MVP 2005 - It ships today

[Sharpieman]

And I forgot to pre-order :(
WTF is wrong with me this month. I forgot make reservations for valentines day and now this. Oh well I guess I'll just wait for the reviews.

I like the price though. Hopefully its more than a roster update.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'll be waiting to hear the various reviews on all of the console baseball games from people on here and in the press before I decide which one to get (if any.)

[Logan]

I might have to pick up a baseball game this year since the Mets should be at least decent.

[MizzouRah]

http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox/894/MVP-Baseball-2005/p1/

Review....

[Eaglesfan27]

I'll be interested in hearing from people on here if the bugs from last year are gone..

[FBPro]

I've heard PC version doesn't ship today........any idea when?

[MizzouRah]

EF,

From what I have read, the biggest issue is gone (lefty HR bug). I've also read there are much fewer diving catches, more foul balls, and overall the gameplay has improved. This is from people who have posted initial impressions. Who knows once the mass get it tomorrow.

Not sure if I'm getting it, but I really like the "batters eye" feature. I always had trouble hitting the ball and this new system should help.

Should be a ton of impressions tomorrow over at OS. I'm taking MM 2005 with me to work just in case I want to pick it up for $10.. if that deal is still around.

I have the baseball bug more so this year with hockey gone from my life.


Todd

[MizzouRah]

dola,

From Steve over at OS:


I had a great 3 game series w/ the Dodgers. I was the Giants of course.

Highlights that I'd like to mention.

1. I'm seeing the bullpen warm up at the right times, it's done VERY well.

2. I've been getting walked more as I get more patient and I am seeing the ball a little better.

3. I had a smash up the middle that went off the pitchers back into the SS's glove on a rebound for an out, he then threw over to first and doubled up the runner.

4. I'm still seeing the AI scared to pitch to Bonds in key situations. It's actually quite cool. Everytime they pitch to Bonds he kills em. In game 3, Gagne decided to walk him w/ nobody on. After striking out 2 batters in a row, I pinch hit and bring in Grissom who promptly bombs a triple off the wall scoring Bonds for the win.

5. AI will bunt when they should to advance the runner. They will pinch hit for the pitcher when needed most of the time.

6. I'm seeing some sick animations as I keep playing the game. There was one play where the 1st baseman dove for a sharply hit ball, he rolls on to his back and while on his back, flips it to the pitcher running over to cover 1st base. It was SICK.

7. I had a 12 pitch at bat w/ Bonds in game 2. It was a thing of beauty, these are w/ default all star sliders too. I ended up getting a walk out of the at bat. I kept fouling off pitches.

I'm really enjoying this game the more I play it.


I'm picking it up today for $10 at Gamestop. I'll give it a whirl tonight and post some thoughts.

I think Gagnon already has an updated roster completed.


Todd

[Galaril]

I pre-order a PC version copy the other day at Outpost.com for $19.99 which is the best price I have seen .I figure for 20 bucks I would give it a shot though I am swearing off EA games after this. Really......!

[MizzouRah]

This is the last year for MVP anyhow.


Todd

[C-Bailey]

dola,

From Steve over at OS:



I'm picking it up today for $10 at Gamestop. I'll give it a whirl tonight and post some thoughts.

I think Gagnon already has an updated roster completed.


Todd


10 bucks? May i ask how you're getting it at such a low price?

[Logan]

I believe if you trade in an EA 2005 title, you get it for $10.

[C-Bailey]

I believe if you trade in an EA 2005 title, you get it for $10.


Sweeeeeet :)

[MizzouRah]

I believe if you trade in an EA 2005 title, you get it for $10.

Yep, trade in that dusty copy of NCAA 2005. :D


Todd

[jbmagic]

Yep, trade in that dusty copy of NCAA 2005. :D


Todd


i tought you was going to get MVP 2004 with your xmas exchange present you received

[MizzouRah]

i tought you was going to get MVP 2004 with your xmas exchange present you received

I did for the PC. Played it quite a bit.

The one problem I had was hitting. Maybe I'm getting too told. LOL!

What can I say? I'm a sports game nut and after reading some impressions from people who have it and the review posted above, I bought it. Heck, for $10 it's a no brainer for me. The batter's eye really has me thinking I can hit the ball this year. :)

I'll fire it up as soon as I get home. Also, ESPN's 2k5 is out as well. I saw it at Gamestop for $20.


Todd

[jbmagic]

i am so tempting to go buy xbox or PS2 for these games


what console you recommend?

thanks

[MizzouRah]

i am so tempting to go buy xbox or PS2 for these games


what console you recommend?

thanks

MVP was released on the PC as well... but that's the only game. :)

I would wait. MLB 2006 is only for the ps2 and it sounds like a great game, the Xbox only has 2k5 and MVP on it.

I traded my ps2 in for an Xbox, but we purchased a ps2 for my daughter on Christmas. :)

It all depends on the games you like to play. I'm a Halo nut, so Xbox was my only choice. You'll get varrying posts about which is better, but it comes down to games, imo. The Xbox has a HD and built in network card, so that helped my decision as well.


Todd

[TLK]

Heading out to pick this up now.... hopefully it'll be worth the $30....

[SackAttack]

Picked my copy up this afternoon. I've still one class left before I can really sit down to play it, but I'll be available tonight if anybody has a hankering to challenge me on Xbox Live. :)

[Chubby]

if someone knows if the console versions have improved career mode feel free to let us know :)

[Logan]

Cut class, play, and post thoughts.

Now.

[Cuckoo]

if someone knows if the console versions have improved career mode feel free to let us know :)

Second.

[illinifan999]

I'm playing my first game into my owner mode dynasty with the Washington Nationals. Setting up your stadium is fun, although the options for it's dimensions are limited. After leading off the game with a HR, I've managed just 2 other hits, and the other team is doing about the same. Not much else than I'm having fun.

[SackAttack]

Chubby, the big things for me are going to be minor league development and left-handed power, and until I see evidence of improvement there, I'll be hardpressed to call it "improved."

The new owner mode looks cool, though, and I love that you can actually build and improve your own stadium. That might just be the coolest new feature "behind the scenes" this year.

Gameplay-wise, I did get a few minutes with it at EB, and I really like the color-coding for the pitch as it comes in. We'll see if that makes things too easy in the long run, but that's huge, even though it's minor visual detail.

[SackAttack]

Cut class, play, and post thoughts.

Now.

You'll get more concrete impressions tonight, grasshopper. When a class only meets once a week, I can't very well cut, can I? :p

[illinifan999]

left-handed powe

First at-bat in this game was with a lefty. He hit a HR.

[illinifan999]

Wow. I had a pitcher get a base hit and his baserunning ability wasn't all that hot. Well he decided to take a little bit too long to return to first and the relay man cut him down.

[MizzouRah]

One game, and yes much improved. This game has some wicked replays. Foul balls are a plenty, base hits are much more of a variety. Hey, no more diving catches!

I'll play someone online. The hitters eye is a great addition, I can actually hit the ball now, but Livan Hernandez doesn't let you see the ball. :)

If you liked 2004, 2005 is MUCH improved as far as gameplay goes. Ok, I have to get some more games in.

Pitching is MUCH harder as well. So far, I'm loving this game.


Todd

[samifan24]

One game, and yes much improved. This game has some wicked replays. Foul balls are a plenty, base hits are much more of a variety. Hey, no more diving catches!

I'll play someone online. The hitters eye is a great addition, I can actually hit the ball now, but Livan Hernandez doesn't let you see the ball. :)

If you liked 2004, 2005 is MUCH improved as far as gameplay goes. Ok, I have to get some more games in.

Pitching is MUCH harder as well. So far, I'm loving this game.


Todd

Do you have the Xbox version?

[TLK]

I'd like to play an actual game, however I can't get myself out of the "manager" mode. :)

[Balldog]

I'd like to play an actual game, however I can't get myself out of the "manager" mode. :)

guess that means its better this year?

[Pumpy Tudors]

I must remind myself that I am going to the Pittsburgh area tomorrow and will be without XBox until Sunday. I do not need to get this game tonight after I leave work. I do not need it tonight. I need to pack for my trip to Pittsburgh. The Pirates play in Pittsburgh. The Pirates play baseball. I need a baseball game for my XBox.

I need to buy this game tonight.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Dola

I hate word association.

[MizzouRah]

Do you have the Xbox version?

Yes indeed!


Todd

[SackAttack]

Do you have Live, Todd?

[SackAttack]

Gotta run to class. Todd, if you've got Xbox Live and you wanna jam around, say, 10:30 Pacific time (when I get back), I'd love to put MVP through its paces online. Otherwise, hopefully I can find a game with someone in the next coupla days.

[Balldog]

Would you fockers check out manage mode and tell me about it ;)

[TLK]

Would you fockers check out manage mode and tell me about it ;)
I have nothing to compare it to, as I always played ASB. Having said that, the manager mode was a nice surprise. It's not great, and I can see where people would complain. If you have any specific questions.... I can answer them...

[MizzouRah]

Do you have Live, Todd?

Well of course. :D

Gamertag: MizzouRah71 (I think)


Todd

[mtaystl03]

Where do you get that deal for trading in a 2005 EA game and get it for 10 bucks? A certain store or all of them?

[FBPro]

Gamestop, but not sure it is still a valid offer.

[MizzouRah]

Gamestop, and as of today it's still good. Just traded in March Madness 2005 and purchased MVP for $9.99.

I think the deal is until 3/6.


Todd

[Easy Mac]

If you don't want to trade in a game, go to eastore.ea.com. EA just sent out a $15 coupon to people who have shopped there before, so you can get MVP for $22 after shipping (can't get their free shipping and use the coupon). Thats what I'm doing.

[Sharpieman]

I must remind myself that I am going to the Pittsburgh area tomorrow and will be without XBox until Sunday. I do not need to get this game tonight after I leave work. I do not need it tonight. I need to pack for my trip to Pittsburgh. The Pirates play in Pittsburgh. The Pirates play baseball. I need a baseball game for my XBox.

I need to buy this game tonight.
Are you sure the Pirates play baseball? :p

[hukarez]

I picked this up shortly after work for shits and giggles (xbox version). It seems nice -- I've never played MVP 2K4, so I'm not exactly used to these controls. Therefore, I completely suck. It took me awhile, ironically enough, to figure out the swinging even though the manual was short and concise. I think I'll get the hang of this after a few practice sessions.

Thought I'd try a game on the default difficulty of Pro, and immediately found myself trailing 8 to 1 by the middle of the 3rd inning. Clearly, I need to practice more.

[SackAttack]

I'm home from school, Todd. If you're around, give me a few. I need to change the credit card # on my Live account so they don't cancel me, and then I'll be good to go. If you're not around, I'll be on late tomorrow and Friday nights, but the next day I'll have a chance to be on early is Saturday.

[FBPro]

I got this bad boy today and have spent the better part of the evening playing around with it. I began a "dynasty" mode career w/ ATL and just managing the games. Kinda bummed that in manager mode the game-play isn't seen but the games do move along quite well, you can change up how any level games are played w/i your organization(you could play out your AAA games if you want or sim all). So far it isn't a bad alternative to OOTP or any other text sim just as a change of pace. I'm interested to see how the stats look after a season.......also in dynasty mode you can play up to 120 seasons so that isn't bad. This is with the PC version BTW.

[TLK]

One thing I've noticed in the manager mode.... the "pitch around" option with either yield an out or a walk. I havn't seen a hit yet....

[HomerJSimpson]

I got this bad boy today and have spent the better part of the evening playing around with it. I began a "dynasty" mode career w/ ATL and just managing the games. Kinda bummed that in manager mode the game-play isn't seen but the games do move along quite well, you can change up how any level games are played w/i your organization(you could play out your AAA games if you want or sim all). So far it isn't a bad alternative to OOTP or any other text sim just as a change of pace. I'm interested to see how the stats look after a season.......also in dynasty mode you can play up to 120 seasons so that isn't bad. This is with the PC version BTW.

