Alright boyz, it's the MVP College Baseball First Impressions thread.

[Celeval]

Picked this up during lunch, and had a quick game. Some early impressions:

Things I Like
- I'm not used to the new batting system yet, but after one game I like it a lot. It's timing both ways - if you hold your stance too long or not enough, the swing will suffer.

- Ping if you like it (or if you don't). I like the Ping, but the Options menu lets you set NCAA rules, "Summer" rules (that includes wood bats and some other changes), or a custom mix-and-match set.

- Mike Patrick. The voice is great.

- Gameplay feels like the college game. Errors were a bit high, but all three of mine were throwing and probably due to the new mechanic. Line score was:

UGA 1-5-2
GT 5-13-3

Which is reasonable, given that we both threw our top pitchers. GT is a top team, Georgia is, well, not.

- Speaking of which, there's been a lot of poor reviews of the new throwing meter, but I think I'll like it once I get used to it. Not as easy to get used to as the swinging - I threw the ball away once from third, once from second, once from short - but it definitely adds a bit.

- GT's stadium (Russ Chandler) was very well done, down to the frat houses over the RF fence, and the football practice field over left. You can choose the starting time of the game - anywhere from 9am to 8pm, and the skies/lights etc. match - looks very nice.

- Create a Field - Dude! Best ballpark creation since Earl Weaver. 17 wall divider spots, each of which is fully customizable for distance and height. Pretty standard other than the fence changes - adjust the size of the foul area, backdrop, etc.

- Create a Player - The facial features are hilarious. How about adjusting the angle of the ears? As for the stuff that matters - adjusting ratings, tendencies (tendency to take fastballs v. LHP, etc.) and hot zones is very, very detailed.

Things I'm not sure on yet
- Create a Team - you pick a team to replace (and keep their roster) (which is odd), but the creation set of stuff looks decent. Choose a logo, name, nickname, etc. and field.

Things I don't like
- Rosters. Damnit. While it doesn't matter too much for people new to the college game... it looks like it's last years' rosters. At least, for the top teams - I don't know about lower levels (if they are accurate to last season, that's something), but GT's roster is the 2005 one; as is the University of Texas (cover school).

- Lack of roster editing? I'm not sure this is the case... I'm able to "Manage Rosters" and change Pitching Rotation/Batting Order/Defensive Alignment; but not go and edit existing players... which means no adding real names (there is the now-standard randomize names function, tho, so you're not stuck with P #30), or fixing the rosters to today's. You can, I guess, create all new players for a team, then trade the new players on and leave the old players off; but I'm not sure if there's a Create a Player limit. This and the last are the two huge disappointments for me right now - I think I'm a pretty normal college baseball fan in that I'm up to speed on Tech's team, but not so much across the board... so my hope was to use random names across the board and edit Tech's to the right names, but I'm not sure that's possible yet.

- Edit (hah): Roster editing is possible, it's just not under Manage Rosters like one might expect. It's in the Create a Player menu (?!), but there's an Edit player that lets you edit existing players.

- Crowd animation isn't so much.

- While the voices are solid, there's repetition for certain things - same line for "he fouled that right down into his foot" twice straight in one at-bat and again in the next.


So far, so good in general... I'll see if I can play a few more games over the next few days, and start up a dynasty mode to see how recruiting and the like play out.

[Eaglesfan27]

In the OS interview, or somewhere on OS, they said that it was a conscious choice to use 2005 rosters for the game. The odd thing is that they used 2006 schedules.

Once they make this Backwards compatible for the 360, I'll be picking it up.

[JonInMiddleGA]

My son is all gung-ho about this game, I'm a lot less so after seeing the details of the new batting system (reminds me of Tiger Woods Golf on PC, which is about the most aggravating thing I've seen in a game in years).

[Eaglesfan27]

My son is all gung-ho about this game, I'm a lot less so after seeing the details of the new batting system (reminds me of Tiger Woods Golf on PC, which is about the most aggravating thing I've seen in a game in years).
You can use the old batting system of MVP from last year if you prefer.

[Celeval]

Oh, almost forgot. I hate the music.

[Celeval]

You can use the old batting system of MVP from last year if you prefer.They actually give you three options - the new system, a "Zone batting system" and the classic. Both zone and classic are push-button.

[MizzouRah]

As soon as Best Buy gets this one, I'll be using my gift card(s) and picking it up.

Thanks for the impressions!!

*Am I the only one who thinks a College baseball text sim would be cool?

[cartman]

*Am I the only one who thinks a College baseball text sim would be cool?

My dream is to have a FM style and level of polish game for baseball and football. Imagine being able to track a player through high school, college, and the pros, and also being able to be a coach at any of those levels.

On my next trip into town, I'll be picking this game up. It might be hard to find, though. For the past couple of weeks, anything with a Longhorn logo on it doesn't stay on the shelves long at all around here...

:D

[JonInMiddleGA]

Thanks for the optional batting info, means I might even play a game or two of this myself at some point then.

[CamEdwards]

how many teams are in the game, if you don't mind me asking?

[Eaglesfan27]

I read somewhere that it was about 100.

[Swaggs]

is this a dynasty type game or a one (season) and done?

[Pumpy Tudors]

OK, I know I've said that I don't really need XBox games to be 360 compatible, but I've changed my mind. My XBox 360 is connected to a 19" monitor, and my XBox is connected to a 13" TV. Which one do you think I'd rather play games on? I need a cheap XBox VGA connector or something.

Anyway, if this game isn't 360 compatible, I'm not ready to buy it yet. I was really excited about it, too. :(

[Tigercat]

Last years rosters makes sense, given the limited resources to dig into limited information on college baseball thats out there. But last years rosters and this years schedules? Crazy. I will still buy it eventually regardless.

[Celeval]

is this a dynasty type game or a one (season) and done?Dynasty. Recruiting, yadda yadda yadda.

One of the producer interviews said 128 games (14 full conferences), but I'm not 100% sure and dont' have the game booted up to check. Sounds around right, tho.

[stevew]

How is recruiting?

[dervack]

OK, I know I've said that I don't really need XBox games to be 360 compatible, but I've changed my mind. My XBox 360 is connected to a 19" monitor, and my XBox is connected to a 13" TV. Which one do you think I'd rather play games on? I need a cheap XBox VGA connector or something.

Anyway, if this game isn't 360 compatible, I'm not ready to buy it yet. I was really excited about it, too. :(
My hope is that Xbox will update their BC list every month. For the month of Jan. they haven't updated the list, so I'm holding out hope that the reason they haven't is because they are hoping to add this game to the list. That being said, seeing as how many games of EA aren't on the list, I don't hold much hope that this game will be on there.

[Celeval]

I read somewhere that it was about 100.Copy-and-pasted from operation sports:

Arizona State University
Arkansas State University
Army
Auburn University
Baylor University
Boston College
Bradley University
Brigham Young University
Bucknell University
Cal Poly - SLO
Cal State Sacramento
California State Fullerton
California State Northridge
Clemson University
Creighton University
Duke University
East Carolina University
Florida International University
Florida State University
Fresno State University
Georgetown University
Georgia Tech
Gonzaga University
Holy Cross
Illinois State University
Indiana State University
Indiana University, Bloomington
Kansas State University
Lafayette College
Lehigh University
Long Beach State University
Louisiana State University
Louisiana Tech University
Loyola Marymount University
Marshall University
Michigan State University
Middle Tennessee State University
Mississippi State University
Navy
New Mexico State University
North Carolina State University
Northwestern University
Ohio State University
Oklahoma State University
Oregon State University
Pennsylvania State University
Pepperdine University
Purdue University
Rice University
Rutgers
San Diego State University
San Jose State University
Santa Clara University
Seton Hall University
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Southwest Missouri State University
St. John's University
St. Mary's College of California
Stanford University
Texas A&M University
Texas Christian University
Texas Tech University
Troy University
Tulane University
U.S. Air Force Academy
University of Alabama
University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Arizona
University of Arkansas
University of Arkansas, Little Rock
University of California
University of California Los Angeles
University of California Santa Barbara
University of Central Florida
University of Cincinnati
University of Connecticut
University of Evansville
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Hawaii
University of Houston
University of Illinois
University of Iowa
University of Irvine
University of Kansas
University of Kentucky
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
University of Louisville
University of Maryland
University of Memphis
University of Miami (Florida)
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota
University of Mississippi
University of Missouri
University of Nebraska
University of Nevada
University of Nevada Las Vegas
University of New Mexico
University of New Orleans
University of North Carolina
University of Northern Iowa
University of Notre Dame
University of Oklahoma
University of Pittsburgh
University of Portland
University of Riverside
University of San Diego
University of San Francisco
University of South Alabama
University of South Carolina
University of South Florida
University of Southern California
University of Southern Mississippi
University of Tennessee
University of Texas at Austin
University of the Pacific
University of Utah
University of Virginia
University of Washington
Vanderbilt University
Villanova University
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest University
Washington State University
West Virginia University
Western Kentucky University
Wichita State University

[Celeval]

- Lack of roster editing? I'm not sure this is the case... I'm able to "Manage Rosters" and change Pitching Rotation/Batting Order/Defensive Alignment; but not go and edit existing players... which means no adding real names (there is the now-standard randomize names function, tho, so you're not stuck with P #30), or fixing the rosters to today's. You can, I guess, create all new players for a team, then trade the new players on and leave the old players off; but I'm not sure if there's a Create a Player limit. This and the last are the two huge disappointments for me right now - I think I'm a pretty normal college baseball fan in that I'm up to speed on Tech's team, but not so much across the board... so my hope was to use random names across the board and edit Tech's to the right names, but I'm not sure that's possible yet.
Editing my first post to reflect this, but it is possible to edit players - - it's just not under Manage Rosters like one might expect. It's in the Create a Player menu (?!), but there's an Edit player that lets you edit existing players. I'm not sure of the full functionality yet.

[MizzouRah]

Go Mizzou Go!

[Eaglesfan27]

Editing my first post to reflect this, but it is possible to edit players - - it's just not under Manage Rosters like one might expect. It's in the Create a Player menu (?!), but there's an Edit player that lets you edit existing players. I'm not sure of the full functionality yet.
Just read on OS that you can edit almost any feature of the players. Also, there have been several statements over on OS that the team in charge of this game is working with Microsoft to make it backwards compatible. For many of their games, EA isn't interested in making it BC, but they are saying this game should be BC at some point. Hopefully, it will be in the near future.

[Celeval]

Just read on OS that you can edit almost any feature of the players. Also, there have been several statements over on OS that the team in charge of this game is working with Microsoft to make it backwards compatible. For many of their games, EA isn't interested in making it BC, but they are saying this game should be BC at some point. Hopefully, it will be in the near future.Yeah, looks like (from OS posts) everything except height/weight & year. If year is true, that'll hurt efforts to make 2006 rosters from these.

