never struck out more that 5 times no matter who I was facing).

If you are interested in the Operation Sports interview(s)...
Part I
Part II

MizzouRah - Where have you heard March, 2nd? Everywhere I have seen is sticking to March 9. I wouldn't mind having it a week early.

Arrrghhh... it said 3-2 at ebgames.com, but alas... it's back to 3-9.

Actually, there's nothing to be NOT hyped about, MVP 2003 was quite a fun game to play, especially two players. They laid the foundation of a fun game last year, erased the remains of anything triple play, and started to show they meant business in the baseball genre. I know the proof is in the pudding, but so far, I like what I've read on 2004.

ASB sounds fun as well, I'm going to have to read up on that one.


Todd

[CleBrownsfan]

Damn - that MVP 2004 looks pretty sweet.... let's just hope EA doesn't screw this one up!!!

[Butter]

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

you're given a set of batting and pitching options at all times -- calling for home runs or steals

Hmmm.... I think I'll choose the home run option. The strikeout option looks appealing... but not this time, Chester!

[MizzouRah]

Read this: http://sports.ign.com/articles/492/492778p1.html

This dynasty report on MVP 2004 ought to get your baseball juices going!

Also, here is a pic of manage mode:




Todd

[Eaglesfan27]

It sounds promising... hopefully it actually plays as well as it sounds. I'm particularly intrigued by the manager mode. I'd love a game with decent manage only options where it plays out graphically. I also hope defensive players have appropriate ratings to really distinguish the good defenders from the bad defenders.

[MizzouRah]

I'd love a game with decent manage only options where it plays out graphically

Manage mode is not graphical (HH 2000), it's just like the screen above. If you want to see the pretty graphics, you have to play.

I've read some first impressions (beta?) from the people at OS, from what they have said, you can definitly tell the difference between good fielders vs bad ones, speedy ones vs slow ones, etc. In all, they loved the game and said they couldn't believe how far MVP has come since last year.

I'm still on the fence on which version to get. Do I get the ps2 version $50, or do I opt for a Radeon 9600 pro/xt card and the pc version $240 total? I do need a new video card for Half Life 2 as well (In fact, I think I can get a Radeon 9600 pro/xt card on ebay that includes a free HL2 coupon, so that would save me $50.

Ahhhh... decisions, decisions......


Todd

[Terps]

Both are online (PS2 & PC), but since I'm an XBox owner, I'll go with the PC. I probably would anyway, just because of mods for it. Hopefully it gets a strong mod community like High Heat had.

Edit: ...and ASB for the XBox, haha.

[ice4277]

I am probably going to go with PS2; for some reason I can't find my Sidewinder gamepads

[CleBrownsfan]

Some good in game videos:

http://mediaviewer.ign.com/mediaview...=network%3Dign

[Eaglesfan27]

Oh, I wish you could play out the games with manage only and have the computer handle fielding (based on ratings) when to swing or not swing based on ratings. Basically, have the game play out with graphics but based on ratings. Sounds like this manage mode won't do that, but it still sounds intriguing. I can't decide whether to get this for PS2 or PC if it actually delivers. PS2 would be better IF I ever want to play out games, but I see a huge potential for mods and such on the PC.. I'll be interested in hearing your reviews after you all get the game.

[MizzouRah]

I've switched to the dark side!

Tonight, I got a wild hair and... traded my ps2, 4 games, 2 memory cards, and an extra controller, for:

Xbox with s-controller, dvd remote, Halo (I had to see and play this game), March Madness 2004 (I know it's not near as deep, but it plays better and most of all I don't throw the joystick on stupid close range shots that lose me games in ESPN's game), MVP 2004 pre-order, free Gamestop membership with 9 issues of Game Informer.

Not too shabby... I also like the fact the xbox has a built in network card and HD ready for my TV in the not to distant future. The only thing I hate is EA's games are only online for PC and ps2. I had alot of fun with the ps2 though.


I will post some impressions of MVP (xbox) on 3-10! Since the rosters are only good up to 1-15, can I d/l them on the xbox with the network adapter?


Todd

[hukarez]

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

I've switched to the dark side!

Tonight, I got a wild hair and... traded my ps2, 4 games, 2 memory cards, and an extra controller, for:

Xbox with s-controller, dvd remote, Halo (I had to see and play this game), March Madness 2004 (I know it's not near as deep, but it plays better and most of all I don't throw the joystick on stupid close range shots that lose me games in ESPN's game), MVP 2004 pre-order, free Gamestop membership with 9 issues of Game Informer.

Not too shabby... I also like the fact the xbox has a built in network card and HD ready for my TV in the not to distant future. The only thing I hate is EA's games are only online for PC and ps2. I had alot of fun with the ps2 though.


I will post some impressions of MVP (xbox) on 3-10! Since the rosters are only good up to 1-15, can I d/l them on the xbox with the network adapter?


Todd

I'd highly suggest picking up an 'Action Replay' for the XBOX. Operation Sports usually hosts some of the roster updates for systems, and for the XBOX, I believe AR is the only way to go; especially if you don't subscribe to Live.

EDIT: Also, I'm not sure what the status is with EA and Microsoft. I remember you couldn't really update Madden rosters on the XBOX, since there were no online features incorporated in that iteration of the game. I haven't dropped by Operation Sports in awhile. To make a long story short: EA wasn't interested in spending money to use Microsoft's Live, and thus didn't have any online support for their sports titles - be it downloadable rosters, etc.

This was awhile ago though - don't know the case now. Can anyone else confirm?

[tucker342]

I'm stuck between MVP and All-Star right now... I'll probably wait for both to come out then I'll just compare their ratings...

[FBPro]

I'll probably grab ASB and MVP for PS2, MVP for PC for sure. OOTP is the game for me however but the others look interesting enough to try.

[MizzouRah]

That stinks about EA and updates, although they have an editor this year.

In the magazine I got tonight, they liked ESPN and MVP. They said ASB's graphics were subpar and just not as fun as the other two.

I'm still keeping ESPN in my sights though and if MVP isn't that great, It'll go back for ESPN or ASB.

Quick note on Halo. Now I know what the hype was about, I can't put this game down! Also, MM 2004 isn't near as deep as ESPN CH, but I like the gameplay much better.

I'll have ootp6 for my pc.


Todd

[Pumpy Tudors]

...and it seems that I'm STILL the only Xbox owner on the planet without Halo.

[samifan24]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

...and it seems that I'm STILL the only Xbox owner on the planet without Halo.

**gasps**

[Pumpy Tudors]

Sorry, I still haven't been able to get into games in which your character is a gun and you get chased by stuff.

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

Sorry, I still haven't been able to get into games in which your character is a gun and you get chased by stuff.

It's only $25 used.


Todd

[sooner333]

Actually, I don't have Halo, everyone on my dorm floor started liking it, I still hate it. I basically have just sports games, and I like it that way.

[GoSeahawks]

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

It's only $25 used.


Todd

There's a place called Game Exchange here in Portland that sells used versions of Halo and Splinter Cell for ten bucks. I still haven't purchased either. The only games I own are sports titles.

[ice4277]

Isn't Halo one of the Platinum games for the X-Box now, and only about 20 bucks new?

[CleBrownsfan]

I called my local EB and they said MVP will be released March 3rd.

EA Sports is saying March 10th..... hmmmmmm

[MizzouRah]

It's the 9th and I'll get it on the 10th (Gamestop), that is unless EA releases it a week early. I know the videos at IGN have me in baseball mode.


Todd