Why in the heck couldn't they have a live version, one pitch mode like High Heat? Is it really that hard to do? Oh, well. Won't be buying a baseball game again this year.

[Balldog]

Kinda bummed that in manager mode the game-play isn't seen but the games do move along quite well.

This sucks.

[bob]

Did anyone pick up MLB 2K5 (previously ESPN)? If so, is it any good? I'm looking for simulation over arcade style.....

[JimboJ]

Kinda bummed that in manager mode the game-play isn't seen but the games do move along quite well

So how do you see the play results? Is it just a text description of the result?

[TRO]

Gameplay is definitely crisper. Haven't played around in Dynasty mode yet to tell if player development is better.

Xbox version for myself.

[FBPro]

So how do you see the play results? Is it just a text description of the result?
Yes, and just the basics at that.

[CleBrownsfan]

Why in the hell can't I ever hit the damn baseball!! I played MVP 2004 and now 2005 and I might get 5 or 6 hits a game - I either strike out or hit a lazy fly ball / weak ground ball. It just seems like I swing and hope it's in the strike zone. And the color scheme this year does me no good 'cause I'm color blind ;)

Anybody else have this problem playing baseball games?

[MizzouRah]

I'll say this again: IF YOU WANT MANAGE ONLY, you need a ps2 and MLB 2006 when it comes out 3/1. I'm getting it just for that.. well, as long as it gets good reviews.

Sack, I'm home all day today. Felt the need to get some baseball playing in. :)

What's your gamertag? I might already have it.


Todd

[Cuckoo]

Did anyone pick up MLB 2K5 (previously ESPN)? If so, is it any good? I'm looking for simulation over arcade style.....

I think this just came out today, and it'll likely be the one I get. I bought the ESPN versions the past two years for the franchise elements even though I preferred the gameplay of MVP actually.

[SackAttack]

I'll say this again: IF YOU WANT MANAGE ONLY, you need a ps2 and MLB 2006 when it comes out 3/1. I'm getting it just for that.. well, as long as it gets good reviews.

Sack, I'm home all day today. Felt the need to get some baseball playing in. :)

What's your gamertag? I might already have it.


Todd

Todd, I'm Rincewind. I won't really have much of a window to play until about 10 or 10:30 tonight, though. I've got class coming up shortly this morning, and then I work from 3:30 to 10 tonight (although I may find myself getting off work sooner than that).

[bob]

I think this just came out today, and it'll likely be the one I get. I bought the ESPN versions the past two years for the franchise elements even though I preferred the gameplay of MVP actually.

It hit some stores yesterday - lots of iffy reviews on the Take 2 forums, but I trust the people here better than there.

Funny thing - the ESPN Videogames website for this game doesn't even state that it went gold, much less that it was released.

[hukarez]

Why in the hell can't I ever hit the damn baseball!! I played MVP 2004 and now 2005 and I might get 5 or 6 hits a game - I either strike out or hit a lazy fly ball / weak ground ball. It just seems like I swing and hope it's in the strike zone. And the color scheme this year does me no good 'cause I'm color blind ;)

Anybody else have this problem playing baseball games?
Took me awhile to figure out batting myself. I guess I wasn't as patient as I should be -- I had initially thought you move the L stick *while* swinging. It wasn't until I checked out that 'Hints & Tips' portion of the manual where it stated to do it beforehand or what not. Wish there was some kind of 'practice' mode, but I ended up doing the Home Run Showdown and some Mini-Games to figure out a few of the things.

[MizzouRah]

Took me awhile to figure out batting myself. I guess I wasn't as patient as I should be -- I had initially thought you move the L stick *while* swinging. It wasn't until I checked out that 'Hints & Tips' portion of the manual where it stated to do it beforehand or what not. Wish there was some kind of 'practice' mode, but I ended up doing the Home Run Showdown and some Mini-Games to figure out a few of the things.

Yes, play the batting mini-game and hitting should get better for you.

Just played my first franchise game Cardinals (me) against the Astros. Again, the hitter's eye has to be the greatest thing I like about this year's game. Against Clemens, his pitches are VERY hard to pick up and I like the fact that different pitchers have different levels of the hitter's eye feature. You won't pick up pitches from pitchers like Clemens... and I didn't. Lost 7-0, but had 7 hits off of him lol!

Pitching is also much, much harder..imo. It's much easier to make a mistake pitch and after Mulder tired out, my bullpen made many to the Astros power hitters. I can't wait to go up against a 4th or 5th starter to see if it's easier to pick up the ball vs someone like Clemens.

The presentation is nice, the fielding is great (I use assisted), and the cutscenes are well done. Heck, the train even went down the track when Berkman went yard on me. No more warming up of the CPU pitchers in the 5th innings (at least so far).

I need much more playing time, but I feel much more involved in this game, not to mention there are walks if you are patient.. which isn't always an easy thing to do.

I really don't feel like I'm spitting in the wind when I say the game, although not a major difference, has the problems fixed from last year and has that, "one more game" feel to it thus far. It also has A, AA, and AAA as well.

There is a roster update from someone over at OS already if you have an Action Replay. It has the fake MLB players named, all transactions, and the top 100 prospects named. Very well done from what I've seen.


Todd

[Balldog]

What is this "hitter's eye" thing you all speak of?

[MizzouRah]

http://www.easports.com/games/mvp2005/home.jsp

[Eaglesfan27]

I really can't wait to hear if the minor league development problem was fixed.. if it was, then I will be picking this up.

[Lonnie]

As much as I want to smite EA, this 'hitter's eye' feature is tugging at my wallet.

[Eaglesfan27]

Todd,

Your reviews along with information I read at Operation Sports which have convinced me the player development bug is fixed this year have convinced me to buy this on the way home from work today.

Of course, I'm on call tonight :( I hope I don't get paged in the middle of a game.

[hukarez]

Pitching is also much, much harder..imo. It's much easier to make a mistake pitch and after Mulder tired out, my bullpen made many to the Astros power hitters. I can't wait to go up against a 4th or 5th starter to see if it's easier to pick up the ball vs someone like Clemens.
I'm going to have to practice a hell of a lot more -- or go down to 'Rookie' level! http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif


The presentation is nice, the fielding is great (I use assisted), and the cutscenes are well done. Heck, the train even went down the track when Berkman went yard on me. No more warming up of the CPU pitchers in the 5th innings (at least so far).
Speaking of which, have you tweaked/tuned the gameplay settings? I'm not sure if I'm using assisted fielding or not -- then again, I've only spent an hour and a half on the game itself. I'll probably find out in the menus somewhere; I'm really looking forward to figuring things out one at a time. Fielding and Baserunning, I have a feeling I'll probably suck at. Too bad there's no mini-games to help me practice those out...

There is a roster update from someone over at OS already if you have an Action Replay. It has the fake MLB players named, all transactions, and the top 100 prospects named. Very well done from what I've seen.
Which particular roster set should I be looking at? I've got an Action Replay for the XBOX, I might very well go right ahead and check it out then.

[Eaglesfan27]

At least in the New Orleans area, this game appears to be sold out. I stopped at my local EB Games on the way home and they sold out of their PS2 and Xbox copies. I called a Babbage's and they are also sold out. Stores have said they haven't had one return yet.

[Bearcat729]

At least in the New Orleans area, this game appears to be sold out. I stopped at my local EB Games on the way home and they sold out of their PS2 and Xbox copies. I called a Babbage's and they are also sold out. Stores have said they haven't had one return yet.


I've seen a bunch of copies around Cincinnati yesterday and today.

But since I picked up ESPN MLB 2K5 along with Gran Turismo the other night I think EA will have to live without my $29 for a little while.

[SackAttack]

The owner mode is pretty sweet. I wish, though, that the whole 'build your own stadium' thing weren't forced on you from the get-go, but were something you could work towards. The land options, for example, should have different costs, and you should have to buy the plot on which your stadium is getting plopped. And then from there you could design your original stadium and subsequent add-ons, subject to permitting finances.

Still pretty cool, though.

[sooner333]

Are you guys using owner mode or Dynasty mode for your season mode when you play out the games?

[MizzouRah]

Here is a direct link to the roster file for those of you who have an Xbox and an Action Replay: http://forums.operationsports.com/vBulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=1038

From what I've seen so far, it's a great roster.


I haven't changed any sliders yet. I've been playing on All-Start default, assissted fielding (you just throw the ball, but I like that better), hitter's eye camera when batting and broadcast camera when fielding. I have hitter's eye turned on and everything else off EXCEPT for the pitch cursor. With the improved difficulty in pitching I like the cursor on. I'm 0-2 so far in my dynasty and the CPU is hitting me just fine with these settings.

There is a thread on OS where someone simmed 10 seasons and said the player development bug is gone. In fact, I haven't read about anything bug wise yet.. at least none of significance or something that's not "the red in the Cubs logo has too much red in it" :)

Off to play some more.. this game is taking too much of my time up.


Todd

[MizzouRah]

Are you guys using owner mode or Dynasty mode for your season mode when you play out the games?

I'm using dynasty mode.


Todd

[hukarez]

Here is a direct link to the roster file for those of you who have an Xbox and an Action Replay: http://forums.operationsports.com/vBulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=1038

From what I've seen so far, it's a great roster.


I haven't changed any sliders yet. I've been playing on All-Start default, assissted fielding (you just throw the ball, but I like that better), hitter's eye camera when batting and broadcast camera when fielding. I have hitter's eye turned on and everything else off EXCEPT for the pitch cursor. With the improved difficulty in pitching I like the cursor on. I'm 0-2 so far in my dynasty and the CPU is hitting me just fine with these settings.

There is a thread on OS where someone simmed 10 seasons and said the player development bug is gone. In fact, I haven't read about anything bug wise yet.. at least none of significance or something that's not "the red in the Cubs logo has too much red in it" :)

Off to play some more.. this game is taking too much of my time up.


Todd
Sweet beans. I'll give this a go shortly after dinner, though I think I'll stay at the "Pro" level to see if I can hang with things. Nonetheless, I'll change my fielding to assisted...probably those horrible angles I took last night accounted for unnecessary triples that I kept getting worked with. http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif

[MizzouRah]

Sweet beans. I'll give this a go shortly after dinner, though I think I'll stay at the "Pro" level to see if I can hang with things. Nonetheless, I'll change my fielding to assisted...probably those horrible angles I took last night accounted for unnecessary triples that I kept getting worked with. http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif

Yeah, I still can't hit really well on All-Star. Just lost to Philly 3-1 in 14 innings. All these power hitters and no homeruns yet for me. :)


Todd

[vex]

So would you all recommend MVP or 2K5?

[hukarez]

Yeah, I still can't hit really well on All-Star. Just lost to Philly 3-1 in 14 innings. All these power hitters and no homeruns yet for me. :)


Todd
The fact that you're able to finish the game without being blown out speaks volumes! I'm atrocious at this. Being down 8-1 early in a game has had it's everlasting effect on me. Still, hopefully I can keep pace with the team -- though ironically, my first score was a homerun. I still think it was a lucky fluke, and I'm just so used to moving the L stick to locate where I want to swing my bat at.

I'll hopefully get a few games in tonight with that fielding assist turned on -- having the pitcher drop a bunt, advance all the runners, and /still/ make it to 1st safely was rather frustrating. All this glory on 'Pro' too! Perhaps I should consider taking it down a notch to get the hang and feel of the gameplay. So far, however, I'm really digging it; especially since the last EA baseball game that I played was Triple Play. http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif

[Sharpieman]

A few tips to stop other teams from trashing you. First, never pitch the same pitch back-to-back. Second, never throw a pitch in the same place back-to-back. Pitch low in the zone 80-90% of the time, pitching up in the zone will cause HRs. When batting, be patient, I rarely swing on the first pitch.