I've got the PS2 version.. so no XBox news. Also, no broadband to the PS2 right now, so nothing on the ESPN integration.

[DanGarion]

The Ohio State University

Fixed that for you.

[Young Drachma]

I bought it today and gameplay reminds me of last year. I just love all the options you have, I mean, they could've skimped out, but didn't. I haven't checked out recruiting and all yet, but getting there.

[FBPro]

Is this one gonna be available for PC?

[Eaglesfan27]

From everything I read, it won't be on the PC this year.

[FBPro]

Not 4 me then.

[MizzouRah]

Yep.... soon.... soon....

[Logan]

I give this thread an "F" for "Incorrect First Impression Thread Titling." :)

[SackAttack]

Early impressions based on a couple hours of play last night:

1) I love the new batting system. I am proud to say I hit my first home run with the thumbstick swing.

2) Serious framerate issues while pitching, minor ones in the field. The meter stutters on its way back to the sweet spot, and it can throw off your timing while you're pitching. I'm skeptical about backwards compatibility for this one. If the framerate issues are this noticeable on Xbox, given the reports I've heard of framerate issues with BC games, I can't imagine it would improve any.

3) I'm curious if #2 is related to the new default behind-the-pitcher view for pitching. I'll have to see if there's an option to change that and see if I notice any difference. Considering the pitching minigame uses the classic view, I'd think there has to be. Is anybody else just enough of a cynical bastard to believe they made that change not for gameplay or realism purposes, but so that they can feed you that Pontiac Grand Prix ad behind home plate all game long?

4) I'm not as down on the throwing system as others are. I like it. Just a quick flick of the thumbstick is all you really need on most throws.

5) Graphically, this might be the game that really highlights the differences between Xbox and Xbox 360 for me. Field textures are bland (although the dynamic environmental effects on the uniforms are nice), and the player models are noticeably less detailed than what I've seen from EA's 360 efforts.

6) They've tied improvements in coaching and scouting to your performance on the field. You can't just go hire a new coach. Interesting approach.

7) It doesn't seem as though they put any effort into recording names for the players. Even with generated names, the announcers still refer to everybody by their numbers.

[illinifan999]

Lost my first game 4-3 to Ole Miss in the bottom of the last inning. Had 2 chances to end the game, shortstop made a nice play, but the first basemen dropped the ball, and then the CF dropped a routine flyball with 2 outs and the bases loaded. :mad:

[JonInMiddleGA]

2) ... The meter stutters on its way back to the sweet spot, and it can throw off your timing while you're pitching.

FWIW, I spent some time watching over my son's shoulder this afternoon (and went back & watched again just before posting), I didn't see any sign of that with X-Box, and he said it was "smooth, just normal" when I asked him specificially about it.

Overall, I haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary with framerate -- no skips, hangs, stutters, anything like that -- although I've maybe watched 10 minutes of someone else playing the game.

Like I said, just FWIW.

[SackAttack]

FWIW, I spent some time watching over my son's shoulder this afternoon (and went back & watched again just before posting), I didn't see any sign of that with X-Box, and he said it was "smooth, just normal" when I asked him specificially about it.

Overall, I haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary with framerate -- no skips, hangs, stutters, anything like that -- although I've maybe watched 10 minutes of someone else playing the game.

Like I said, just FWIW.

I hope you're right. That would go a long way towards smoothing my dissatisfaction if it turns out I've just a poorly pressed copy or if my Xbox just needs cleaning. I'll look into it.

[Eaglesfan27]

I've read about this framerate problem on OS, and they mention that it stutters only in widescreen but not regular view (unless my memory is failing me.) That might be the reason SA.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I've decided that I'm gonna go ahead and get this game right now (I have about $28 worth of store credit at EBGames, so I might as well use it). I figure that I used to play XBox games on my 13" TV, so I guess I can do it again. PGR3 and NBA 2K6 on the nice 19" monitor have spoiled me a bit, but I'll live. I shall start my quest to bring UNO to glory within an hour. :)

[jbmagic]

does game use the alumunim bats?

i wish this game was on the pc.

[Pumpy Tudors]

EBGames was sold out of the XBox version. They had only gotten two copies in, and both sold on Thursday. They had a wall of copies for the PS2, but I didn't want that version. I'll have to wait for them to get some more XBox copies before I get to play.

[biological warrior]

Me and my brother just played through our Inaugural game. ND v. Mich. (I was Mich) and ended up out coaching him in a 12 inning thriller 2-1. I totally love the game. The only gripes I have so far is the lack of involvement by the commentators (we were trading pitches and hits throughout the game and, the commentator didn even say anything, ala NCAA football), the other thing is that I guess Im spoiled by OOTP style stat tracking, I found the lack of in game stats and replays disappointing. (ie: player hit distribution et. ala) Otherwise a solid first try.
Oh the line score for my game.

ND: 1-8-1
UM: 2-14-3 F.
Is this pretty close to a college game score (hits wise) or a little skewered?

[dervack]

does game use the alumunim bats?

i wish this game was on the pc.
Well, it is a college baseball game, and they do use those bats in real life, so one would assume that they use them in this game, no?

Also, if you read the thread, you would know the answer to that question already. Yes, they use aluminum bats.

[RailsFS]

jb, they do use aluminum bats, but you can also go into the options and use the "summer " rules to switch to wooden bats.

[SackAttack]

I've read about this framerate problem on OS, and they mention that it stutters only in widescreen but not regular view (unless my memory is failing me.) That might be the reason SA.

I don't have widescreen TVs, and the view I was using yesterday looked perfectly normal to me.

[MizzouRah]

Make it $19.99 at Best Buy. ;)

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/6500/bbcoupon9oy.gif

[illinifan999]

So is anyone having any luck recruiting in the first season?

[dervack]

Anyone who was thinking about picking this up for the 360 will have to wait a while. One of the news sites I go to has said that Microsoft will not release anymore BC updates till at least March. So, games like this, and EA's upcoming FPS Black will not appear on the 360 anytime soon.

[cartman]

I too was unable to find a copy here in Austin. I went to Best Buy, Circuit City, Fry's, CompUSA and two different GameStops. Nobody had it. So I ordered it online and will get it next week.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I just came home with it, but I'm too pissed off about my XBox Live issues (documented in a separate thread) to even feel like opening up the game and playing. I'm sure I'll have some fun with it later, though.

[Tigercat]

Make it $19.99 at Best Buy. ;)

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/6500/bbcoupon9oy.gif


Will Best Buy accepted that coupon printed out? The "no copies" thing makes me wonder.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Will Best Buy accepted that coupon printed out? The "no copies" thing makes me wonder.They accepted mine.

[Tigercat]

They accepted mine.

Just printed out on regular computer paper as is? sweet, will have to give it a try.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Just printed out on regular computer paper as is? sweet, will have to give it a try.Yep. I wondered the same thing myself, but they didn't question it.

[MizzouRah]

Yep, works like a charm.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm discouraged about the latest news regarding BC, but a few more good impressions and I'm going to have to talk my wife into letting me re-hook up the old Xbox (my brother-in-law did some really bad stuff which stopped our plan of giving it to him.) Of course, the game seems to be sold out in most stores around here at the moment.

[MizzouRah]

I've read all I need to about the game. :) Tomorrow it's mine baby!!

[Celeval]

My first game on All-American, GT against Boston College, both of using our #2 starters - was completely stymied by their starter, down 1-0 into the bottom of the ninth when they brought on their closer, and ended up with a bases-loaded, two out single to win 2-1. Great, great matchup.

I'm waiting on someone to finish up the names-only rosters, and I'll be dynasty-bound.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I'm in a PokerStars tournament right now, but as soon as it's over, I'll start my quest to bring UNO to glory!

[illinifan999]

I love this game. It just feels and looks like college baseball.

[RPI-Fan]

I'm in a PokerStars tournament right now, but as soon as it's over, I'll start my quest to bring UNO to glory!

Any chance you quick-sim to/thru an offseason first to give the 411 on it? :)

[biological warrior]

Picked this up during lunch, and had a quick game. Some early impressions:

Things I Like
- I'm not used to the new batting system yet, but after one game I like it a lot. It's timing both ways - if you hold your stance too long or not enough, the swing will suffer.

- Ping if you like it (or if you don't). I like the Ping, but the Options menu lets you set NCAA rules, "Summer" rules (that includes wood bats and some other changes), or a custom mix-and-match set.

- Mike Patrick. The voice is great.

- Gameplay feels like the college game. Errors were a bit high, but all three of mine were throwing and probably due to the new mechanic. Line score was:

UGA 1-5-2
GT 5-13-3

.
Totally agree with you on the error. In the first game I too had 3 errors. All during the first inning. Due mainly to getting used to the new mechanics.

[illinifan999]

Any chance you quick-sim to/thru an offseason first to give the 411 on it? :)
There's really not that much in the offseason. During the season you have to recruit players, and their interest has to be at 50% or higher in order to get a shot at landing them. Then you can hire new coaches if you met a team goal, and then you add new players to your team. You get a list of walkons and the recruits you were able to get 50% of the way. The walkons don't ask for anything, but you have to offer the recruits a good enough scholarship or they'll go somewhere else. Then you can add the walkons that you want and any of the scholarship players you landed.

[Tigercat]

I'm discouraged about the latest news regarding BC, but a few more good impressions and I'm going to have to talk my wife into letting me re-hook up the old Xbox (my brother-in-law did some really bad stuff which stopped our plan of giving it to him.) Of course, the game seems to be sold out in most stores around here at the moment.

Yea, went to Best Buy then a couple of Walmarts and a circuit city in and around Kenner and no dice. Think all the LSU baseball fans in the area have snatched them up.

[Pumpy Tudors]

The slowdown is killer. :( I have it during pitching, and there are certainly stutters throughout the game. I haven't noticed them during actual gameplay, but it happens while watching the players run onto or off of the field, for instance. It's quite annoying. The game is fun, though.

[Eaglesfan27]

Yea, went to Best Buy then a couple of Walmarts and a circuit city in and around Kenner and no dice. Think all the LSU baseball fans in the area have snatched them up.
It certainly looks that way. I went to one gamestop today while I was out doing something else, and they said they sold all of their copies within 2 hours of them hitting the shelves.

[illinifan999]

They easily had about 20 copies of just the ps2 version at my ebgames. Looked like just as many xbox ones, too.

[biological warrior]

They easily had about 20 copies of just the ps2 version at my ebgames. Looked like just as many xbox ones, too. I had to go to a wal mart because of this too. I guess that most of the copies were made for the ps2. Maybe corolates to MVP baseball's sales?

[Eaglesfan27]

It's in stock at a local store. Anyone have any more impressions? I'm debating on purchasing this during my lunch hour tomorrow.

[jbmagic]

how is the sim stats?

[Eaglesfan27]

Hmmm, this is interesting. An employee at a local Gamestop said that they were told not to sell their last few copies of this game for the Xbox due to their being some manufacturing problems and that they would get a new batch in for sale in a week or two.

Also of note, is that CompUSA used to have the game on their website as available, but now it is coming soon. I can't find the Xbox version anywhere on Bestbuy's site. I wonder if there was a problem with some batches of the game and that is the cause for the near crippling slowdown that pumpy and others have mentioned?

[MizzouRah]

http://sportsgamer.blogspot.com/

Bill has some good thoughts. I still can't find a single copy at any Best Buy.

[SackAttack]

Hmmm, this is interesting. An employee at a local Gamestop said that they were told not to sell their last few copies of this game for the Xbox due to their being some manufacturing problems and that they would get a new batch in for sale in a week or two.

Also of note, is that CompUSA used to have the game on their website as available, but now it is coming soon. I can't find the Xbox version anywhere on Bestbuy's site. I wonder if there was a problem with some batches of the game and that is the cause for the near crippling slowdown that pumpy and others have mentioned?

I will say that when I exchanged my first copy, the second copy still has noticeable instances, but not nearly as bad as the first copy displayed.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Hmmm, this is interesting. An employee at a local Gamestop said that they were told not to sell their last few copies of this game for the Xbox due to their being some manufacturing problems and that they would get a new batch in for sale in a week or two.

Also of note, is that CompUSA used to have the game on their website as available, but now it is coming soon. I can't find the Xbox version anywhere on Bestbuy's site. I wonder if there was a problem with some batches of the game and that is the cause for the near crippling slowdown that pumpy and others have mentioned?I wonder if Best Buy will let me exchange it. This could get messy.

[Eaglesfan27]

Compusa now has it listed as being sold out, but still no mention of the game on Bestbuy's website, and the Bestbuy store employee just told me that they are waiting for a shipment of games, but he denied knowledge of any manufacturing errors with the game. With the various posts on OS in which some people don't see any slowdown at all, I really do think that some manufacuring errors occured. However, the odd thing is that some of the people report that the game works better if they switch which TV they are playing on.

[jbmagic]

I wonder if Best Buy will let me exchange it. This could get messy.

yes they will. you can do an even exchange if open. bring your receipt.

[Eaglesfan27]

After looking on all of the websites (Compusa, Bestbuy, Gamestop, etc.) and seeing that this is still sold out near me for the Xbox, I decided to resume my MVP 2005 career on the Xbox. I had a blast playing 2 games and really remembered how much fun I had with that game.

Besides it being a college game and the new hitting method, what things do you think are better than 2005?

[Izulde]

Copy-and-pasted from operation sports:

Arizona State University
Arkansas State University
Army
Auburn University
Baylor University
Boston College
Bradley University
Brigham Young University
Bucknell University
Cal Poly - SLO
Cal State Sacramento
California State Fullerton
California State Northridge
Clemson University
Creighton University
Duke University
East Carolina University
Florida International University
Florida State University
Fresno State University
Georgetown University
Georgia Tech
Gonzaga University
Holy Cross
Illinois State University
Indiana State University
Indiana University, Bloomington
Kansas State University
Lafayette College
Lehigh University
Long Beach State University
Louisiana State University
Louisiana Tech University
Loyola Marymount University
Marshall University
Michigan State University
Middle Tennessee State University
Mississippi State University
Navy
New Mexico State University
North Carolina State University
Northwestern University
Ohio State University
Oklahoma State University
Oregon State University
Pennsylvania State University
Pepperdine University
Purdue University
Rice University
Rutgers
San Diego State University
San Jose State University
Santa Clara University
Seton Hall University
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Southwest Missouri State University
St. John's University
St. Mary's College of California
Stanford University
Texas A&M University
Texas Christian University
Texas Tech University
Troy University
Tulane University
U.S. Air Force Academy
University of Alabama
University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Arizona
University of Arkansas
University of Arkansas, Little Rock
University of California
University of California Los Angeles
University of California Santa Barbara
University of Central Florida
University of Cincinnati
University of Connecticut
University of Evansville
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Hawaii
University of Houston
University of Illinois
University of Iowa
University of Irvine
University of Kansas
University of Kentucky
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
University of Louisville
University of Maryland
University of Memphis
University of Miami (Florida)
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota
University of Mississippi
University of Missouri
University of Nebraska
University of Nevada
University of Nevada Las Vegas
University of New Mexico
University of New Orleans
University of North Carolina
University of Northern Iowa
University of Notre Dame
University of Oklahoma
University of Pittsburgh
University of Portland
University of Riverside
University of San Diego
University of San Francisco
University of South Alabama
University of South Carolina
University of South Florida
University of Southern California
University of Southern Mississippi
University of Tennessee
University of Texas at Austin
University of the Pacific
University of Utah
University of Virginia
University of Washington
Vanderbilt University
Villanova University
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest University
Washington State University
West Virginia University
Western Kentucky University
Wichita State University

WTF? No University of Wisconsin with all the other Big 10 teams in there? Gay.

[biological warrior]

After looking on all of the websites (Compusa, Bestbuy, Gamestop, etc.) and seeing that this is still sold out near me for the Xbox, I decided to resume my MVP 2005 career on the Xbox. I had a blast playing 2 games and really remembered how much fun I had with that game.

Besides it being a college game and the new hitting method, what things do you think are better than 2005? One of the things I hate about MCAA MVP is that when a ball is hit infield the pitcher just uns around in cirlces doing nothing most of the times or holding onto the ball.

[ShaefIllini]

WTF? No University of Wisconsin with all the other Big 10 teams in there? Gay.

Wisconsin doesn't have a baseball team.

[Izulde]

Wisconsin doesn't have a baseball team.

I'll be damned. I didn't know that. Going to be hard to pick a team now since Wisconsin and Wyoming don't have teams :(

[MizzouRah]

Pick the Missouri Tigers.

Hit it, Hooray, Hurrah,
Mizzou, Mizzou,
Hooray, Hurrah,
Mizzou, Mizzou,
Hooray, Hurrah,
And a "Bully" for Ol' Mizzou,
Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah,
Mizzou-rah, Mizzou-rah, Mizzou-rah,
Tigers! <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O /><O:P></O:P>

<O:P></O:P>

[ahbrady]

I'll be damned. I didn't know that. Going to be hard to pick a team now since Wisconsin and Wyoming don't have teams :(

Since you seem to have some thing for "W" states, you could try Washington.

[Young Drachma]

I'll be damned. I didn't know that. Going to be hard to pick a team now since Wisconsin and Wyoming don't have teams :(

You can create Wyoming. I did it and even put them in WAC, that way they could still play all their traditional rivals in the Mountain West. One of the custom mascots is a Cowboy and so it'll call 'em the Cowboys and everything.

[MizzouRah]

Picked it up today for $19.99 at BB and so far I'm loving this game. The greatness of MVP, but college game engine. I'm already anxious to start my #1 pitcher again as he just pitched an 8 inning jem. Big Daddy Aldridge smacked a blast to send Kansas home, 2-0. Next game my lefty pitches well and we beat Michigan St. 3-2. I'm back to using the "classic" batting and fielding controls as I really liked those controls last year in MVP.

Should be a fun year with this group of players.

[jbmagic]

Picked it up today for $19.99 at BB and so far I'm loving this game. The greatness of MVP, but college game engine. I'm already anxious to start my #1 pitcher again as he just pitched an 8 inning jem. Big Daddy Aldridge smacked a blast to send Kansas home, 2-0. Next game my lefty pitches well and we beat Michigan St. 3-2. I'm back to using the "classic" batting and fielding controls as I really liked those controls last year in MVP.

Should be a fun year with this group of players.


is there a game you ever hated? :)

[Pumpy Tudors]

OH MY GOD! THAT'S JBMAGIC'S MUSIC!

[jbmagic]

OH MY GOD! THAT'S JBMAGIC'S MUSIC!


huh?

[Pumpy Tudors]

wrong thread my bad

[Eaglesfan27]

Picked it up today for $19.99 at BB and so far I'm loving this game. The greatness of MVP, but college game engine. I'm already anxious to start my #1 pitcher again as he just pitched an 8 inning jem. Big Daddy Aldridge smacked a blast to send Kansas home, 2-0. Next game my lefty pitches well and we beat Michigan St. 3-2. I'm back to using the "classic" batting and fielding controls as I really liked those controls last year in MVP.

Should be a fun year with this group of players.

I think I will end up using "classic" hitting and fielding as well. I just wish I could find this game in a store near me. :(

[samifan24]

I started a dynasty as South Carolina and was losing 3-0 going into the 8th against Lafayette of all teams. We light up their SP for 5 runs in the 8th and go on to win 5-3. It was only game three of the season but I'm hooked already. I'll echo what others have said about the controls, though. I'm using the new batting system but the "classic" throwing system. And yes, I like the Ping.

[jbmagic]

what is the new batting system about compare to mvp 2005?

[MizzouRah]

is there a game you ever hated? :)
I don't know who's worse, you or Schmidty. :mad:

Seriously, what game has been bad in recent memory? BBMogul is the only game I didn't care for that I've bought... well, that and F.E.A.R, but it's my system in that case.

What's to dislike? It's been a great run as far as PC games and PS2 games go.

[samifan24]

what is the new batting system about compare to mvp 2005?

You use the right thumbstick to "load" your swing (pull it back) and then "unload" your swing when the pitch comes in (pull it forward). It takes some getting used to but I like it better than the 2005 system. FYI- you can change the settings to use the 2005 system if you'd like.

[JonInMiddleGA]

It's been a great run as far as PC games and PS2 games go.

I can't really address the PS2 part of that, but I'd have to disagree with the PC part of that statement. Lately, I've seen one pretty darn good game, a few decent-to-good games, nothing great, and quite a few that fell pretty flat.

And the one "pretty darn good" rarely garners any discussion here. (Second-and-Ten v 3.0.6)

[Eaglesfan27]

I don't know who's worse, you or Schmidty. :mad:

Seriously, what game has been bad in recent memory? BBMogul is the only game I didn't care for that I've bought... well, that and F.E.A.R, but it's my system in that case.

What's to dislike? It's been a great run as far as PC games and PS2 games go.
Also, I think you and I, and probably many of the people on here, don't buy games unless we are pretty sure we are going to like them. So of course, we generally talk about games in a positive manner. The biggest disappointment I've actually bought in the last year was Madden 06 for the X360. It's got fun gameplay, but the game just has too many good features left out of this version.