[Eaglesfan27]

This game is sounding more exciting... I might have to go by CompUSA and another Electronics Botique tomorrow if my call night doesn't go too bad tonight. I've read a lot of interesting information on OS that makes me think this game could finally answer my console baseball needs.

[MizzouRah]

I kind of wish they had a one swing option like MLB 2k4 did last year. I agree that moving the stick and hitting the ball is hard at times. I'm 0-4 so far. :) I have a friend who hits the sheeit out of the ball though. I've changed the view to #4 (center) and that has helped my hitting somewhat.


Todd

[lynchjm24]

Ok, I've got it... a couple of questions.

A. I see if I edit a player they have a star rating for their future career. Where can I find these without going into edit for each player? There are hundreds of minor league FA's - but there is no way to tell one from another.

B. Is there anywhere I can just sort my roster by attributes or do I need to write down what everyone can do to keep track?

[jbmagic]

i never played MVP baseball

how is it compare to High Heat?

i thinking of getting MVP 2005 for the PC

[MizzouRah]

I've read the PC version has a lot of stuttering, of course I'm sure they'll probably patch it sometime down the road. If you want to read up on the pc version, check here:

www.mvpmods.com

Todd

[SackAttack]

Woo. I finally had a solid offensive game, beating up on the D'Backs 8-3.

Well, solid offensive inning, more like, as I hung a 7 spot on Brad Halsey's neck in the 2nd. Three seeing-eye singles, followed by a David Ross grand slam, followed by an Ishii single (it really wasn't Halsey's day), a couple more runs - we had like 7 straight hits at one point - and the manager had enough and gave him the hook. We didn't score again the rest of the game, but 7 in one inning is satisfactory.

[TRO]

A few tips to stop other teams from trashing you. First, never pitch the same pitch back-to-back.
Not true. I've been able to throw the same pitch in the same location back to back even. Obviously, it is not something you want to do regularly, but you can throw back to back pitches successfully if you've been mixing things up regularly, just don't make the second pitch a fat one.

In fact, I've given up quite a few HR by changing pitch types and throwing to the opposite corner.

As for the rest of your comments, definitely try to keep the ball low and to stay patient. I have a hard time with the patience thing myself.

[Lonnie]

Just saw this in the Dallas Fry's Ad for $25 for those that may be interested. I think I'll pick up a copy at lunch.

[MizzouRah]

Hey, I'm 0-6 and about to get swept again. :)


Todd

[SackAttack]

I'm 5-1 in my Owner Mode career, although a couple of those have been near things.

I'm 1-1 online, however, so I'm glad I didn't have to wait too long for my first victory :)

[RGunner]

Just picked this up today, going out soon for a while though, but when i get back gunna try it out if anyone wants an xbox live game, just PM me and Ill lose to you.

[Eaglesfan27]

I just picked this up for 29.99 from Best Buy. I have to do a few errands but am looking forward to trying it out soon.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I would be all over this game right now, but I am currently in lovely Greensburg, Pennsylvania, without a computer or an XBox right now. I will be back home on Sunday. I hope I can find a copy of the game in New Orleans.

[Eaglesfan27]

I would be all over this game right now, but I am currently in lovely Greensburg, Pennsylvania, without a computer or an XBox right now. I will be back home on Sunday. I hope I can find a copy of the game in New Orleans.
Best Buy on Veterans had about 30 copies for each platform (PC/PS2/Xbox) that I saw. EB Games, Babbages, and an Electronics Botique were all sold out.

[SackAttack]

I fully expect to see more of you Xbox Live users online tonight and tomorrow, dammit. So far all of my online games have been with people not on my buddy list!

[jbmagic]

Hey, I'm 0-6 and about to get swept again. :)


Todd


what team you playing with? Tampa Bay :)

[jbmagic]

I just picked this up for 29.99 from Best Buy. I have to do a few errands but am looking forward to trying it out soon.


your Lucky, my Best Buy didnt have any in stock.

what playform you end up getting? xbox, pc, or ps2

[Eaglesfan27]

your Lucky, my Best Buy didnt have any in stock.

what playform you end up getting? xbox, pc, or ps2

I bought the xbox version.

[SackAttack]

Do you have Live, Eaglesfan? If so, what's your Gamertag?

[Eaglesfan27]

I do and I think it's Eaglesfan27. It's been a while since I looked it up, so I have to double check. I know we played each other during the short lived ESPN Football league, so you might still have me on your list.

[hukarez]

I fully expect to see more of you Xbox Live users online tonight and tomorrow, dammit. So far all of my online games have been with people not on my buddy list!
Man, I haven't been on Live since November, during some Halo 2 fest...

[Eaglesfan27]

Oh yeah, I have to do some errands which have been delayed for oh.. about 45 minutes while I catch up on the board. As a result, I probably won't be playing til 6 or 6:30 at which time I need to get a little bit familiar with the controls before I play anyone. However, I'm off this weekend and expect to be looking for some of you on there Saturday or Sunday.

[Crapshoot]

Any thoughts on the Franchise aspects of the game ? That's one of the things that interests me a lot.

[Eaglesfan27]

Alright, I know I *really* should be doing some stuff that I promised my wife I would get done around the house by the time she got off work tonight, but I opened the box...

I also know that sports console games don't usually have thick instruction manuals, but this appears to be one of the thinnest shortest instructional manuals that I've ever seen with a sports console game.

Anyone know of any more detailed manual on the net?

[SackAttack]

you don't really need a more detailed manual, Eaglesfan. Everything you need to do in MVP, it explains in that manual. It's mostly just a matter of remembering by repetition. Like, I still inadvertently send all my runners when I just want to send one, which has led to more than a few double and triple plays.

Oops. :)

[MizzouRah]

I'll have some free time tomorrow. Look me up foos!

:)

Todd

[vex]

Alright, I know I *really* should be doing some stuff that I promised my wife I would get done around the house by the time she got off work tonight, but I opened the box...

I also know that sports console games don't usually have thick instruction manuals, but this appears to be one of the thinnest shortest instructional manuals that I've ever seen with a sports console game.

Anyone know of any more detailed manual on the net?

I just got the game on PS2 and I agree, the manual is pathetic.

[MizzouRah]

I keep the manual by my side during the game. :)

I'm now 0-7 and the front office told me my job is in jeopardy. Washington, here I come!!


Todd

[RGunner]

my xbox live gamer tag is kevo0522 if u see me on challenge me to a game should be on either later tonight or tomorrow for sure

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm finally about to play. I'm planning on just practicing tonight, but I'd be interested in hearing thoughts from people who tried the owner mode. It sounds more in-depth, but is only limited to 30 seasons (as opposed to Dynasty mode which has 120 seasons.) Then again, I doubt I would ever get through 30 seasons. Anyone have any impressions of owner mode?

[MizzouRah]

The big drawback of owner mode is you HAVE to design a stadium at the beginning.

I'm now 0-8 after a Pujols bomb ties the game at 3, I lost in the 10th on a Carlos Lee double. Arghhh!! Maybe I should bump it down to Pro?


Todd

[Eaglesfan27]

The big drawback of owner mode is you HAVE to design a stadium at the beginning.

I'm now 0-8 after a Pujols bomb ties the game at 3, I lost in the 10th on a Carlos Lee double. Arghhh!! Maybe I should bump it down to Pro?


Todd
I think it would be more realistic that you have to build up money to renovate/build a stadium, but I am looking forward to building a stadium that would cater to the type of team that I want. Therefore, this isn't that big of a drawback for me. Any other thoughts about owner mode?

[MizzouRah]

I think it would be more realistic that you have to build up money to renovate/build a stadium, but I am looking forward to building a stadium that would cater to the type of team that I want. Therefore, this isn't that big of a drawback for me. Any other thoughts about owner mode?

Yeah, but you're using a big league ball club. Seems kind of pointless to me. I want to play in Busch Stadium, not some podunk stadium. I think you can change stadiums before each game, but then again I'll just play on dynasty mode and not worry about it.

I'm not meaning to sound negative, but why isn't there an option to use your exsisting stadium? Maybe you can build a new one in the future years down the road.. but then again unless you sim many of your games, you'll never see 30 years I guess.

I'm also anxious to see how MLB 2006 stacks up. The idea of a true manage only mode, ala High Heat has me very excited. Hitting has been fun so far in MVP, but I still suck big time. I'm hoping moving down to Pro won't make pitching too easy for me as on All-Star it's about perfect.

If you choose owner mode, let us know what you think EF!


Todd

[Eaglesfan27]

Yeah, but you're using a big league ball club. Seems kind of pointless to me. I want to play in Busch Stadium, not some podunk stadium. I think you can change stadiums before each game, but then again I'll just play on dynasty mode and not worry about it.


I'm not meaning to sound negative, but why isn't there an option to use your exsisting stadium? Maybe you can build a new one in the future years down the road.. but then again unless you sim many of your games, you'll never see 30 years I guess.

I'm also anxious to see how MLB 2006 stacks up. The idea of a true manage only mode, ala High Heat has me very excited. Hitting has been fun so far in MVP, but I still suck big time. I'm hoping moving down to Pro won't make pitching too easy for me as on All-Star it's about perfect.

If you choose owner mode, let us know what you think EF!


Todd
I'm still debating, but I think I will try owner mode tomorrow. I agree with you that I really would prefer to play in the Phillies new ball park and it would be nice if keeping the current ballpark was an option. But from reading the review on Gamespot (which gave it a 8.9), I like some of the features of owner mode. I do wish it was 120 years like Dynasty Mode, but I think I understand the reasoning. If I somehow finish it, I can always try a dynasty mode afterwards ;)

[Eaglesfan27]

A few very early thoughts:

The hitting mini-game is quite fun, except when you are in Round 5 with a good shot to set a record and you hit a freaking vortex (despite hitting the ball the direction you were supposed to) and get a -700 points on one shot..

I wish you could do the swing analysis in the hitting mini-game.

I hope my improvement in the hitting mini-game carries over to the real games.


Todd, I look forward to hearing about the manage only mode in MLB 2006. I would love to see a successor in the High Heat mold.

[Eaglesfan27]

I really like the music that is included with the game.

I prefer the hitting mini-game to the pitching mini-game.

I prefer the untimed pitching game to the timed one.

I lost my first exhibition game to the Devil Rays, 4-0. Mark Hendrickson struck out 9 and only allowed me to get 7 hits. I would have scored at least 1 run, but I accidently sent my guy back to third just before he crossed home. Of course, I had meant to send the guy on 2nd towards 3rd...

Fun game. I want to play one more mini-game or one more exhibition game despite the fact that I really should catch up on some sleep. I'm playing on All-star level currently (where I set the record for the mini-hitting game using Jim Thome.)

[SackAttack]

Woo. I'm home from work, and I intend to dedicate tonight and tomorrow to MVP on Live. :D If anybody's up for a game, look me up. I'm Rincewind!

[MizzouRah]

I keep missing you Sack...


Todd

[jbmagic]

just get ICQ or AIM

this way you wil know when there online and you can message them your ready to play.

[hukarez]

just get ICQ or AIM

this way you wil know when there online and you can message them your ready to play.
Xbox Live will show you if your friends are online or not. In any case, I'm "boocake" on there folks!

[jbmagic]

Xbox Live will show you if your friends are online or not. In any case, I'm "boocake" on there folks!


i meant online on the internet. then you can talk on icq or Aim, etc and then meet on xbox live..