[MizzouRah]

Also, I think you and I, and probably many of the people on here, don't buy games unless we are pretty sure we are going to like them. So of course, we generally talk about games in a positive manner. The biggest disappointment I've actually bought in the last year was Madden 06 for the X360. It's got fun gameplay, but the game just has too many good features left out of this version.
Exactly. I don't buy games sight unseen anymore. I voice my dislikes about x game, but if I'm having fun I make sure to point that out. In fact negativity about a game is usually covered by someone already... no need to mention it twice.

[MizzouRah]

I can't really address the PS2 part of that, but I'd have to disagree with the PC part of that statement. Lately, I've seen one pretty darn good game, a few decent-to-good games, nothing great, and quite a few that fell pretty flat.

And the one "pretty darn good" rarely garners any discussion here. (Second-and-Ten v 3.0.6)
We all have varying levels of what contimplates a good game. Decent to good games count as "I like it" games for me. BBMogul is the only game that sticks in my mind as terrible that I've bought.

[Eaglesfan27]

Very annoying. CompUSA apparently got a shipment in last night, but I CANNOT get a live person on the phone and the computer system just says they have "limited quantities" as of 3:16AM today. I don't think I'll bother making the hour to an hour and a half round trip (due to late rush hour traffic) now that I'm out work as I'm sure it probably is sold out by now.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

I just finally took the plunge and ordered it online from Gamestop, since it appears to be selling out much quicker in stores than I can get to it. Hopefully, the delivery doesn't get messed up.

[samifan24]

Ok this game is way too easy. I'm playing a dynasty as South Carolina as I stated a few posts up. In my 5th and 6th games I threw back to back perfect games against Lafayette and Ohio State. 27 up. 27 down. In one sitting. I'm playing on the Varsity Level, which is the equivalent of the Pro level on MVP 2005. I've got to turn up the difficult level on this thing!

[Eaglesfan27]

Ok this game is way too easy. I'm playing a dynasty as South Carolina as I stated a few posts up. In my 5th and 6th games I threw back to back perfect games against Lafayette and Ohio State. 27 up. 27 down. In one sitting. I'm playing on the Varsity Level, which is the equivalent of the Pro level on MVP 2005. I've got to turn up the difficult level on this thing!
On OS, they mention that it is necessary to turn down infield speed, outfield speed, and CPU catch effort a few notches. This was also necessary in MVP 05 (at least IMO.) However, I think it is the All-Pro level I play MVP on as well.

[samifan24]

On OS, they mention that it is necessary to turn down infield speed, outfield speed, and CPU catch effort a few notches. This was also necessary in MVP 05 (at least IMO.) However, I think it is the All-Pro level I play MVP on as well.

Thanks for the heads up. I never read OS's site so that's new information to me. In both games, though, I consistently hit the bottom corners and just outside of the zone away from hitters and they wiffed consistently.

Believe me I'm not one for exploiting the game so it appears as though I'll have to adjust the sliders. I do play #7 Clemson in a week's worth of game time so we'll see how different those games play out without the sliders.

[Eaglesfan27]

Thanks for the heads up. I never read OS's site so that's new information to me. In both games, though, I consistently hit the bottom corners and just outside of the zone away from hitters and they wiffed consistently.

Believe me I'm not one for exploiting the game so it appears as though I'll have to adjust the sliders. I do play #7 Clemson in a week's worth of game time so we'll see how different those games play out without the sliders.
Cool. Good luck against Clemson :)

[jbmagic]

do infielders run out very deep to the outfield to catch the ball like mvp 2005?

[MizzouRah]

Dola -

I just finally took the plunge and ordered it online from Gamestop, since it appears to be selling out much quicker in stores than I can get to it. Hopefully, the delivery doesn't get messed up.
Shoot, I would have used the coupon and bought you one from BB here and then shipped it to you. Not that it matters now... sorry I didn't offer sooner, although I just picked mine up on the 31st.

[Eaglesfan27]

Shoot, I would have used the coupon and bought you one from BB here and then shipped it to you. Not that it matters now... sorry I didn't offer sooner, although I just picked mine up on the 31st.

No problem, it should be here Saturday (if it actually ships today as I'm expecting.) So far, it hasn't shipped.

[Celeval]

do infielders run out very deep to the outfield to catch the ball like mvp 2005?I've had some infielders make plays in the shallow OF, but nothing so far that I'd consider unrealistic.

[Eaglesfan27]

Well, they still haven't shipped my order 24 hours after they said they would (they said they would ship within 24 hours,and it is now over 48 hours since I ordered.) I'm giving them until I get off work this evening. If it still hasn't shipped, I'm going to go by a store that is supposed to get a shipment in this afternoon to see if I can get one before they sell out. I suspect the success of LSU and Tulane has helped bolster sales in this area as they seem to be selling very quickly from all of the stores..

[Eaglesfan27]

Shoot, I would have used the coupon and bought you one from BB here and then shipped it to you. Not that it matters now... sorry I didn't offer sooner, although I just picked mine up on the 31st.
I might end up taking you up on that offer. I just cancelled my order as gamestop's online store just informed that they are having issues with inventory and are unable to ship it in the next few days (they couldn't tell me when it would ship.) I'm going to swing by the store today after work and hopefully pick up a copy if they haven't sold out in the time since they are supposed to get the shipment this afternoon.

[CraigSca]

So what's the consensus on this? My local Gamestop has 4+ of these instock for the PS2 - is this a must have?

[Eaglesfan27]

Nevermind, Todd. I went to Gamestop. They put 12 Xbox versions out on the floor at 4:30 PM. I got the 2nd to last one at 6:30 PM. I then got stuck in traffic and took over an hour to get home ;)

[Eaglesfan27]

Just a few VERY early thoughts:

1. I'm shocked how close to identical the mini-games are to MVP 05. This isn't a bad thing as those mini-games were fun, but I thought there would be some changes.

2. I tried hitting both ways, and I definitely prefer classical hitting at this point. Load and Fire is an interesting feature, but for me, I think I'll probably just use last year's hitting method which I really enjoyed.

3. The pitching meter seems harder to me. I had a difficult time hitting my spots.

4. I think the hitter's eye color lasts longer in this game than it did in MVP 05. If I'm not imaging it, I would guess it would be due to College Pitcher's tipping their pitches more? Despite this, the difference between Fastballs and breaking balls seems more pronounced than in MVP 05, and I'm having a tough time waiting for breaking pitches.

5. Having read about dynasty mode, I think it's an interesting method of recruiting. I'm looking forward to starting a dynasty at a low school tomorrow and trying to work my way up. Off to play another exhibition game or two now.

6. Oh yeah, I'm surprised to find that I *like* the ping of the bat.


I've been playing a fair bit of MVP 05 the last few days, so the little differences are very pronounced for me now. My biggest gripe with MVP 05 was that it was a bit too easy to sign good FA's (such as Rocco from TB and Mulder to my Phillies.) At least the recruiting aspect might address those problems.

[Eaglesfan27]

After playing a few more exhibition games, a few more thoughts:

Unlike last year's MVP, I think I'll be using a slider set with this game. Last year, I just adjusted infielder speed and outfielder speed, but nothing else.

This year, Jistic and Football Fanatic on OS have put out some slider sets which have received good reports. I've played my last three games with a hybrid of their sets, and it just seems more fun than my first 3 games without the slider set.

In some parks, I'm seeing the jerky pitching meter (it's not bad, but it is noticable.) Fortunately, these sliders both make the pitching meter difficulty less noticable because they give a bit wider "sweet" spot. They also lower the pitcher's control for both teams. Last game, I was playing against a pitcher with really bad control and I got 9 walks in a game which was sweet (usually I'm much too impatient to walk at all.) I also gave up 4 walks myself.

I also think the infielders and outfielders get too to many balls without reducing their speed a bit and also reducing the "catch effort." With that slider tweaked, I'm not seeing too many dives, and the ones I've seen these first few games are reasonable. Anyway, I'm off to play some more.

[jbmagic]

Eaglefan you like it better than MVP 2005 so far?

[Eaglesfan27]

It's too early to say, Jbmagic, but I think I will end up liking it more if the dynasty works as well as I think it is going to. My biggest gripe with MVP 05 was that it was too easy to sign good FA's, and that is removed.


The dynasty mode is very interesting. I know several people have mentioned that it takes a unique approach, but I'm not sure anyone has gone into specifics. If they did, I missed it because this was a surprise to me.

First, they have some nice (but brief) videos that an email links to that suggests you watch in the game when you start a dynasty. The videos cover the basics of dynasty mode (which the instruction manual barely touches upon.)

Each team (I think it is the same for every team) has 11.7 scholarships for 25 players. I admit that I haven't followed College Baseball nearly enough to know if that is the correct amount.

However, each team has 11.7 scholarships and you can choose to offer a player anywhere from a 10% to a 100% scholarship. Of course, a 100% full ride eats up one of your scholarships. That adds one tactical level besides just throwing recruiting points at a player.

Also, I think many of us agreed that it was too easy to get good recruits in NCAA Football. Well, it is impossible to get most of the recruits starting at a low prestige school (I'm starting at UNO.) Right now, I have all level 0 staff. I have to accomplish a goal to be able to hire a Level 1 pitching coach such as getting a starter to 8 wins for the season. Similarly, there is a goal to get a level 1 pitching coach, a level 1 conditioning coach, and an addition to the stadium facilities.

Most of the good recruits won't even consider my team. The top recruits want level 4 or level 5 pitching coaches or hitting coaches. The first pitcher that will even consider me is ranked #140 in the nation, and he probably isn't wanted by the big schools becasue he is poor in attitude and academic ability. I'm taking a shot at him anyway, because I have my best starter graduating next year.

Also, the more you scout a player, the more of a graph appears which "guesses" their career path over the 5 years they could be with you (if you redshirt them.)

Also, you have to make promises to players, such as, I will start you by your Sophomore year. If you don't keep your promises, the tutorial says they will likely transfer.

Anyway, I'm off to play my dynasty, but I think it's going to be fun. Oh yeah, my best pitcher who is graduating is also probably my best LF. Guess, he is going to be getting plenty of PT.


Edited to add: Also, according to the video, there are "recruit challenges" for top 25 recruits. For example, a recruit might say that they want to see you score 15 runs in your next game and if you do, they will sign with you. However, if you accept the challenge and fail, they will likely go to another school. Another interesting approach. I suspect I have a long way to go to be able to recruit a top 25 player to see if I like that or not..


Another Edit: Only one other recruit above #250 rank will even consider my school. Looks like I will be trying to get mediocre players (even those have very low interest in my school right now.)

That #140 pitcher has NO interest in my school right now, but I'm hoping I can change his mind.

[jbmagic]

thanks

how many games do they play in a season?

i like mvp 2005, but it takes a long time to complete a whole season if you play every game out.

[MizzouRah]

My thoughts:

1. It's not that I hate the new load and fire (hitting) or the new analog fielding, it's just that I really like the classic methods for both, ala MVP 05.

2. The game feels like college baseball. It seems to me that there are a wider variety of hits than MVP 05 had - TIFWIW.

3. More errors, which is nice, 3 man rotation due to the college schedule, and when a reliever comes in, you still have a shot at coming back in a game.

4. Getting attached to my players I think will be quite easy for some reason.

5. You can definitly tell skill levels fairly easily.

6. Haven't played but 10 or so games and just played my first dynasty game a little while ago. AA defaults is really working well for me as the pitching meter does seem harder than MVP 05. I do have all the aids off and I use MVP fielding. One thing, cutting off a ball hit to the outfield is a MUST in this game as it's easy to miss one if you don't take the right angle.

So far, is it better than 05? Not sure yet.. it's fun, I'll give it that. Haven't really dug deep into the recruiting yet.

[illinifan999]

In regards to recruiting, it will be a long time for any team before they're able to recruit the top players who demand a top staff. I did a quick Miami dynasty to see if recruiting is easier for top teams, and it was my 5th season after winning 2 straight CWS's, and I only have rank 3-4 coaches. The fielding coach upgrade's goal was 3 straight CWS's and it didn't count the previous 2, so I'm thinking being a smaller school when I start a real dynasty will be pretty tough.

[Eaglesfan27]

A season is about 60 games. It just so happens my UNO team starts out playing at USC. Well, when I was a sophomore I lived in a university run apartment building on the edge of campus that overlooked the baseball stadium. It was one of twin towers as we called them on campus. I just hit a foul ball and saw those two apartment buildings in the game! :eek:


Oh yeah, I barely had enough points to send an assistant coach to see the kid and send him a personal email. My weekly total was 1/3 of what it would cost to fly out and visit the kid as the coach! :eek:

However, I think there is a way to "earn" more recruiting points as I go. If not, I have no chance of landing this kid.

[jbmagic]

do players get tire?

i think in mvp 2005 if i remember the relievers will not get tire much

[CraigSca]

As I remember it, in MVP2005 the pitchers would tire, but they would be immediately rested for the next game. Therefore, there was very little bullpen strategy because your entire staff was rested after each game. Bullpen management, however, is much different in college baseball so I'm not sure how much of an effect there would be if they didn't correct this from 2005 to 2006.

[MizzouRah]

Yes pitchers tire and it seems better so far than MVP 05.

EF, I only had 150 points to spend. I think I only need 3 players though.

[CraigSca]

Does it have a Maximum Baseball option so you can sign guys without contracts for no money from a free agent pool?

[Eaglesfan27]

Yes pitchers tire and it seems better so far than MVP 05.

EF, I only had 150 points to spend. I think I only need 3 players though.
I only need 3 players as well, but the one I wanted cost 450 just to send my coach out to see him.

I guess I better settle for some closer guys ;)


I do like how each team has a different feel. My UNO team isn't very good pitching wise, and we don't have much power, but we have excellent speed in 4 guys. I played small ball and surprised USC 5-3.

However, they were starting their 3 starter while I was starting my 1st. Also, the control issues of pitchers can really shine in this game. I made this one guy my closer because he was unhappy before we started the season and he had the best stuff. However, he is throwing all over the place even when I hit the meter correctly! He hit a batsman, threw two wild pitches, and then managed to strike out 2 guys and get a pop fly to end the game.

[Eaglesfan27]

As far as players tiring, my catcher (who is great) is very tired after a game. I also remember reading on OS that starting the same catcher in double headers (which happen in this game due to rainouts) is very difficult unless your catcher has very high endurance.

[dervack]

I really hope that when Microsoft releases the next BC update, whenever that is, it has this game on there. I don't want to go out and get another Xbox just to play this game, and it sounds like a lot of fun.

[CraigSca]

I only need 3 players as well, but the one I wanted cost 450 just to send my coach out to see him.

I guess I better settle for some closer guys ;)


I do like how each team has a different feel. My UNO team isn't very good pitching wise, and we don't have much power, but we have excellent speed in 4 guys. I played small ball and surprised USC 5-3.

However, they were starting their 3 starter while I was starting my 1st. Also, the control issues of pitchers can really shine in this game. I made this one guy my closer because he was unhappy before we started the season and he had the best stuff. However, he is throwing all over the place even when I hit the meter correctly! He hit a batsman, threw two wild pitches, and then managed to strike out 2 guys and get a pop fly to end the game.
Wow Eagles, that does sound really cool! I especially like the fact that, even though you're perfect on the pitch meter, sometimes guys are so bad you can't overcome it. On the downside, do you have any worries that you can beat USC already?

[Eaglesfan27]

Wow Eagles, that does sound really cool! I especially like the fact that, even though you're perfect on the pitch meter, sometimes guys are so bad you can't overcome it. On the downside, do you have any worries that you can beat USC already?

Just to clarify, I'm using a slider set hybrid that is a cross between Jistic's and Football Fanatic's on OS, and they both have pitching control at -50 (which is the max setting.)

However, I really like that setting. It's not like every pitch is wild or off the mark, but some pitches do miss the mark. Also, if you throw a pitch that a pitcher isn't good at, it seems to miss the mark more than his good pitches even if you hit the bar in the meter.

Yes, I'm a little worried that I beat USC :(

Particularly, because in the 2nd game of the back to back series, I beat them again. I won 10-2. The only "good news" is that their starting pitcher blanked me for 3 innings before being injured. I'm wondering if the drag bunt is a bit too powerful. My 4 speedsters are hitting about .500 each early in the season with the bunt accounting for over half of their hits. However, they all have good bunting ratings.

Also, as far as USC not scoring much, 4 of their hitters really are rated low for contact. I'm very careful with the top of their order, and I walk their superstar C if any men are on base because he has 93 contact and 91 power against Right handed pitchers.

However, I didn't expect to win 1 much less 2 against USC. However, I'm also surprised by how many good rated players I have on UNO's team. I need to check to see if their current group of players were regarded this well in real life. I have a 94 overall rated good hitting speedy centerfield (he is my #2 or #3 guy.) I have a good power hitting 3B who hit 2 homers in my last game. I have a speedy 2B who has good contact ratings. I have a 1B with 70 power who managed to hit a homer. Also, I have a backup 2B who can play the OF with 99 range and 99 defense and he is playing LF. He and my CF get to just about any balls that aren't hit into RF.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola - My 3 homers came with a 15 mph wind blowing out to center field.

Oh yeah, my starting pitcher hit 2 of their guys in the 1st before settling down. They seemed anxious about crowding the plate after that ;)

[Eaglesfan27]

Looking up in real life, that CF Brandon Bowser hit .362 last year with 6 homers 47 RBI's and 16 SB's (on 20 attempts.) He was named to the Sun Belt Preseason Team and he was named Newcomer of the Year in Louisiana last year. I think he is quite a bit better in the game.

[kcchief19]

My personal observations:

* I'm liking the Load and Fire system better. It's a lot like the Tiger Woods swing stick. I like the fact that it's the timing of your swing that controls direction of the ball rather than just the direction you choose. Not having the ability to choose location manually is fine by me because that's always guesswork to me anyway. Might as well let the AI do the guessing.

* I also like the analog throwing. It adds a bit more flavor to throws, and obviously increases the likelihood of errant throws. I don't like that you can't really choose the speed of the throw. Every throw is a bullet.

* Events rattle/settle down pitchers. Good visit to the mound will slow down the pitch meter, while a bad visit or a big hit will speed it up. New pitchers into the game are often wild on their first pitch and it takes a couple of pitches to settle down. I'm a MVP newbie, so maybe this is common.

* I hate sliders, but they are going to be necessary in this game. I started experimenting with the sliders in my last series and it made a HUGE difference. The first few games I played were of the 6-1 and 12-3 variety losses, then as I got better everything became a 1-0 or 2-1 pitcher's duel, which is totally unrealistic for college. I'm an inpatient hitter, but there it's virtually impossible to draw a walk off the CPU without the sliders, and I never walked anybody either. I slowed down the infielders and outfielders in my last series and it started getting more realistic.

* I echo what I think Pumpy noted -- I don't see too much frame drag, but I do get slowdowns during cut scenes. I've never had any problems during pitching.

* Again, I'm an MVP newbie so maybe others can address this better. But I'm not sure I care for this whole equipment and level nonsense. It seems like the game is set up just like Tiger Woods in that the longer you play the better you automatically get because you get better equipment and coaches. My team sucks and I'm no good, but I just got a bat upgrade because I hit a homerun in a series against Minnesota.

*I'm getting close to turning off the announcers. All the reviews critical of the audio are dead on. Mike Patrick's character continually blows calls and the analyst just appears out of nowhere. Very poorly implemented, but thankfully this is something that is fluff and doesn't matter.

Overall first impressions are good. I'll have to go over to OS and try out some of their sliders; I don't think I'm ratcheting things up enough on my own.

[Eaglesfan27]

I think they probably overrated the entire UNO team. I just realized in the 7th inning as I look to replace my starting pitcher that every one of my fielders is rated at least a 70. Most of them are rated 80 or higher and I have two guys rated 90 or higher. Despite that OU is playing me much better at my place. They are defending my bunts and I'm having trouble hitting as a result. Tied 4-4, despite my only having 4 hits. Fortunately, I have 4 walks as well and some opportunistic hits.

However, that was the main point of this post. I've noticed that I only see the pitching framerate problems if I pitch while one of the songs is blaring. If I wait until the song is done, I don't seem to have any framerate problems in the pitching interface.

[RPI-Fan]

This game is tempting me to get an XBox just for this game...

Is it really that good?

[MizzouRah]

1. The batter animation where he basically acts like Nomar Garciaparra and you CAN'T cancel it, is quite annoying.

2. I've changed the pitching meter to -50 and runners speed up a notch or two, that's it on AA default.

3. The AI as usual per EA, really does some weird things. During the game, they try to bunt a guy over to second almost always and sometimes for two hitters in a row. In extra innings they didn't try it at all. Bill went over this in his review and it's annoying.

4. I'm getting walks, 1-3 per game.. but you have to be patient. Lets face it, people have been bitching about walks in a console baseball game for years.. I really don't care to pitch a ton of balls to hitters nor do I take many pitches. I like the pace of my games to go fast and if it wasn't for that animation in #1, the game would really be at a good pace.