[SackAttack]

Just finished playing a few games on Live. WHY WERE NONE OF YOU ONLINE? Or at least those of you on my buddy list. The rest of you are excused. ;)

[RGunner]

Just finished playing a few games on Live. WHY WERE NONE OF YOU ONLINE? Or at least those of you on my buddy list. The rest of you are excused. ;)

Are you on right now? bout to get on I'll play you, havent played one game of it but should be exciting. my gamertag is kevo0522 just challenge me ill be on in a few minutes

[SackAttack]

Sure thing. I'll be up there in just a minute. My Gamertag is Rincewind.

[RGunner]

Alright, logging on now, take it easy on me :)

[RGunner]

I officially suck at this game so far, gunna do some stuff I'll be back on later

[SackAttack]

I'm not crazy about the hitting mini-game so far. It doesn't make any sense to me that an outside pitch that I try to drive to right should be a long pop foul to left, and I don't like that a ball you're GAINING points for will be cut off before it can hit one of the bonus point items, but if you hit a vortex, it'll let it go as far back as possible before it returns you to the plate.

Grr.

[MizzouRah]

Hey, I won a game vs the CPU!

I restarted my franchise with some updated rosters, which were a product of the new EA update.

Won against Roger Clemens for my first AS level victory. The game was close, but for some reason I got into a "zone" in the 6th inning and scored 2 more runs to take a 3-0 lead.

Todd

[SackAttack]

Todd - I'm eating lunch right now, but if you're gonna be on in 10-15 minutes, maybe we can finally jam.

[Eaglesfan27]

Hey, I won a game vs the CPU!

I restarted my franchise with some updated rosters, which were a product of the new EA update.

Won against Roger Clemens for my first AS level victory. The game was close, but for some reason I got into a "zone" in the 6th inning and scored 2 more runs to take a 3-0 lead.

Todd

How many games did it take?

I've lost 5 total exhibition games to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays (twice), Detroit Tigers, and Kansas City Royals (twice). As a result, I'm starting to consider dorpping down to Pro level. However, like you I like the pitching meter at All-Star Level.

[MizzouRah]

Todd - I'm eating lunch right now, but if you're gonna be on in 10-15 minutes, maybe we can finally jam.

Ahh shoot! Friend came over with PC to fix. I'll be on here and there throughout the night though. :)

EF, it took me 9 games to win 1.. HAHA!!

I just lost 3-2 against Oswalt and the Astros bullpen. I really like the way the CPU does the little things like bunting a hitter over to 2nd base, double switches, etc. Errors also seem just about right. One thing you HAVE to do when hitting, make sure all distractions are either - asleep (kids) or out of the house - I have to get that "zone" thing going on. :D

I like the pitching too much on All Star, although I guess you could bat on Pro and pitch on AS? I really think MVP just takes time and patience. A friend of mine can hit like crazy on AS and plays on MVP level. Go figure.


Todd

[lynchjm24]

Is there some sort of prospect rating? How does 1 tell the difference between the 75 minor league players?

[Pumpy Tudors]

I bought the game today in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. I will be back home in about 18 hours. If I'm feeling awake when I reach the house, I'm going to give this game a run. I can't wait!

[vex]

I bought the game today in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. I will be back home in about 18 hours. If I'm feeling awake when I reach the house, I'm going to give this game a run. I can't wait!
Wow, you really wanted that game, huh?:p

[Eaglesfan27]

I switched back to Hitter's eye as opposed to center view and suddenly I'm able to hit better. Not great, but well enough to eek out my first 1-0 win against the Pirates!

Oliver Perez had a nasty fastball, but Rollins got a seeing eye single, stole second. Then, Polanco hit a deep fly to right field to move him to third. Finally Bobby hit a deep fly to right to bring him home. Randy Wolf pitched great for 8 innings. Then, for the first time ever I used Billy Wagner. Wow! Wolf is fun to pitch with using his curve, knuckle curve, slider, and fastball. But, Wagner was so much more fun. It was great to just blow the fastball by the hitters. I made a mistake with one pitch, but it was 99 MPH and the hitter just couldn't catch it. 3 strikeouts secured the 1-0 win :) I had 8 hits scattered throughout the game which is my best tally yet. I also had my first 2 walks.

I'm getting closer to starting my owner's career mode.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Wow, you really wanted that game, huh?:p

You busted me. :(

:D

[jbmagic]

are you guys seeing walks in the game?

[SackAttack]

jbmagic, yes, but you have to be patient. If you swing at the first pitch a lot, you'll seldom walk because the computer isn't as prone to missing the strike zone if it's pitching ahead in the count.

If you go up 2-0 in the count, you'll walk frequently, I've noticed. The rest of the time it's just patience and fouling off pitches you don't like.

[Eaglesfan27]

are you guys seeing walks in the game?

The biggest thing I've done to improving my hitting is almost always taking the 1st pitch. If it is a ball, it definitely helps me get walks and more hits. I just finished a game against the Astros and Clemens. I lost 2-0 due to a 2 run homer from Berkman, but I managed to get 7 hits and 2 walks against Clemens. Unfortunately, I hit into 3 double plays as well. Darn Thome is slow.

[Pumpy Tudors]

How is the CPU at drawing walks?

[Eaglesfan27]

How is the CPU at drawing walks?I think really good IF you make bad pitches and/or pitch around a player, and the player in question has a good plate discipline level. If the plate discipline level isn't so good, than the player is unlikely to get a walk (at least in my somewhat limited experience with the game.)

[SackAttack]

I think really good IF you make bad pitches and/or pitch around a player, and the player in question has a good plate discipline level. If the plate discipline level isn't so good, than the player is unlikely to get a walk (at least in my somewhat limited experience with the game.)

That's the key, yeah. You have to either pitch out of the zone, or have shit control, since there aren't as many foul balls in console baseball games as there are in real life.

[MizzouRah]

Yep, this game plays perfect out of the box on All Star for me. I just lost 11-3 in my home opener vs the Phillies. Morris just didn't have his stuff today, just like real life. There is an option called "variable stuff" that I think makes it so your star players can have "off" days, if you will.

Hitter's eye is a MUST for me, I love that view. If you own a console or a pc and don't have this game, you're missing out on a tight baseball game. They've added a TON of little things this year.

I use the 6/1 view and I love it. Pitching is harder from that view without me having to turn the cursor completely off. I have it on fade, which is necessary for nibbling the corners.. for me at least.

My wife is starting to wonder if I'm ever going to change my clothes and shave my beard. hahaha..lol!


Todd

[lynchjm24]

I swear this game is doing some crazy things. I had a triple, the announcers called it a triple, yet I have no triples in my stats.

I'm playing dynasty mode, I've played out 6 games with the Blue Jays. I know I have more then 3 CS, I've been trying to figure out how to run the bases, yet in my stats say only 3 CS.

The dynasty mode is good, but the lineups and roster management is so clunky that it takes a lot of the fun out of it.

[Eaglesfan27]

I use the 6/1 view and I love it. Pitching is harder from that view without me having to turn the cursor completely off. I have it on fade, which is necessary for nibbling the corners.. for me at least.

My wife is starting to wonder if I'm ever going to change my clothes and shave my beard. hahaha..lol!


Todd
Thanks for the tip on the 6/1 view. I just used it for the first time this last game, and it adds to the game perfectly. Pitching was actually becoming too easy even on the all-star level, and with this view and a fade cursor pitching feels like the perfect level of challenge for me. Hitting is still a problem for me though, but hopefully it will come around. I did just hit my first homer ever in a game thanks to Thome ripping one down the right field line.

I also think the 6/1 pitching angle looks cooler too.

[MizzouRah]

Thanks for the tip on the 6/1 view. I just used it for the first time this last game, and it adds to the game perfectly. Pitching was actually becoming too easy even on the all-star level, and with this view and a fade cursor pitching feels like the perfect level of challenge for me. Hitting is still a problem for me though, but hopefully it will come around. I did just hit my first homer ever in a game thanks to Thome ripping one down the right field line.

I also think the 6/1 pitching angle looks cooler too.

Glad you like it. With having the hot/cold zones turned off, that adds to the pitching toughness. I'm telling you, I've had shutouts, 1 run games, games where I've given up 11 runs, 8 runs, 9 runs, etc.. the variety is what's keeping me glued to this game. My hitting is getting much better, but my pitching is falling off at the same time. My baserunning is a bit too aggressive as well. :)

Todd

[Eaglesfan27]

Glad you like it. With having the hot/cold zones turned off, that adds to the pitching toughness. I'm telling you, I've had shutouts, 1 run games, games where I've given up 11 runs, 8 runs, 9 runs, etc.. the variety is what's keeping me glued to this game. My hitting is getting much better, but my pitching is falling off at the same time. My baserunning is a bit too aggressive as well. :)

Todd
Yeah, I just had my first big offensive outburst against the Rockies top pitcher. At the same time, Randy Wolf had his roughest outing giving up 3 runs in 4 innings. Fortunately, my long relief worked well and I won 5-3 :) I'm starting to realize my offensive ineptitude may have been due to all of the tough pitchers I've faced.

As a result, I'm going to stop playing exhibition games and start my owner mode career. Since my wife is on her way home from work, I'll be starting that tomorrow :)

How good is that downloadable roster you linked earlier in the thread? I want Bonds and others to have their real names but I don't necessarily want to modify them myself.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -


I'm having a really hard time stealing with any success. Anyone have any tips on how to get a good jump?

[SackAttack]

Try leading off.

[Eaglesfan27]

Try leading off.
How do you do that? I don't see instructions in the manual for leading off specifically.

[jbmagic]

MizzouRah

this game sounds great..

only have a pc, but that stuttering news is scaring me to get it for the pc

if there a new patch that fix it, i will get it in a heartbeat.

[SackAttack]

How do you do that? I don't see instructions in the manual for leading off specifically.

Hit the button corresponding with the baserunner, unless you want them all to lead. If you want them all to lead, I believe you tap up on the right thumbstick on PS2 or Xbox. If you only one one specific guy to take a lead, you just tap the right thumbstick to the left one time for each additional step you want to take. To retreat a step, do the opposite in each case.

[Galaril]

Great I got the ganme yesterday ......only problem Amazon.com sent me the Playstation 2 version and I don't have a playstation only PC ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!! Oh well a few more days I guess to wait. :mad:

[MizzouRah]

EF, here is the set I'm using for my franchise. They are taken from the latest EA update, fake players renamed, and the top 100 prospects named. No attributes were changed, which is what I wanted.

http://forums.operationsports.com/vBulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=1059

Also, whenever I get a guy on base, I hit up twice on the R stick - which causes this to take a two step leadoff. Since I have auto return to base turned on (I can't concentrate on hitting and getting my man back to base on a pickoff), they get back on a pickoff attempt but note *you will see occasional pickoffs*, which is nice. Sometimes I only move the stick up once on a really slow player... but if you have a speedy guy on first, hit the stick up twice (you can only leadoff two pushes of the stick, so don't worry about leading off too far) the ratio to steals/thrown out seem spot on - especially if you take into account who's catching for the other team.

I dare the computer to steal on Molina. :)

I now have 3 homers in 6 games. I jumped on a high fastball last night with Pujols and absolutely crushed it. I've also hit one with my backup catcher buy just hitting the swing button... it's all about timing.


Todd

[Eaglesfan27]

Hit the button corresponding with the baserunner, unless you want them all to lead. If you want them all to lead, I believe you tap up on the right thumbstick on PS2 or Xbox. If you only one one specific guy to take a lead, you just tap the right thumbstick to the left one time for each additional step you want to take. To retreat a step, do the opposite in each case.
Thanks! I couldn't figure out how to lead off. Amazing that I had one successful steal without it.

Todd, thanks for that link. That is exactly what I want too. I like how EA rated the players, I just want all players to have real names.