5. Haven't seen the AI team try to steal on me yet, but I've been fairly successful with my two speedsters.


Last game went into extra innings and in the 12th, I walked a guy to load the bases on some really questionable calls. Right after the walk, I argue the call and get thrown out of the game. I K the next hitter on two questionable balls that the ump called strikes, the last a 3-2 ball that is called for a K and the crowd is booing loudly. I get out of the inning and later win the game. Nice touch if my arguing had the ump give us a few calls. A ball would have won the game for Nevada.

I got the email about getting level 1 bats and thought it was kind of neat... to each his own I guess.

6. The pitcher snags WAYYYY too many potential hits up the middle.

7. I'm using MVP fielding and really liking it vs assisted in MVP 05.

[Eaglesfan27]

Todd,

I also hate the animation the batter often does between pitches, but I love working the count.

What is MVP fielding? I'm using assisted now just because I enjoyed it so much in MVP 05.

I also liked the email about level 1 bats. However, OU is probably going to make me fail that challenge.

Also, I think the design a ball park is a much improved feature. I made UNO's home field (well the way I want it made, not like the real one.) The feature allows you to pick the cut of the grass, the size of the foul zones, and a few other things. However, the heart of it for me, is that it allows you to pick the wall distance at 16 different points from LF to RF. It also allows you to set individual wall heights for those 16 sections (I know you can go down to at least 5 feet and up to 45, but I think it might be lower and higher even.) Also, the design a ball park will let you make the wall design the exact same as most of the major league parks.

Also, I lost to OU in my first game against them 6-4. USC had just played 2 games before I came to town, so perhaps they were fatigued?

[Eaglesfan27]

This game is tempting me to get an XBox just for this game...

Is it really that good?

I'm not sure if it is worth paying 150 dollars. However, it was definitely worth hooking up my old unused Xbox :)

[Pumpy Tudors]

I actually exchanged my copy for another one last night, but I haven't cracked it open yet. It'll happen either today or tomorrow. I'm trying to decide whether to play this game or NBA 2K6 on my XBox 360. I'm also trying to balance watching a hockey game on the TV. We'll see what happens. :)

[samifan24]

Well I just swept #6 Clemson with #9 South Carolina and the second game was a one-hitter. My team is now #2 behind Texas. I didn't adjust any sliders to see how I'd fare against the Tigers. Now I know for sure that I need to adjust sliders. The pitchers in this game are too good.

[Eaglesfan27]

Well I just swept #6 Clemson with #9 South Carolina and the second game was a one-hitter. My team is now #2 behind Texas. I didn't adjust any sliders to see how I'd fare against the Tigers. Now I know for sure that I need to adjust sliders. The pitchers in this game are too good.
Are you still playing on Varsity?

Edit to add: I recommend lowering the "pitcher control" for both the CPU and Player as I found that the pitchers were too good without it lowered as well. As I previously mentioned, I've taken it down to -50 which is what most of the slider people are doing on OS.

[samifan24]

Are you still playing on Varsity?

Edit to add: I recommend lowering the "pitcher control" for both the CPU and Player as I found that the pitchers were too good without it lowered as well. As I previously mentioned, I've taken it down to -50 which is what most of the slider people are doing on OS.

Yes I am still playing on varsity. I'll have to try that recommendation because it's the pitchers who are making the games so unbalanced. I'm winning like 4-0 and 4-2 and not 10-1.

[MizzouRah]

Move up to AA.

EF,

You have auto, assissted, manual, and then MVP fielding. With manual fielding, the computer starts moving your player towards the ball, a "jump" so to speak. On MVP, your fielder doesn't have that "jump".

Fielding has been fun in this version.

[samifan24]

Move up to AA.

EF,

You have auto, assissted, manual, and then MVP fielding. With manual fielding, the computer starts moving your player towards the ball, a "jump" so to speak. On MVP, your fielder doesn't have that "jump".

Fielding has been fun in this version.

The thing I hate about video games is that I'm always too good for one level and terrible at the next. There's no in between and that leaves me regretting the purchase less than a week after the fact.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm willing to bet you could make Varsity challenging for you if AA is too hard. I think you'll probably need to give the CPU hitters a big contact bonus and probably a decent sized power bonus as well.

[MizzouRah]

The thing I hate about video games is that I'm always too good for one level and terrible at the next. There's no in between and that leaves me regretting the purchase less than a week after the fact.
I was winning in varsity like you and AA with a few little tweaks has been quite competitive. I know what you are saying though.

All I did was change:

Pitching meter diff - (-50)
Baserunning - (+5) for both CPU and Human
Baserunning aggressiveness - (+5) for both

Game plays good so far with these little changes, in fact Air Force just put a butt whooping on me.

[Eaglesfan27]

I've neutralized most of the sliders that I had done before, and I find myself losing to better teams much more now. I think that is probably why I beat USC. I think those two slider sets I used were biased towards the player some. Now, I'm getting my butt kicked by University of San Francisco. Are they really good in real life? They are rated as "A" team in the game (USC was an A-.)


The basic sliders I'm using now:

Pitiching meter difficulty -40 (makes it more difficult to hit your spots)

Pitcher Control for both teams at -50.

Infield and outfield CPU speed at -5 as well as manual speed at -5 (I use assisted fielding.)

Contact hitting at plus 10 for both teams (Good hitters weren't hitting enough in my opinion)

Baserunner speed is plus 5 for both CPU and human.

CPU Steal aggressiveness is also set to plus 15.


However, my UNO team is competitive with teams because we have great speed (A- as a team) and we have good defense up the middle and in LF.


Edit: I forgot a few sliders I kept (I've evened out all sliders though)


Foul Ball Frequency is plus 50 for both sides (still not a ton of foul balls, just a bit more.)

I have USER and CPU catch errors at plus 35 (gives a decent amount of errors per game for both sides. I usually have one bobbled ball per game per side. Sometimes none. The most I've seen is 3 in one game.)

CPU Catch Effort at -12 (less amazing dives)

Throw accuracy is -5 for both sides (I usually see one throwing error per game for each side) I use the classic way of throwing.

I did have one game in which I faced a bad SS and he threw it away three times... in an inning!

However, the rest of the game he was fine.

[Eaglesfan27]

I think I'm going to switch the pitch meter difficulty to -50 (the hardest level on AA.) I just 5 hit USF (San Francisco) with my #1 pitcher despite them having a lot of good hitters. My #1 pitcher is only rated 79 overall.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I'm about to pop my brand new copy into the XBox, and I'll play a couple of innings using your sliders, EF. I'll see if there's still any slowdown, too. GO UNO!!!

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm about to pop my brand new copy into the XBox, and I'll play a couple of innings using your sliders, EF. I'll see if there's still any slowdown, too. GO UNO!!!
I highly recommend playing the backup 2B (who is also rated in the OF) in LF. His range and speed are a big part of my defense. I'm 7-5 with the team now. I was just doing research on the real life UNO team and in their history they have had 9 guys go to the major leagues which is more than a fair number of schools. Not bad considering they have only had a baseball program for about 35 years :)

[MizzouRah]

I think I'll borrow a few of your settings as well EF. Like last year's game, not much to really tweak, which is a good thing.

[Eaglesfan27]

I think I'll borrow a few of your settings as well EF. Like last year's game, not much to really tweak, which is a good thing.
Sounds good. I look forward to hearing feedback from you and Pumpy, and whoever else tries them. I'm getting too tired to play this because my reflexes are slowing a bit, but I look forward to playing more tomorrow. I had a lot of fun with this game today :)

[Pumpy Tudors]

I like the sliders a lot so far. My outfielders did have some trouble running some fly balls down, but I guess that's OK. Maybe those balls shouldn't have been caught. I'm trying to use the analog hitting, so I'm not having a whole lot of success on offense, but I'll get there.

One thing I wonder about is the pitch meter difficulty. Should it be -50 or +50? I would expect that if you raise the number, it would make things more difficult, huh? I actually tried it at -50 and +50, but I didn't notice very much difference. It SEEMED that it moved faster with the difficulty at +50, but I'm not entirely sure.

Anyway, so far, things are great. I'll start my dynasty soon.

[jbmagic]

good news for people that play MVP 2005 on the pc still

there some great updated roster with all the latest offseason transactions called ultimate roster 5.01 out at mvpmods.com


also Total Portraits 2005 - Complete Set at mvpmods.com

[Eaglesfan27]

I like the sliders a lot so far. My outfielders did have some trouble running some fly balls down, but I guess that's OK. Maybe those balls shouldn't have been caught. I'm trying to use the analog hitting, so I'm not having a whole lot of success on offense, but I'll get there.

One thing I wonder about is the pitch meter difficulty. Should it be -50 or +50? I would expect that if you raise the number, it would make things more difficult, huh? I actually tried it at -50 and +50, but I didn't notice very much difference. It SEEMED that it moved faster with the difficulty at +50, but I'm not entirely sure.

Anyway, so far, things are great. I'll start my dynasty soon.

The slider people at OS, say that - on any of the "difficulty" meters make it more difficult and plus makes it more easy, however, I've wondered the same thing. That method seems counterintuitive. The difficulty meter is supposed to shrink the sweet zone for your pitches. It seemed a fair bit smaller to me on the - setting, but I'll look again.

[mauchow]

Did someone say they got it for $19.99 somewhere? I looked all day and only saw $29.99. Holla

[DaddyTorgo]

good news for people that play MVP 2005 on the pc still

there some great updated roster with all the latest offseason transactions called ultimate roster 5.01 out at mvpmods.com


also Total Portraits 2005 - Complete Set at mvpmods.comawesome news! thanks jb! i think that will reinvigorate my interest in MVP 2005!

[RPI-Fan]

Did someone say they got it for $19.99 somewhere? I looked all day and only saw $29.99. Holla

There's a link to a coupon for $10 off from Best Buy earlier in the thread (by MizzouRah).

[Pumpy Tudors]

The slider people at OS, say that - on any of the "difficulty" meters make it more difficult and plus makes it more easy, however, I've wondered the same thing. That method seems counterintuitive. The difficulty meter is supposed to shrink the sweet zone for your pitches. It seemed a fair bit smaller to me on the - setting, but I'll look again.Oops. I was looking at the speed of the meter, which is a completely different slider, isn't it? I hadn't even noticed the size of the meter. I'll set it to -50 and play a game to see. I'm just going to start my dynasty now and get used to the analog hitting along the way. My first few games will be comedic, I'm sure. I'm either going to create Zephyr Field for the Privateers to play in, or I'll make a fantasy stadium just for kicks. I'm not really in love with Maestri Field, so I'm not going to bother creating that. I'll just have some fun with it.

Go Privateers!