[Eaglesfan27]

EF, here is the set I'm using for my franchise. They are taken from the latest EA update, fake players renamed, and the top 100 prospects named. No attributes were changed, which is what I wanted.

http://forums.operationsports.com/vBulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=1059

Also, whenever I get a guy on base, I hit up twice on the R stick - which causes this to take a two step leadoff. Since I have auto return to base turned on (I can't concentrate on hitting and getting my man back to base on a pickoff), they get back on a pickoff attempt but note *you will see occasional pickoffs*, which is nice. Sometimes I only move the stick up once on a really slow player... but if you have a speedy guy on first, hit the stick up twice (you can only leadoff two pushes of the stick, so don't worry about leading off too far) the ratio to steals/thrown out seem spot on - especially if you take into account who's catching for the other team.

I dare the computer to steal on Molina. :)

I now have 3 homers in 6 games. I jumped on a high fastball last night with Pujols and absolutely crushed it. I've also hit one with my backup catcher buy just hitting the swing button... it's all about timing.


ToddJust read your post again. So up or left on the R stick will make a guy lead off? Thanks for clarifying this :)

I have to go to work for a few hours this afternoon, but am looking forward to starting my career later today.

EDIT: Nevermind, just read Sackattack's post and it is clear that you are essentially saying the same thing.

[MizzouRah]

Yep, push up. You can only leadoff two steps, but you can "preload" a steal. Push up on the d-pad before the pitcher pitches and he'll steal on the next pitch. I will say the AI is tremendous in this game. Pitchouts, pickoffs, etc... you have to be on your toes. I love the hit and run as well.


Todd

[Pumpy Tudors]

I just played two games against the Astros in owner mode (like MizzouRah, I'm playing as the Cardinals). In my first game, I lost 2-1. Clemens and Mulder both pitched very well, and I chased Clemens in the 9th with a solo homer by Larry Walker which tied the game. Unfortunately, the Astros won in either the 11th or 12th because I brought Julian Tavarez in. That'll show me. :(

In the second game, I lost 4-1. Oswalt had 7 strikeouts, and he was mixing up his pitches really well. I had Chris Carpenter on the mound, and he was decent, but he just couldn't get it done. Once Lidge came into the game to wrap it up, I knew it was over. I couldn't catch up to his fastballs.

Something funny happened in the second game. I had Jason Simontacchi on the mound in relief, and Adam Everett came up to bat. I intended to walk Everett to load the bases, but I must've hit the wrong button because I hit him with a pitch. Everett charged the mound and apparently kicked Carpenter's ass (!). Carpenter is now out for 9 games with an inflamed left shoulder. Carpenter, Everett, and Albert Pujols got ejected from the game because of the melee. Adam Everett is one of my wife's favorite players because he played for the local New Orleans Zephyrs for a couple of years before getting called up to Houston. She was mad that I hit Everett with a pitch. Our conversation went like this:

Me: "My pitcher accidentally hit Adam with a pitch."
Her: "YOU HIT ADAM???"
Me: "It was an accident! I think he kicked my pitcher's ass anyway."
Her: "Well, good for him!"

No booty for me tonight. :(

[SackAttack]

Yeah, I did that online last night. Meant to walk Bonds (er, Dowd), and clicked the wrong thumbstick, beaning Bonds. The other guy charged the mound and Dowd got ejected. :D

So that was worth it.

Of course, my opponent was the same guy who called me a 'fucking faggot' for daring to hit a two run triple off of Jason Schmidt. So, y'know, karma.

[Eaglesfan27]

I just played two games against the Astros in owner mode (like MizzouRah, I'm playing as the Cardinals). In my first game, I lost 2-1. Clemens and Mulder both pitched very well, and I chased Clemens in the 9th with a solo homer by Larry Walker which tied the game. Unfortunately, the Astros won in either the 11th or 12th because I brought Julian Tavarez in. That'll show me. :(

In the second game, I lost 4-1. Oswalt had 7 strikeouts, and he was mixing up his pitches really well. I had Chris Carpenter on the mound, and he was decent, but he just couldn't get it done. Once Lidge came into the game to wrap it up, I knew it was over. I couldn't catch up to his fastballs.

Something funny happened in the second game. I had Jason Simontacchi on the mound in relief, and Adam Everett came up to bat. I intended to walk Everett to load the bases, but I must've hit the wrong button because I hit him with a pitch. Everett charged the mound and apparently kicked Carpenter's ass (!). Carpenter is now out for 9 games with an inflamed left shoulder. Carpenter, Everett, and Albert Pujols got ejected from the game because of the melee. Adam Everett is one of my wife's favorite players because he played for the local New Orleans Zephyrs for a couple of years before getting called up to Houston. She was mad that I hit Everett with a pitch. Our conversation went like this:

Me: "My pitcher accidentally hit Adam with a pitch."
Her: "YOU HIT ADAM???"
Me: "It was an accident! I think he kicked my pitcher's ass anyway."
Her: "Well, good for him!"

No booty for me tonight. :(
ROFL :)

[MizzouRah]

ROFL :)

That pussy! LOL!!

I'm 2-6 with the Cardinals so far and my owner is a little ticked off at me.


Todd

[Eaglesfan27]

I feel stupid even asking this question, but I can't seem to figure out how to use the roster that I downloaded onto a memory card using Action Replay. Winning Eleven 8 had an easy feature for saving the file from the memory card to the harddrive, but I don't see such an option in MVP. I go to load roster and it only gives me the choice of the roster I downloaded from Xbox Live and saved on my harddrive.

Can anyone help me with how to get the file from my memory card into the game?

[Balldog]

You have to copy the file from the memory card to the harddrive in the XBOX Dashboard.

[Eaglesfan27]

Thanks. I just figured it out as I was coming back here.

[Eaglesfan27]

Just starting my owner mode, I'm disappointed with the relatively few options for a stadium. I understand that one of the purposes of this mode is to earn money to improve your stadium, but I thought I'd be able to pick the actual distances of the various dimensions. It's not as customizable as I thought it would be. Still looking forward to getting this career going.

[illinifan999]

Anyone else notice that the umpires are unusually ripped?

[Eaglesfan27]

I won my first owner game 2-0. Wolf pitched a gem over 7 innings only allowing 3 hits. Worrell allowed a hit in the 8th, and Wagner allowed one in the 9th, but they combined for the shutout.

Owner mode has so many interesting decisions right away.. how much to charge for tickets, concessions, momentos, etc. It says the projected income for the season will fluctuate early in the season, but I better hope it goes up by a lot for me. Right now my projected income is 75 million dollars and my known expenses are 116 million for the year (darn the Phillies have an expensive payroll.) I think it is great how they have all of the staff salaries. Also, the various reports you can request such as player happiness reports, team strategies, organizational strategy, etc are very cool. So far, I'm enjoying owner mode, but wonder if I will either have to sell off guys towards the end of the season or risk losing the team because of debt after my 1st season.

Do you have to worry about income/expenses at all in Dynasty Mode?

[MizzouRah]

I just had an 18th inning game and WOW, I'm still psyched from this game. I was up 5-0 and the Brewers came back to take the lead 6-5 in the 8th. I score a run and we go on a 10 inning rampage of cat and mouse. It was a great pitching duel to say the least.


Todd

[RGunner]

If anyone wants a game i will be on about 15-20 minutes, gamertag is kevo0522 look for me or respond here and ill look for you

[Eaglesfan27]

Just won a thrilling 3-2 game in which Thome hit a 3 run homer in the 8th inning to get us the win! Also, our projected income is going up nicely as we add concession stands and merchandise stores around the stadium.

[Celeval]

Won the first game I played - 6-5 Tribe over O's on Pro. Wasn't as close as it sounded, especially after a 3-run inside the parker by Hairston... "Oh, that's the dive button."

[SackAttack]

Yeah, in-the-parkers are too frequent, I think. I had one hit against me earlier in a game where it didn't seem to matter what I threw, or where I threw it, the guy was hitting homers. He had four "regular" homers to go with the in-the-parker, and started taunting me near the end of the game. I hate that EA only put in options for screaming/cursing, stalking/harrassing, and bad name for bad feedback. I mean, he wasn't really doing any of the three in the sense that they listed them, but harrassment was the closest I could come to leaving bad feedback for him. Why not an option for just 'poor sportsmanship'?

[Sharpieman]

One cool little minor thing I've found playing against the computer is that sometimes the their batter will move within the box and create a better advantage for himself.

[Galaril]

Are their rain outs or do some games get called because of rain?
How about doubleheaders?

[illinifan999]

Are their rain outs or do some games get called because of rain?
How about doubleheaders?
Yes to both.

[vex]

I had been playing in Rookie level as the Rangers, played two series (Angels then Mariners) going 4-2. So I went up to Pro level which I know you all are already on (I suck). Anyways in my 1st game on pro, the Angels (2nd series already) were getting a few hits, I had almost nothing. Then in the 6th my team exploded for 5 runs and we won 5-0.

Then in my second game of the series against the Angels, it was close again. It was 0-0 until the bottom of the 8th, when Soriano hit a 2 run blast to put us up 2-0.

Going into the top of the 9th, Kenny Rogers had a no-hitter working for him. 1st batter....strikeout, 2nd batter....popup(out), 3rd batter, Chone Figgins (leadoff), he goes yard on what would have been a no-no:( Next guy popped out and we won 2-1.

I love this game.

[MizzouRah]

Pro level? Move up to All Star level. :D

I have fielding on "assissted" which keeps inside the park homers to the "rare" extent.

Here's what I am using:
Difficulty: All-Star
Fielding: Assissted
Batting View: 6/1 (pitching from behind the pitcher is harder, imo)
Fielding View: Aerial
Strike Zone: Off
Hot/Cold Zones: Off
Pitch Cursor: Fade
Hitter's Eye: On
Catch Circle Assist: Off
Variable Strike Zone: On
Fielding Aid: Off
Vector Line: Off
Throw Meter: On

[Lonnie]

I almost got a no-no with Rogers as well on pro level. Last at bat, 2-1 count, inside bottom corner curve to a cold zone, and he goes yard on me. DOH!

I find I can read the pitches better with the hot/cold zone set to fade. Especially balls that drop out of the zone. The colors were hiding the break.

Has anyone had a trade rejected in Owners mode? I traded Chan Ho Park for a pretty decent reliever that was making 300k vs Parks 13 mil. Really helped my income. But since then I've made 3 more trades that I wouldn't see as quite fair and all were accepted.

[MizzouRah]

I almost got a no-no with Rogers as well on pro level. Last at bat, 2-1 count, inside bottom corner curve to a cold zone, and he goes yard on me. DOH!

I find I can read the pitches better with the hot/cold zone set to fade. Especially balls that drop out of the zone. The colors were hiding the break.

Has anyone had a trade rejected in Owners mode? I traded Chan Ho Park for a pretty decent reliever that was making 300k vs Parks 13 mil. Really helped my income. But since then I've made 3 more trades that I wouldn't see as quite fair and all were accepted.

Do you have "fair" trades turned on?


Todd

[Lonnie]

I'm pretty sure it's turned on, I used the default Owners mode settings. I'll check when I get home.

[vex]

I almost got a no-no with Rogers as well on pro level. Last at bat, 2-1 count, inside bottom corner curve to a cold zone, and he goes yard on me. DOH!

I find I can read the pitches better with the hot/cold zone set to fade. Especially balls that drop out of the zone. The colors were hiding the break.

Has anyone had a trade rejected in Owners mode? I traded Chan Ho Park for a pretty decent reliever that was making 300k vs Parks 13 mil. Really helped my income. But since then I've made 3 more trades that I wouldn't see as quite fair and all were accepted.

Mine was low, inside as well. It was a fastball though. Kind of strange.

[SackAttack]

Yes to both.

There are doubleheaders in the game? :eek:

[jbmagic]

is there a comeback code in the game?

[vex]

There are doubleheaders in the game? :eek:
I didn't realize there were doubleheaders either.

[SackAttack]

is there a comeback code in the game?

Yeah, it's called "The Cooperstown Effect."

You can supposedly turn it off in the options, although I don't know how cosmetic that is/isn't.

[SackAttack]

I didn't realize there were doubleheaders either.

That's fairly impressive if true. I knew about the rainouts, but I just figured that:

a) they were fairly rare, and
b) they got rescheduled for off days (so as not to totally bork the computer, you see)

Of course, it would be even more impressive if they properly coded the doubleheaders to occur as day/night doubleheaders.

[vex]

Yeah, it's called "The Cooperstown Effect."

You can supposedly turn it off in the options, although I don't know how cosmetic that is/isn't.
Apparently I need to do some more reading instead of playing:) Yeah, it's in the options, I just didn't know what it did.

[Eaglesfan27]

That's fairly impressive if true. I knew about the rainouts, but I just figured that:

a) they were fairly rare, and
b) they got rescheduled for off days (so as not to totally bork the computer, you see)

Of course, it would be even more impressive if they properly coded the doubleheaders to occur as day/night doubleheaders.
They do have doubleheaders, and sometimes it will occur as a day/night doubleheader while other times it won't.

[Eaglesfan27]

I have Coopertown effect on and haven't noticed any significant unrealistic comebacks.

[MizzouRah]

I have Coopertown effect on and haven't noticed any significant unrealistic comebacks.

The "cooperstown effect" is not some evil comeback code. It's for when you play in a classic stadium - it makes it look like you're watching an old time movie.


Todd

[jbmagic]

The "cooperstown effect" is not some evil comeback code. It's for when you play in a classic stadium - it makes it look like you're watching an old time movie.


Todd

so you guys are not seeing computer teams coming back or your team coming back when there a big lead in the game?

[MizzouRah]

so you guys are not seeing computer teams coming back or your team coming back when there a big lead in the game?

Nope, not at all.


Todd

[bbo]

I for one am loving this game. I am playing dynasty mode with the Red Sox on All Star level and got beat in 2 of the first 3 games against the Yankees in extra innings.
Normally when I buy a ps2 game I play it for a few days and lose interest but not the case with this one. Anyone "addicted" to this game yet?

Brian

[Calis]

Just picked this up this morning due to the talk here, and due to getting my tax return back. ;)

I'm not a very big baseball fan, but I'll play about any sports video game, haven't got a baseball one in a few years though.

Very impressed so far, I did a fantasy draft dynasty with the Royals and am 4-2 so far. I'm HORRIBLE at batting, but getting better.

Neat thing in my last game, first inning there's a real bad call against me, they call Crisp out at first when he'd made it. So I send the manager out to argue it, and I rile him up real good. He winds up getting tossed, and hurting the team's morale as well. I was then thrown off when the announcers said in the 6th inning that the Royals have some action in the bullpen. Sure enough there's two guys warming up, then I realize I can't do ANYTHING with the roster. Pretty neat! I was getting annoyed, the computer replacement manager kept my starter in way too long. We're down 0-3 the whole game, from the 1st inning. Just can't get anything. Finally in the 9th inning I get a couple guys on base and then Vlad wallops one for the 3 run homer and the tie. Then in the bottom of the 9th someone from the Angels, can't remember who cranks one and I'm sure it's a homer, but frigging Vlad nabs it from over the wall! I love that guy!

In the 11th we're still fighting back to back, and then the Angels manager gets tossed! Next inning Vlad hits a nice one to nab a double, and A-Rod knocks him home on the next at bat. Great game.

Very impressed so far. I especially love playing a sport game that I don't follow closely, because I can do the fantasy rosters and not be too annoyed if the stats are out of whack.

[RainRaven]

If anyone is up for a game let me know, I bought it due to the good reviews and one of you should be able to no-hit me... I am horrible at batting....

[MizzouRah]

I like doing a fantasy draft, but I wish they had the "snake" option to make the teams more even.

This time around, I'm using a roster update and playing with the Cardinals. You can really tell the difference against say, pitching to Houston's lineup and the Brewer's lineup. I'm addicted to this game as well. I don't think any game has been this good on defaults as MVP has been for me.

I see a new hit/out/play almost every game I play.


Todd

[illinifan999]

That's fairly impressive if true. I knew about the rainouts, but I just figured that:

a) they were fairly rare, and
b) they got rescheduled for off days (so as not to totally bork the computer, you see)

Of course, it would be even more impressive if they properly coded the doubleheaders to occur as day/night doubleheaders.
I've gotten a couple rainouts and it always has said the xxx/xxx game was rescheduled as part of a doubleheader on xxx. Then you have the day game, and the night game. They had this in last year's game too.

[Eaglesfan27]

The "cooperstown effect" is not some evil comeback code. It's for when you play in a classic stadium - it makes it look like you're watching an old time movie.


Todd
Cool! I had no idea what it was, but it defaulted to on so I left it on.

[Eaglesfan27]

I for one am loving this game. I am playing dynasty mode with the Red Sox on All Star level and got beat in 2 of the first 3 games against the Yankees in extra innings.
Normally when I buy a ps2 game I play it for a few days and lose interest but not the case with this one. Anyone "addicted" to this game yet?

Brian

I've historically bought console baseball games and become quite bored with them quite quickly. As a result, I didn't buy any for a few years until I bought MVP 2004 last year.

With this game, I was sitting at work today trying to decide what I will buy next for my ballpark. I was also thinking how I was going to use Vincent Padilla in tonight's game. This game has the most addictive quality of any console baseball game I've ever played. I'm looking forward to playing a few games tonight.

[Logan]

4 midterms, a group presentation, 2 interviews, and countless group meetings in the next week and a half before spring break.

Must continue to resist temptation...

[MizzouRah]

I HATE sliders. Always have, always will. I would like all games to use difficulty settings, but that' s it. I know I'm in the minorty, but games back when sliders weren't a thought, have been more fun than today's console sports games that have tons of them to set. I'll take Sega Genesis Madden, NHL, or High Heat 2000-02 anyday over most of the games today - again console speaking.

I completed my 10th game yesterday night on All Star defaults, and here are my scores:

W 3-0
L 3-2
L 11-3
W 2-0
L 10-5
L 5-3
L 5-2
L 2-1
W 7-6
W 2-1

I can NOT be more happy with a game then this. The variety is unreal, especially for a default difficulty level. I've been tempted to say, lower the fielder's speed, but I'm not touching these things.. and may never have to. This game plays so well "out of the box" for me.

If you have a console, at least rent the game.


Todd

[RainRaven]

Any takers on a game tonight?

[hukarez]

I would, but I've got to re-do my entire entertainment system setup here. For some unknown reason, my blasted hub won't work with my Xbox unless I go directly to the jack itself. Of course, my router's located somewhere else...but I'll have to figure something out. Maybe I'll have to invest in one of those Wireless things they've got going on now? Though, I'm curious about the stability (and speed) of online gaming with those things...

[INDalltheway]

I would, but I've got to re-do my entire entertainment system setup here. For some unknown reason, my blasted hub won't work with my Xbox unless I go directly to the jack itself. Of course, my router's located somewhere else...but I'll have to figure something out. Maybe I'll have to invest in one of those Wireless things they've got going on now? Though, I'm curious about the stability (and speed) of online gaming with those things...
Mine has worked great! Took a while to figure out the damn thing, but once I did it has been great.

[Eaglesfan27]

I HATE sliders. Always have, always will. I would like all games to use difficulty settings, but that' s it. I know I'm in the minorty, but games back when sliders weren't a thought, have been more fun than today's console sports games that have tons of them to set. I'll take Sega Genesis Madden, NHL, or High Heat 2000-02 anyday over most of the games today - again console speaking.

I completed my 10th game yesterday night on All Star defaults, and here are my scores:

W 3-0
L 3-2
L 11-3
W 2-0
L 10-5
L 5-3
L 5-2
L 2-1
W 7-6
W 2-1

I can NOT be more happy with a game then this. The variety is unreal, especially for a default difficulty level. I've been tempted to say, lower the fielder's speed, but I'm not touching these things.. and may never have to. This game plays so well "out of the box" for me.

If you have a console, at least rent the game.


Todd

Todd, I couldn't agree more. I'm 5 games into my owner's mode and my scores are quite varied. I just finally had my first big offensive outburst against the Cardinals no less. I won 8-4. Matt Morris has a nasty curveball in the game. It kept fooling me, but he hung a fastball in the 5th inning which Lieberthal hit for my first non-Thome homer with 2 men on base. I also worked small ball for a run in the 6th. Then in the 8th, they brought on Ray King. Is he fat IRL? In the game, he looked quite portly. In any case, he only throws a 4 seam fastball, 2 seam fastball, and a slider. As a result, it was easy to guess what was coming and I finally had a string of hits. 7 hits and 4 runs in the inning before they finally yanked him. Lots of fun. I found myself sweating bullets every time Pujols came up (and I ended up walking him 3 times trying to pitch around him.)

I think it is very cool that it is hard to hit a guy who can throw 3 or 4 pitches for strikes but it becomes easier to hit a guy that only throws 1 or 2 pitches (unless he has a really great pitch as one of those 2.) Seems very realistic to me. Also, I've noticed that as my season progresses, my catcher is starting to fatigue quicker than my other position players (who are also getting slightly tired.) There are just so many little touches which are so nicely done.

[MizzouRah]

Funny you mentioned Ray King, he lost some weight in the offseason because he was tired of players calling him Burger King. :D Someone on the radio asked him if he liked cheese burgers and he said, "If it comes from McDonalds, I love it." Funny stuff.

Just lost 1-0 in a pitchers duel with Sean Burnett of the Pirates and Mulder for my Cardinals. Since a lot of my batters are left handed, it's hard for me to turn on one from a left handed pitcher. I also had a few players who weren't happy with their current contracts.. boo hoo... but I did redo a few of my stars. :)


Todd

[Eaglesfan27]

I just had an exciting game. I was starting my 5th starter, Brett Myers. The Cardinals were starting Jeff Suppan. Jeff was fooling me all game with good movement on his pitches and nibbling the corners. I gave up a 2 run homer to Pujols in the 5th inning as Myers made a bad mistake and hung one of his curveballs. Well, 2-0 in the 8th inning and Suppan was starting to tire, but since I had killed the bullpen in the last game they leave Jeff in. I get a base hit with Polanco pinch hitting for the pitcher. Then, I remember that Rollins likes to try to hit homers and I say what the heck, I'll look for one on the inside part of the plate. Sure enough, I get one and turn on it and barely hit it over the right field wall as it goes down the line.

They brought Isringhauser (sp?) on to pitch a perfect 9th, but they left him in the 10th and he started to tire. Finally, I laced 2 hits off him and than a 2 out walk. They left him in and Bobby Abreu got his first hit of the season for me with a 3 run homer double :) They finally brought in Tavarez, but Thome knocked in Bobby to secure a 6-2 win. Such an exciting win.

I'm going to check out the manager mode now, as I want to play about 50% of my games and manage about 50% (it seems like a better option than just fast simming.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

I love the little things in this game. I had my first broken bat single (least the first one I noticed) as well as the first time that the ball hit second base and took a very wierd (but realistic bounce.) I don't remember too many console baseball games that did the little details well like this one does.

[MizzouRah]

Dola -

I love the little things in this game. I had my first broken bat single (least the first one I noticed) as well as the first time that the ball hit second base and took a very wierd (but realistic bounce.) I don't remember too many console baseball games that did the little details well like this one does.