[Eaglesfan27]

In my last 5 games using the sliders, I've hit .291 as a team. The real life Privateers hit .288 last year. I know it's a small sample size, but I'm happy that the stats are in the realm of believability :)

Although, that .291 was brought down to that because I just faced a NASTY pitcher on San Jose State. He only had a 92 MPH fastball, but he had pin point control and he also had a very good circle change and curveball and a decent slider. He mixed his pitches very well. He 3 hit me in a complete game.


On the other hand, my ERA is 4.03. It was 6.86 for UNO last year (which was one of the worst in College Baseball.)

Second Edit: My bad, my ERA overall is 4.03. Just looking at the last 5 games it is 7.20!



Anyway, I'm generally happy with my sliders. Not that I've evened out the advantage that the player had with the set I was using before, I'm losing to very good teams and playing teams that are just a bit better closely. I'm now .500 overall (9-9.)


A few more general impressions:

Like Todd, I'm seeing hits all over the field. This last game, I saw several balls that were hits that would have never been hits in 05. Two high popups that were just too shallow for the outfielder to get to, but just too hard for the infielder to get to. I'm just seeing hits in every part of the ball park.

While the pitchers have uncanny catlike reflexes, I did see a pitcher get NAILED in the head. The neat thing is that he was injured with a concussion. It could have been coincidental, but if they have body specific injuries due to the play that the guy was hurt on, that is pretty cool.


Edit: Pumpy, I don't think there is a specific slider for the speed of the pitching meter.


Also, I've noticed that most of my wild pitches or passed balls are due to breaking pitches that my pitcher loses control of. That is cool as it really makes you think about throwing the breaking ball with guys on base. In MVP 05, it was too easy to strike guys out with breaking stuff that ended up being down low.

[RPI-Fan]

This game sounds like an absolute gem.

I really am thinking about getting an XBox, initially just for this game...

[Eaglesfan27]

some interesting college baseball stats (might be quite redundant with what Bill posted):

The highest team batting average last year was .355 (College of Charleston which had a 48-15 record.)

The 50th best team .309 as a team.


The best ERA was Long Beach State with a 2.53. San Francisco which played me well in the game had a 2.88 and was 5th best last year.

The 50th best Team ERA was 4.01.




The highest number of runs per game for a team was 10.5 by Jackson State.

The 50th best team scored 7.2 runs per game.


Just a few numbers which made me realize that scoring isn't quite as high as I thought it was in college baseball.

[Tom E]

I wish the recruiting was more detailed...next year...

[samifan24]

Ok I am still frustrated by this game. I'm now using the sliders you guys pointed out earlier in this thread and have played two or three games with them. I am now 11-0 as South Carolina and my pitching staff has given up 9 runs in 11 games for a team ERA of 0.80 Yes, one of our pitchers is 4th in Pitcher of the Year award and the other is supposedly a 1st team All-American but c'mon this is ridiculous.

[Eaglesfan27]

Ok I am still frustrated by this game. I'm now using the sliders you guys pointed out earlier in this thread and have played two or three games with them. I am now 11-0 as South Carolina and my pitching staff has given up 9 runs in 11 games for a team ERA of 0.80 Yes, one of our pitchers is 4th in Pitcher of the Year award and the other is supposedly a 1st team All-American but c'mon this is ridiculous.
I've bumped CPU contact hitting up to 15 and CPU Power to 5, and my contact up to 10 and power up to 3. My ERA is coming up to much more realistic numbers. Of course, you could bump them higher if you are still unhappy with the ERA numbers after that.

[MizzouRah]

Ok I am still frustrated by this game. I'm now using the sliders you guys pointed out earlier in this thread and have played two or three games with them. I am now 11-0 as South Carolina and my pitching staff has given up 9 runs in 11 games for a team ERA of 0.80 Yes, one of our pitchers is 4th in Pitcher of the Year award and the other is supposedly a 1st team All-American but c'mon this is ridiculous.
Have you moved up to AA? I'm getting hit like crazy on AA with the piching meter at -50 (strikezone turned off, cursor on fade, no vibration)

[Eaglesfan27]

I've been playing around with sliders quite a bit more the last few days. I decided upping the CPU contact and power wasn't the way to go. The problem is that the infielders and outfielders were covering too much ground. I thought my SS was great, but then realized he was only rated 75 for range, but was playing like a superstar defensively.

Anyway, I'm using classic hitting, classic throwing, assisted fielding, no pitching cursor. Here are sliders that are giving me fun realistic results (Tulane just crushed me in a 3 game series yesterday and today. They won 9-1, 10-0, and 8-2. However, against similarly talented teams to my own I can usually do well.) These sliders started off of a combination of Jistic's and Football Forever's on OS.


All-American:

User Pitch Meter: -45 (makes the sweet spot for pitches harder to hit)

CPU Pitcher Ball Rate: 10 (gets me a bit more walks, particularly from bad pitchers)

USER and CPU Pitch Control both -50. (Many more passed balls and poor control, particularly on breaking balls if the pitcher doesn't have good command of them.)


User and CPU Batting Contact: 10

User Batting Power: 3

CPU Batting Power: 5

USER and CPU Foul Ball Frequency: 50

CPU Swing Frequency: -18 (leads to more walks taken and occasional called 3 strikeouts.)

User and CPU OF Speed: -10 (My fast LF and CF still get to most balls, but hard hit shots will find gaps. My RF who isn't as fast nor has as high a range is more of an adventure on some balls.)

User and CPU Infield Speed: -15. This prevents the super SS, Super 2B Phenomenon that was keeping scoring down in my opinion. However, I even tried -20, but that was a bit too much. I might go to -17 at some point.


User and CPU throw speed: -4 (throws were just a bit too hard even when arm ratings weren't great.)

User and CPU Throw Accuracy: -15 (I wasn't seeing enough throwing errors. Still not seeing more than 1 a game most games.)

User and CPU Catch Errors: 35

CPU Catch Effort: -13 (less amazing dives.)


User and CPU Baserunning: 3

CPU Runner Aggression: 15 (they occasionally get thrown out, but generally play a more aggressive smarter running game.)

CPU Steal Rate: 50 (Still not that many steals)


Anyway, I'm off to play another game. I'm really enjoying the game with these sliders which I've used for the last 6 games now.

[MizzouRah]

I haven't changed much and I'm getting all kinds of various scores.

Pitching meter is at -50
Runners speed is at +5
CPU running agression is at +5

I think that's all I've done. Won 7-5 lost 12-2, lost 2-0. Fun stuff.

[samifan24]

Have you moved up to AA? I'm getting hit like crazy on AA with the piching meter at -50 (strikezone turned off, cursor on fade, no vibration)

Yes, I've moved up now. I've lost three of the last five games. I'm still #2 nationally and 14-3 overall but the scored are always 1-0 or 2-0. I tried upping user and CPU power numbers but thus far I've only seen one HR in the last three games. I've hit 3 HRs as a team through 17 games. It's gotten so ridiculous that I've switched to last year's batting style in an effort to get some more offense. My pitching is just dominating and it's really boring with the tweaks (but thanks for them anyway).

[jbmagic]

Yes, I've moved up now. I've lost three of the last five games. I'm still #2 nationally and 14-3 overall but the scored are always 1-0 or 2-0. I tried upping user and CPU power numbers but thus far I've only seen one HR in the last three games. I've hit 3 HRs as a team through 17 games. It's gotten so ridiculous that I've switched to last year's batting style in an effort to get some more offense. My pitching is just dominating and it's really boring with the tweaks (but thanks for them anyway).


do you have the cursor and all the pitching aid off?

[samifan24]

do you have the cursor and all the pitching aid off?

The cursor is still on. I've adjusted the pitching "quality" for both user and CPU using the sliders suggested by Eaglesfan27. I picked South Carolina as my team and had no idea if they were really good or not. I'm using generated names but it seems that the team's 1-2 starters are really top-flight.

[Wolfpack]

South Carolina has a top-flight SEC program, which by extenstion makes it one of the better teams in the country. I know this because the USuC skipper was formely the coach and an alum at NC State (Ray Tanner) and invariably at least once a year there's a thread on the NC State board wondering how successful we'd be if we still had Ray Tanner around. It's quieted down a bit the last couple of years as Elliot Avent has gotten the Pack to the NCAAs and reached the super-regional level a couple of years ago before losing to Miami.

[Tom E]

South Carolina has a top-flight SEC program, which by extenstion makes it one of the better teams in the country. I know this because the USuC skipper was formely the coach and an alum at NC State (Ray Tanner) and invariably at least once a year there's a thread on the NC State board wondering how successful we'd be if we still had Ray Tanner around. It's quieted down a bit the last couple of years as Elliot Avent has gotten the Pack to the NCAAs and reached the super-regional level a couple of years ago before losing to Miami.

So your saying the coach makes te team...

[MJ4H]

I need serious help here. I bought this game, tried the sliders posted above and got POUNDED repeatedly (classic batting).

So I tried just turning the difficulty down to varsity and I'm getting POUNDED about the same. Just murdered. Yeah, fine, I suck, but I did not have this problem with 2005. I need serious advice.

Also, I need freakin sliders. I've been looking for hours. Operation sports sucks. I can't find anything over there. I know I need to look there for jistic's sliders, but I can't find squat at that stupid place.

I REALLY like the game, it just seems I'm getting plastered by worse teams (when I sim, the games are much more reasonable). I mean I'm losing by 10 runs to Bucknell. Consistently. Please help.

[Eaglesfan27]

I could post Jistic's sliders for you. However, they are for L&F hitting. I think they are too easy with classic hitting.

[MJ4H]

Can't I just turn down the batting sliders?

[Eaglesfan27]

Can't I just turn down the batting sliders?
Sure, they make a good basis to start. I'll post them in a minute.

[Eaglesfan27]

Personally, there are several things I don't like about them and I was beating teams that were two letter grades better than me. They make stealing too easy, among other things.

These are Jistic's sliders from Operation Sports:

Jistic's NCAA Baseball 2K6 All American Sliders

Game Options
Load and Fire Hitting (I have no idea how these will play NOT using L&F)
Fielding: Manual
Baserunning: Assisted
Strike Zone: Off
Hot/Cold Zones: Fade
Pitch Cursor: Off
Hitters Eye: On
Catch Circle Assist: On
Vector Line: Off
Variable Strike Zone, 'Stuff', and Blown Calls: On
Vibration: On

Gameplay Tuning
User Pitch Meter Difficulty: -37
Pitch Speed: -33
CPU Pitcher Ball Rate: 11
User Pitcher Fatigue: -17
CPU Pitcher Fatigue: 6
User Pitch Control: -50
CPU Pitch Control: -50
Bullpen Fatigue Rate: 0
Bullpen Fatigue Grace: 0
User Batting Contact: 40
CPU Batting Contact: -11
User Batting Power: 5
CPU Batting Power: 5
User Bunting Ability: 0
CPU Bunting Ability: -4
User Foul Ball Frequency: 15
CPU Foul Ball Frequency: 50
CPU Swing Frequency: 35
Analog Swing Timing Normal: -30
Analog Swing Timing Power: -10
Analog Swing Timing Contact: 0
Wind Effect: 8
User OF Speed (Manual): 7
CPU OF Speed: -11
User IF Speed (Manual): -4
CPU IF Speed: -13
User Throw Speed: 3
CPU Throw Speed: -8
User Throw Accuracy: 0
CPU Throw Accuracy: -11
User Catch Errors: 15
CPU Catch Errors: 40
User Dive Difficulty: 0
User Hustle Boost: 12
CPU Catch Effort: -15
User Baserunning Speed: 4
CPU Baserunning Speed: -1
User Runner Aggression: 0
CPU Runner Aggression: -10
User Runner Steal Speed: 2
CPU Runner Steal Speed: -5
User Runner Steal Delay: -1
CPU Runner Steal Delay: 3
CPU Steal Rate: 50
Runner Injury Frequency: 0
Pitcher Injury Frequency: 0
Batter Injury Frequency: 0
Fielder Injury Frequency: 0
Pitching MG Difference: 0<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

Having that pitch speed at -33 makes it very easy to hit fastballs hard with classic hitting. However, offspeed pitches go unbelievably slow.

[graygoosetwelve]

Just recently purchased this game, and I have been playing it a lot this weekend. So far it's been a lot of fun. The most fun I have had actually playing a game in quite a while. Hopefully I don't get sick of it.

I started a dynasty with Michigan, using a slider set I found, modified to my liking. Started the season off 0-3, struggled to score rounds (I still use the classic batting mode). The next 2 games I started piling up the runs, 10 in one game, 9 in the next, and I was worried the game was getting too easy. Next game I got 1 run, only 5 hits, so there goes that worry.

This game really seems great. If you like baseball, you should really try it out if you haven't yet.

I also simulated a season with Michigan, just to try recruiting. Another thing I like is the difficulty in recruiting by a lower prestige school. Should make it more fun to build up a team.

[Young Drachma]

I haven't played in a while, but maybe later into baseball season I'll get into it more. I'm still playing lots of March Madness though. lol

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm still getting in 4-5 games/week and enjoying it the most of any my sports games right now (although NBA 2k6 for the Xbox 360 is also getting almost as much play.)

[Radii]

Anyway, I'm off to play another game. I'm really enjoying the game with these sliders which I've used for the last 6 games now.


These are the sliders you posted on 2/12, are you still using these, still happy with the results? I just picked this up tonight and am looking forward to giving it a go.

[Eaglesfan27]

These are the sliders you posted on 2/12, are you still using these, still happy with the results? I just picked this up tonight and am looking forward to giving it a go.


I lowered the infield slightly more (I think -17 or -18) but otherwise I'm using essentially the same sliders and still enjoying the game.


Oh yeah, I also lowered contact to 5 for both sides and took power back down to 0.


My enjoyments of College Baseball is a big part of the reason why I bought College Hoops today and not MLB 06, since College Baseball will give me my console baseball gaming fix for a few months until I'm going to buy any more games.

[Radii]

After playing against Oliegirl in a couple of quick games, I set up a dynasty with Bucknell and EF27's sliders. My first game was at home vs Clemson, I lost 5-0, I think I gave up about 15 hits. I got 7 hits and drew 5 walks, but struck out 15 times(5 of those were against a sidearm reliever that I couldn't touch). I would have scored probably 2 runs had I not been screwing around with attempting to steal and with the running controls, I killed a couple of innings early.


The game seemed to take a really, really long time. Are there options I can change to remove any unnecessary animations and delays to just get to each pitch as fast as possible? I can see myself wanting to have a lengthy dynasty in this game but w/ the length of time it takes to play each game only getting in 3-4 games a week max.

[Eaglesfan27]

No, there is no way to get rid of the unnecessary animations which is my biggest complaint about the game. It does take a while to play a game, especially with the sliders which leads to more walks, more pitches, and a longer game. However, even without them it's not a quick game to play. The only thing you could do is play a lesser number of innings per game, but that sucks quite a bit of strategy out of the game, IMO.

[Radii]

That's what I was afraid of. and I'm with you on the innings, that's just non-negotiable. If I want to get into the long term dynasty stuff, I'll probably do what I did in college hoops 2K5, which was to quick sim most of my non-conference games and just play out the conference schedule and postseason, and of course, recruit.

[Eaglesfan27]

That's what I was afraid of. and I'm with you on the innings, that's just non-negotiable. If I want to get into the long term dynasty stuff, I'll probably do what I did in college hoops 2K5, which was to quick sim most of my non-conference games and just play out the conference schedule and postseason, and of course, recruit.

FWIW, I play 3 then use the Text coach mode for 3, irregardless of where the games fall on the schedule. I'm into my 2nd season now and having fun with some of the new recruits.

[Logan]

No, there is no way to get rid of the unnecessary animations which is my biggest complaint about the game. It does take a while to play a game, especially with the sliders which leads to more walks, more pitches, and a longer game. However, even without them it's not a quick game to play. The only thing you could do is play a lesser number of innings per game, but that sucks quite a bit of strategy out of the game, IMO.

You can take off the "throw ball back to the pitcher," which speeds it up a lot.

I personally don't have trouble with the length, as I could play 2-3 games in one sitting.

[Radii]

You can take off the "throw ball back to the pitcher," which speeds it up a lot.

That did help quite a bit, the between pitch animations still slow it down but it is a bit faster.

I've taken EF27's sliders and slowed down the pitches from 5 to -5. Most everything else is playing well, but I cannot hit for shit. I haven't played a console baseball game in ages and my reaction time is a lot slower than I remembered with recognizing pitches and swinging.

[Eaglesfan27]

Thanks Logan. I forgot to ever use that option, but I'll try that my next game.

[Radii]

Well, even after a number of games I can't seem to hit the ball well at all. When I do make contact its a ground ball 80% of the time. with zone hitting, do the contcat/power buttons(R1/L1) work when you swing? They're greyed out when I look at the help so I'm not sure they have an effect. Other than slowing down the pitch speed to get the bat on the ball more often, any suggestions?

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm not sure about the buttons with zone hitting, since I use classic. How good are your hitters? On my UNO team, most of my guys who are really hitting have contact ratings of at least 70 (several are in the 80's and one is just under 90.) If your players are good, and you are still having trouble hitting, I suggest either continued practice (maybe play the mini-game hitting some) or slowing down pitches, or upping your contact rating.

[MJ4H]

I'm having a blast with this game.

[Radii]

I'm not sure about the buttons with zone hitting, since I use classic. How good are your hitters? On my UNO team, most of my guys who are really hitting have contact ratings of at least 70 (several are in the 80's and one is just under 90.) If your players are good, and you are still having trouble hitting, I suggest either continued practice (maybe play the mini-game hitting some) or slowing down pitches, or upping your contact rating.


Hmmmm, maybe its classing hitting. How's that one work exactly? It'd be awesome if I was doing something counterproductive to hitting b/c I'm on the wrong setting :) I'll check it later tonight.


The heart of my order has contact ratings 75 and up, my #3 and #4 hitters have 80+ contact and 75+ power. In about 10 games, when I hit, they're hitting a combined .180 with 1 HR. In another 15 games in coach mode, they're both hitting over .300 with 5 HR total.

I'm averaging 4-5 hits a game when I play. My team averages 10-12 hits a game when I play in coach mode.

I'll probably get in some practice, maybe slow the pitching down a bit more, and if none of that helps I'll work with the contact/power settings. On the defensive side of the ball, everything feels perfect.

[Mr. Sparkle]

I know this was mentioned earlier, but after watching my roommate play a number of times with this game, I am longing for a college baseball text sim.

[MJ4H]

Oh god I'd never leave the house between that and TCB.

[Eaglesfan27]

Hmmmm, maybe its classing hitting. How's that one work exactly? It'd be awesome if I was doing something counterproductive to hitting b/c I'm on the wrong setting :) I'll check it later tonight.


The heart of my order has contact ratings 75 and up, my #3 and #4 hitters have 80+ contact and 75+ power. In about 10 games, when I hit, they're hitting a combined .180 with 1 HR. In another 15 games in coach mode, they're both hitting over .300 with 5 HR total.

I'm averaging 4-5 hits a game when I play. My team averages 10-12 hits a game when I play in coach mode.

I'll probably get in some practice, maybe slow the pitching down a bit more, and if none of that helps I'll work with the contact/power settings. On the defensive side of the ball, everything feels perfect.

With classic hitting you can hold up on the stick to hit more balls in the air, or up and right to pull it with a lefty or vice versa for a righty. Of course, timing of the swing is important too. With my good contact/medium power guys I can hit a fair bit of balls to the gap with good timing and using the upswing. Although I do pop-up quite a bit when I mis-time it. Right now, my team is hitting about .280 with 9-10 hits per game.

[Radii]

With classic hitting you can hold up on the stick to hit more balls in the air, or up and right to pull it with a lefty or vice versa for a righty. Of course, timing of the swing is important too. With my good contact/medium power guys I can hit a fair bit of balls to the gap with good timing and using the upswing. Although I do pop-up quite a bit when I mis-time it. Right now, my team is hitting about .280 with 9-10 hits per game.


I am an idiot. I've been swinging as if I was using zone hitting, but actually set on classic, holding the stick to the extreme left/right on inside/outside pitches, etc. I played my next game last night and hit much better. It was against a bad Army team but hopefully I've got it now.

[Eaglesfan27]

Glad that you are hitting better and hopefully having more fun. I'm still enjoying this game, and my team is now in the middle of their second season (I coach half of my games each season.) I can't wait to get a coaching offer to a better team (hopefully straight to USC, but I might use one other team as a jumping point.)

[jbmagic]

How is manager mode in this game?

Is it graphic, where you can watch the game being play and have a lot of manage options like hit and run, pitch to the outside, intentional walks, steal, bunt, take pitch, pitch around, etc?


MLB "The Show 06" is great for that.

[MJ4H]

Manage only mode is more like a text-sim.

[Eaglesfan27]

The manage only mode is almost identical to last year's MVP Baseball.

[Radii]

Is it documented anywhere exactly what the improvements that you can earn do?

[EagleFan]

Just picked this up last week. Major time conflicts now between this and the Madden SuperStar mode. I am very impressed with this one and the lack of actual roster detail has no real affect on me as I am not a college baseball fan.