I was just shutout twice in a row by the Pirates.. I'm telling you, I'm going to get canned. :(

I know what you mean though, I'm STILL seeing different hits each game. I also HATE pitchers with a funny delivery. Just when you get used to a pitcher, they bring in a relief pitcher with a funky windup. Fools me all the time.

I'm ready to go to bed, but the home series vs the Cubs is due up next and I'm really eager for a win to get the owner off my ass. :) Although the thought of hitting against that staff has me worried.


Todd

[MizzouRah]

dola,

One of my AAA pitchers just turned into a Top 100 prospect! I always check my minor leaguers to see who's doing what, and out of nowhere one of my AAA starters now has a Top 100 prospect graphic on his player card. Pretty neat.


Todd

[hukarez]

Mine has worked great! Took a while to figure out the damn thing, but once I did it has been great.
No lag issues at all? I'll take a look into this, though I'm told it's rather pricey. Been kind of debating between wireless controllers/headsets and a hub/router type bit for the Xbox as of late.

[Eaglesfan27]

I was just shutout twice in a row by the Pirates.. I'm telling you, I'm going to get canned. :(

I know what you mean though, I'm STILL seeing different hits each game. I also HATE pitchers with a funny delivery. Just when you get used to a pitcher, they bring in a relief pitcher with a funky windup. Fools me all the time.

I'm ready to go to bed, but the home series vs the Cubs is due up next and I'm really eager for a win to get the owner off my ass. :) Although the thought of hitting against that staff has me worried.


Todd
I really should go to bed, but I have a series against the Braves coming up and I know that is going to get the fans pumped and we need it. We are currently 1.5 million in the red, and I'm going to lose this team if I can't get the finances turned around. I need to draw more than the 10,500 fans I've been averaging our first few games...

Also, I know people have been critical of the manage only mode, but I really like it. They seem to have fixed the bugs that were in it last year, and while it is simplistic it does exactly what I want. It allows me to quickly play 5 games while keeping control of who steals, who bunts, who comes in as a relief pitcher, etc etc. I just played 5 quick games and so far my team is 8-2. If we can turn around our finances over time, I think we are on track for a nice year. However, I did just lose Cory Lidle to an injury for a few weeks and I'm not sure how many hits I'll be able to absorb to my pitching staff.

[Mr. Sparkle]

All these glowing reviews and reccommendations made me order this for the PC. Havent had a non-text based PC game since the High Heat series a few years back. I am curious as to what controllers you all use/would reccommend, as I dont have one and dont really have any knowledge of whats out there.

[FBPro]

I think the MM is pretty good since I suck at actually playing the games out. It would be nice to be able to chose to watch the game graphically be played out in MM but I'm having fun with it anyway.

I will probably grab MLB 2006 and atleast give it a shot since it does have a graphical MM.

[MizzouRah]

I found my first gripe about MVP. Playing against the Cubs at home and Glendon Rusch is scheduled to start. Instead, they pitch Angel Guzman.. and although a good "future" prospect, Rusch's scounting report is great and he's 1-0 with a 2.39 era. The other four starters have 3 games each under their belt, so it's Rusch's turn. Why would they start this kid?

I did lose the game, but now Rusch is skipped in the order for no apparent reason at all. (scratches head)

Not to mention Rusch is a lefty, something the Cardinals always have trouble hitting.


Todd

Mr. Sparkle - I have the logitech cordless rumblepad 2 and played last year's version on the pc just fine.

[RGunner]

Awesome, was just playing against the Angels at home (Texas) and Carlos Delgado came up to chants of 'Overrated' lol thats great

[CraigSca]

Due to everyone's excellent reviews, I just picked this and Winning Eleven 8 up today for the PS2. Went to Gamestop and got MVP 2005 for free because of my trade-ins (NCAA 2005 got $11 while NHL 2002 got $.50 - ha!).

Now, the problem is getting my 6 year old away from the PS2 for a minute so I can load these babies up :).

[SackAttack]

I played a couple Owner Mode games last night. Apparently OM defaults to "Pro," which explains why I won 10 in a row. My 10th was against the Brewers, and I hit 6 HR in a 7-3 victory. Much as I love seeing Drew and Kent go back-to-back twice, that was the point when I felt like I had to check the difficulty level, and bumped it up to All-Star.

MUCH more challenging there, although I still won my 11th straight, 4-2. I had to work around a bases-loaded, 0 out situation in the 9th to do it though. Jeff Weaver managed to get the complete game and give Gagne his first day off in a week.

[Eaglesfan27]

I played a couple Owner Mode games last night. Apparently OM defaults to "Pro," which explains why I won 10 in a row. My 10th was against the Brewers, and I hit 6 HR in a 7-3 victory. Much as I love seeing Drew and Kent go back-to-back twice, that was the point when I felt like I had to check the difficulty level, and bumped it up to All-Star.

MUCH more challenging there, although I still won my 11th straight, 4-2. I had to work around a bases-loaded, 0 out situation in the 9th to do it though. Jeff Weaver managed to get the complete game and give Gagne his first day off in a week.
Yeah, I had to switch it to All Star Mode. I'm still winning a lot (10-2 record) but the finances are tough.

[SackAttack]

Oddly, my finances have turned around since stepping up to All-Star. I went from about $1.9m in the hole to around $38k in the hole before my off day. I'm still really struggling to hit the ball on All-Star, though. Lots of grounders and popups, so I went and simmed a month just so I could try and get back in the black financially. We won an overwhelming majority of the games I simmed.

I may start a brand new owner mode career and just try to get the payroll under control before I start, and then play from All-Star from the beginning. See how that works out.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oddly, my finances have turned around since stepping up to All-Star. I went from about $1.9m in the hole to around $38k in the hole before my off day. I'm still really struggling to hit the ball on All-Star, though. Lots of grounders and popups, so I went and simmed a month just so I could try and get back in the black financially. We won an overwhelming majority of the games I simmed.

I may start a brand new owner mode career and just try to get the payroll under control before I start, and then play from All-Star from the beginning. See how that works out.
What team are you using? My Phillies roster has a 116 million dollar annual salary cost which is making it hard for me to stay in the black at least initially.

[SackAttack]

The Dodgers. They started with a payroll of around $127 million, courtesy of Darren "Sinkhole" Dreifort and his $11m salary. I traded him, reworked a few contracts, and I'm sittin' on around $116m right now. Still losing money, but less of it.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I can't wait to head for home in about 20 minutes so I can get back into the game. I need to figure out how to get my Cardinals' finances under control. I don't think I'm going to mess with any contracts yet, but I'll explore trades. My major league roster is just so thin at the moment. Hector Luna is the only real utility man I have, and I don't have a real center fielder besides Edmonds (who has been injured for a week). I've been playing Roger Cedeno in center, and his speed is nice, but I'm sacrificing a bat. If I need a bat, I can move Pujols to left and play John Mabry at first, but then I would have to play Reggie Sanders in center, and I don't particularly want to do THAT. I think I'm going to have to bring up an outfielder and send Mabry down to Memphis for a couple of games until Edmonds comes back. I'll just let Pujols carry first base and try to fit the new guy in with Sanders and Cedeno. The only other OF I've got is So Taguchi, but I use him for pinch hitting only. Decisions, decisions...

[Eaglesfan27]

The Dodgers. They started with a payroll of around $127 million, courtesy of Darren "Sinkhole" Dreifort and his $11m salary. I traded him, reworked a few contracts, and I'm sittin' on around $116m right now. Still losing money, but less of it.
Ouch!

Least my big ticket items are worth it (Abreu, Thome, and Wagner.)

[MizzouRah]

I signed RF Ellis Burks in my Cardinals dynasty and he's been good off the bench. I still can't hit very well on AS and I'm thinking about lowering the outfielders speed a tad as I think they get to too many balls that should be hits. I also think the baserunning speed needs to go up a tad.

I'm like 4-9 so far. Luna is down in AAA and Bo Hart is doing well.


Todd

[illinifan999]

Yes! I'm up to level 3 seating just in time for my World Series run. Time to jack up the prices and rake in the dough. :p

[Cuckoo]

I just want to say for those who are interested in MLB 2k5 (formerly ESPN), you may want to reconsider. I picked it up today, and while it's a fine game, it has some serious roster issues in franchise mode. If you try to switch things around, move players to their correct teams, you will have massive errors. I'm searching various forums for workarounds and have found a couple things to try, but it's a big pain.

[sooner333]

I'm 2-2 with the Giants (0-1 since upping to All-Star), just losing to the Rockies in the 11th because I accidently forgot I was pitching and threw a fat fastball down the middle with Benitez.

The good news is that I can trade some overpriced starters because I have pitchers in the minors out my ass. My payroll is below the 100 million mark at 97.4, so I may hold tight until I need to work out of a jam.

Also, do you guys just spend all of your money as soon as you get it, or do you save some? Right now I have some in reserves, like 900k.

[RGunner]

Another little but sweet feature, had a close play in a game against the Tigers, their manager comes out, and gets ejected for arguing, looked like he was about to hit the ump.

[Eaglesfan27]

I haven't really found the outfielders to be too fast. I do find that they are overly dramatic in their catches at times and seem to lunge for the ball more than they need to do. However, Utley and Bell both hit a line of line drives that seem to be dropping in front of the outfielders just fine. If it is one of my big power hitters who hits it deep than I hit a lot of fly outs, however, if Rollins hits one deep in the air I can sometimes get doubles and triples since they play him shallow.

I just saw one of the coolest things yet in a game. I was in a 1-1 duel with the Braves in the 12th inning when Rollins hits a triple. The shortstop looked like he was arguing with the pitcher after that. So, the pitcher strikes out Lofton but Abreu hits a liner that Andrew Jones can't get to. Ball game over. Then, the Braves started arguing among themselves! Rafael was arguing with the relief pitcher who was arguing with the catcher. They were gesturing at each other when the cutscene ended. Very cool effect and after the game I notice their team chemistry is really starting to suffer.

[MizzouRah]

Yeah, I'm still on All Star defaults. I want at least 20-30 game played before I even think about changing anything. Now my biggest problem is baserunning. :)

Just had a 16 inning game vs the Cubs and had 2! players thrown out at home by Patterson. Damn, that kid has an arm!! Used up my whole bullpen and had to bring in Marquis who blew it in the top of the 16th on a Garciaparra single to score Hollensworth. Speed really matters in close games. I think I need to see who's in FA that has a ton of speed. The Cubs stole 4 bases on me.. of course Molina had the day off.

I *might* turn the pitch cursor completely off as now I have it on fade and I think I have a good "feel" pitching wise, then again I gave up 20 hits - in 16 innings.

Ya, defaults are working. Now I get Clemens and Oswalt.. goodie!!


Todd

[samifan24]

I just want to say for those who are interested in MLB 2k5 (formerly ESPN), you may want to reconsider. I picked it up today, and while it's a fine game, it has some serious roster issues in franchise mode. If you try to switch things around, move players to their correct teams, you will have massive errors. I'm searching various forums for workarounds and have found a couple things to try, but it's a big pain.

Thanks for this tidbit. I've got a limited budget and am trying to decide between MVP and MLB2K5 and this just pushed me closer towards biting the MVP bullet. I hadn't heard much about the game, but I already know what MVP is like since I owned last year's version.

[SackAttack]

I signed RF Ellis Burks in my Cardinals dynasty and he's been good off the bench. I still can't hit very well on AS and I'm thinking about lowering the outfielders speed a tad as I think they get to too many balls that should be hits. I also think the baserunning speed needs to go up a tad.

I'm like 4-9 so far. Luna is down in AAA and Bo Hart is doing well.


Todd

I may have to up mine, because anything in the gaps has been an automatic in-the-park homer (especially online).

[SackAttack]

Also, do you guys just spend all of your money as soon as you get it, or do you save some? Right now I have some in reserves, like 900k.

Another reason I'm strongly considering starting owner mode over - I spent my early money on concessions, but when you only make about $30k/game on that, it probably makes more sense to invest it in seating, where you can get a couple of hundred thousand in revenue per game. You can get back in the black much quicker, and THEN worry about the extras.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sack, I made the same mistake but am hoping I don't have to start over as we are now 12-2. However, it is hard for me to make money.

I just had my most exciting win yet. Playing the Mets, I gave up a 3 run homer to Beltran in the 8th to tie the game up. We then proceeded to have a 3-3 tie for 10 more innings. Finally in the bottom of the 18th, Rollins hit a walkoff homer. When I started owner mode, I picked the ball park with the shortest right field dimensions (with the big right field wall.) It is only 295 down the line. I think I made a good choice as it suits my lefty dominated lineup quite well. Rollins has 5 homers on the year thanks to that short right field line and Thome has 8 now. Rollins has also hit quite a few doubles off that wall.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

I think the concessions might not have been such a bad idea though because I think they might be tied into fan happiness? If that is true, the extras are worth it to at least maximize attendance with what seats I do have.

[SackAttack]

I only get about 60% attendance, and that's with concessions and lowered ticket prices. My thought is, if you add the more expensive seating, your ticket revenue will grow faster, which should allow you to quickly add concessions. The concessions don't seem to maximize attendance, though. Be honest, when was the last time you said "They have ice cream? I'm goin' to a ballgame."

[MizzouRah]

Sack, I made the same mistake but am hoping I don't have to start over as we are now 12-2. However, it is hard for me to make money.

I just had my most exciting win yet. Playing the Mets, I gave up a 3 run homer to Beltran in the 8th to tie the game up. We then proceeded to have a 3-3 tie for 10 more innings. Finally in the bottom of the 18th, Rollins hit a walkoff homer. When I started owner mode, I picked the ball park with the shortest right field dimensions (with the big right field wall.) It is only 295 down the line. I think I made a good choice as it suits my lefty dominated lineup quite well. Rollins has 5 homers on the year thanks to that short right field line and Thome has 8 now. Rollins has also hit quite a few doubles off that wall.

Damn hitter's parks! :)


Todd

[CraigSca]

I'm probably years behind all of you, as the last MVP game I played was Triple Play - ha.

A few things - making the pitcher's pitch just like a golf game (or kicking in the football games) is a welcome addition. Adds a degree of difficulty that I had never seen before and obviously greatly increases the chances of serving up a fat pitch (which I did ad nauseum last night in my first two games).

I'm finding hitting next to impossible (on the pro difficulty). I can get a single an inning, but can't do a thing beyond that (have yet to hit any extra base hits). I'm finding it hard to estimate whether an incoming pitch will be a ball or a strike - by the time I make my decision I'm about 45 minutes behind on my swing. Is this something you eventually pick up, or am I doomed to just hack away on every pitch (note: I went up against Peavey and the Padres in my first game and Johan Santana in my second)?

As eveyone else has said, however, the presentation, the cut-aways, etc., are incredible and really draw you into the game. After playing Triple Play years ago I had given up on the franchise. I am very pleasantly surprised by MVP and have a renewed interest in console baseball games because of it.

[Cuckoo]

Thanks for this tidbit. I've got a limited budget and am trying to decide between MVP and MLB2K5 and this just pushed me closer towards biting the MVP bullet. I hadn't heard much about the game, but I already know what MVP is like since I owned last year's version.

I'm sort of in the same situation as you. I had purchased the ESPN one the past two years because of franchise elements, and I thought I'd do so again, especially once I rented MVP this year and couldn't really get into it. Don't get me wrong, the game play is outstanding, in my opinion, but I just couldn't get into the career stuff which is really what keeps me going.

So I picked up MLB2k5 yesterday. I haven't really had a chance to dive into it too much, and I'll post some thoughts once I do, but I should say that it's a good game. The gameplay is not that far behind MVP actually, and it has some neat things. Once I found a workaround for the roster issue, I have my franchise going. But, it's delicate as it's very easy to make a mistake and screw-up your line-ups again. It drives me nuts. One of the new features, the depth charts, is really cool, but every time I use it, it jacks up my line-ups again. So...

The biggest problem for me, and I can expand more once I've simmed through a season, is that it looks like MLB2k5 has removed the two things that I really liked from the last two year's versions: Rule 5 and waivers. Again, don't quote me on that, but I don't see it as yet.

I'll post more once I've had a chance to play it more.

(this is PS2 by the way)

[Eaglesfan27]

I only get about 60% attendance, and that's with concessions and lowered ticket prices. My thought is, if you add the more expensive seating, your ticket revenue will grow faster, which should allow you to quickly add concessions. The concessions don't seem to maximize attendance, though. Be honest, when was the last time you said "They have ice cream? I'm goin' to a ballgame."
I'm only getting about 60% attendance as well with normal ticket prices and concessions. But, for a big game such as the Braves, I drew over 80% attendance. I also notice that my fan happiness meter has gone up slightly since I added concessions. However, it could also be going up because we are 12-2 so it is hard to say if concessions are worth it or not. My question would be, if fans aren't paying for the cheap seats, will they pay for the expensive seats?

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm probably years behind all of you, as the last MVP game I played was Triple Play - ha.

A few things - making the pitcher's pitch just like a golf game (or kicking in the football games) is a welcome addition. Adds a degree of difficulty that I had never seen before and obviously greatly increases the chances of serving up a fat pitch (which I did ad nauseum last night in my first two games).

I'm finding hitting next to impossible (on the pro difficulty). I can get a single an inning, but can't do a thing beyond that (have yet to hit any extra base hits). I'm finding it hard to estimate whether an incoming pitch will be a ball or a strike - by the time I make my decision I'm about 45 minutes behind on my swing. Is this something you eventually pick up, or am I doomed to just hack away on every pitch (note: I went up against Peavey and the Padres in my first game and Johan Santana in my second)?

As eveyone else has said, however, the presentation, the cut-aways, etc., are incredible and really draw you into the game. After playing Triple Play years ago I had given up on the franchise. I am very pleasantly surprised by MVP and have a renewed interest in console baseball games because of it.
I was in the same boat when I started playing. What I did was play the mini-hitting game for a few hours which helped me quite a bit. Then, I played about 10 exhibition games. By the end of that I was really starting to hit well. Now, I find myself generally able to hit quite well with the Phillies and I'm averaging about 9 to 10 hits and 3 to 4 runs per game.

A few thoughts/tips:

It's essential to be patient, and look for a pitch in a specific part of the zone. For example, Rollins and Lofton have such good speed that I look for something down low and usually try to hit grounders (Unless I'm going for a homer down the very short right field line at my park.) Utley is amazing at hitting liners back up the middle so I look for something either high or in the middle of the zone. For Thome, I just wait and wait for an inside pitch that he can pull and yank out of the park. I still have trouble when different pitchers come in for relief and have funky deliveries, but my hitting has improved greatly over the past 10-20 games. It will take time and patience to develop.

[SackAttack]

I'm only getting about 60% attendance as well with normal ticket prices and concessions. But, for a big game such as the Braves, I drew over 80% attendance. I also notice that my fan happiness meter has gone up slightly since I added concessions. However, it could also be going up because we are 12-2 so it is hard to say if concessions are worth it or not. My question would be, if fans aren't paying for the cheap seats, will they pay for the expensive seats?

You won't sell 'em out, but any revenue you get from them will get you back in the black enough to buy concessions and the like.

[Eaglesfan27]

You won't sell 'em out, but any revenue you get from them will get you back in the black enough to buy concessions and the like.
Darn it.. you are convincing me. I really don't want to have to start over as I'm doing so well in regards to my season record. I think I will try to save up and buy extra seats as soon as possible, but hope that I can do so in this current career at some point (maybe with extra playoff money?)

[Lonnie]

Well, I just played the All-Stars game and am 6 million in the hole with the Rangers. That's after trading Chan Ho Park off as well, so I think I'm starting over and buying seats this time as well. At least I have a lot more experience now.

[Sharpieman]

Due to everyone's excellent reviews, I just picked this and Winning Eleven 8 up today for the PS2. Went to Gamestop and got MVP 2005 for free because of my trade-ins (NCAA 2005 got $11 while NHL 2002 got $.50 - ha!).

Now, the problem is getting my 6 year old away from the PS2 for a minute so I can load these babies up :).
WE8 and MVP are the only games I play for PS2 anymore, when I'm away from FM of course.

[Sharpieman]

BTW I haven't played Owner mode yet, how fun is that?

[SackAttack]

Darn it.. you are convincing me. I really don't want to have to start over as I'm doing so well in regards to my season record. I think I will try to save up and buy extra seats as soon as possible, but hope that I can do so in this current career at some point (maybe with extra playoff money?)

Maybe, but the problem is, you have expenditures every day, and you only get revenue on the days you're at home. That's one thing that MVP doesn't model, is the road team's share of attendance revenue, so you're dependent on your homestands to keep you in the black.

That's what's been happening to me. I'll get within just a few thousand dollars of the break-even point, and then go on a 10 game road trip, come back, and be $1.8 million in the hole again. That $30-40k/game for concessions and souvenirs is nice, but let's say I add 5,000 seats that sell for $75 apiece. If I only sell half of those seats every game - that's a lower percentage than the 60% I've been getting from my regular seats - then I'm making an extra $187,500 every game from the added attendance. That's almost a week's worth of concessions, and over, say, a 7 game homestand, the difference is $1,312,500 vs $280,000. That extra milllion makes a difference, and can easily be reinvested into the concessions.

Concessions are important for happiness, and you want them as soon as possible, but it's more cost-effective to get the seats in place quickly so you can benefit from the larger revenue streams and THEN reinvest that into the other perks, like concessions, souvenirs, and home run celebrations.

[Eaglesfan27]

Maybe, but the problem is, you have expenditures every day, and you only get revenue on the days you're at home. That's one thing that MVP doesn't model, is the road team's share of attendance revenue, so you're dependent on your homestands to keep you in the black.

That's what's been happening to me. I'll get within just a few thousand dollars of the break-even point, and then go on a 10 game road trip, come back, and be $1.8 million in the hole again. That $30-40k/game for concessions and souvenirs is nice, but let's say I add 5,000 seats that sell for $75 apiece. If I only sell half of those seats every game - that's a lower percentage than the 60% I've been getting from my regular seats - then I'm making an extra $187,500 every game from the added attendance. That's almost a week's worth of concessions, and over, say, a 7 game homestand, the difference is $1,312,500 vs $280,000. That extra milllion makes a difference, and can easily be reinvested into the concessions.

Concessions are important for happiness, and you want them as soon as possible, but it's more cost-effective to get the seats in place quickly so you can benefit from the larger revenue streams and THEN reinvest that into the other perks, like concessions, souvenirs, and home run celebrations.
I've definitely noted the problem of not getting revenue (except for media contracts and such) on away games. I'm also getting close to breaking even than going into the red with away games. I'm just hopeful, we can start selling out our 20,000 seats later in the year as we keep winning and eventually get into the black. I do agree that I need to invest in more seating as soon as possible, I just hope that I can somehow make money without restarting the game.

As far as the question about how fun is owner mode, I think it is very fun despite my potentially very poor decisions at the beginning of my first owner mode career.

[sooner333]

You could sell your consession stands, then buy the seats instead of starting over.

[Eaglesfan27]

You only get back a portion of the money. A rather small portion (it looks like 30% right now for me.)

Also, am I mistaken or are my stands going to sell out of items over a period of time. If they do, am I going to have to buy more supplies for the stands? It looks that way from one of the screens where it says I had 9600 hats or something like that and 44% of them are sold!