Talk me into/out of buying The Show 18

[saintrules]

Last bought the show in 2016 & played through a full 162 game season. Enjoyed it, thoroughly, but didn't buy it last year because I didn't feel any significant changes were made. Bought Madden 18, ended up getting disgusted with the repackaged product & insane emphasis on MUT, so I sold the game & called it quits with my PS4 since The Show was all I played & didn't even buy it in 2017.

So, now we're here. I am a die hard baseball fan & am in quite the conundrum when it comes to The Show 18. I know I am going to enjoy playing the game, but I can't quite see the light and wrap my head around buying another PS4 and the game just to enjoy it. I will solely play Franchise mode and maybe RTTS at most, never Diamond Dynasty or online play.

My question is: is it worth it? Those of you with the game & whom are currently playing through a Franchise, I'd appreciate your response. I understand this is a "situational" answer and I am sure I'll get a few "if you think it's a good idea", but just put yourself in my shoes and try to throw in an answer based on what you know after playing the game. I can't tell if I am just having insane "Fear of Missing Out" or I am actually missing on a quality game. Thanks.

[Yari]

Re: Talk me into/out of buying The Show 18

If you're mostly a franchise mode player, I would recommend that you give OOTP 19 a whirl. Let me be clear that all I know of MLB the Show 18 is what I've seen from dev streams and occasionally reading posts here, I do not own this year's game. The changes that I saw to franchise mode for MLB the Show 18 were unimpressive to me. The Phases addition is basically fancy outlook reminders to keep you on task regarding what part of the season that you are in. They made retro mode available in franchise mode, so if you're into that you'll have that mode available. However, to my knowledge there is (or was) a nasty bug where if the world series ended before October 25th then the user could not do any offseason tasks unless they set those tasks to auto.

As for RTTS, while I feel that the new player archetypes are neat and that progression is now tied to how well you perform is a welcome change (no more training points). However, those archetypes each have attribute caps that can be exceeded by equipment bonuses. So for newly created players this isn't so much of an issue, however, it does mean that you cannot be a straight 99 attribute player no matter how hard you work.

Overall, I would say it's not worth it this year for someone who mainly plays offline (especially a franchise player), as most of the focus seems to have been put into Diamond Dynasty and the new legends.

[oilersfan99]

Re: Talk me into/out of buying The Show 18

I normally hate these threads and just skip over them but I'll try to answer as best I can. I don't play much franchise but from the littlw bit I looked at, it's generally the same. Way nicer looking and I'm sure there is some new stuff but not a lot so if you hated the old franchise or are on the bubble it's not worth getting. If you enjoyed the franchise in its state from bwfore, you'll enjoy this one too.

Game play depends on offline and online in my opinion. If you only play offline, the game plays fairly well aside from some stupid things that are annoying and not too bad. Nothing game breaking. However, online is a horror show. Pci messed up, weird oddities and whatnot cause the game to play different than the offline portion.



Sent from my SM-G935W8 using Tapatalk

[saintrules]

Re: Talk me into/out of buying The Show 18

If you're mostly a franchise mode player, I would recommend that you give OOTP 19 a whirl. Let me be clear that all I know of MLB the Show 18 is what I've seen from dev streams and occasionally reading posts here, I do not own this year's game. The changes that I saw to franchise mode for MLB the Show 18 were unimpressive to me. The Phases addition is basically fancy outlook reminders to keep you on task regarding what part of the season that you are in. They made retro mode available in franchise mode, so if you're into that you'll have that mode available. However, to my knowledge there is (or was) a nasty bug where if the world series ended before October 25th then the user could not do any offseason tasks unless they set those tasks to auto.

As for RTTS, while I feel that the new player archetypes are neat and that progression is now tied to how well you perform is a welcome change (no more training points). However, those archetypes each have attribute caps that can be exceeded by equipment bonuses. So for newly created players this isn't so much of an issue, however, it does mean that you cannot be a straight 99 attribute player no matter how hard you work.

Overall, I would say it's not worth it this year for someone who mainly plays offline (especially a franchise player), as most of the focus seems to have been put into Diamond Dynasty and the new legends.

Appreciate the response. I've done research on OOTP 19 and it does intrigue me. Easily the biggest positive is that it's on steam so I don't have to shell out $$$ for a PS4. In regards to that game, I am curious if you get the same immersion with a team since you can't ever physically see the guys you have, sign, or groom. It's partially like playing ESPN Fantasy Baseball, in my opinion, not saying that's a good or bad thing.

As for The Show 18, it seems as though there's not a lot that's changed since The Show 16, aside from streamlining tasks, which won't do all that much for me.

[Armor and Sword]

Re: Talk me into/out of buying The Show 18

Last bought the show in 2016 & played through a full 162 game season. Enjoyed it, thoroughly, but didn't buy it last year because I didn't feel any significant changes were made. Bought Madden 18, ended up getting disgusted with the repackaged product & insane emphasis on MUT, so I sold the game & called it quits with my PS4 since The Show was all I played & didn't even buy it in 2017.

So, now we're here. I am a die hard baseball fan & am in quite the conundrum when it comes to The Show 18. I know I am going to enjoy playing the game, but I can't quite see the light and wrap my head around buying another PS4 and the game just to enjoy it. I will solely play Franchise mode and maybe RTTS at most, never Diamond Dynasty or online play.

My question is: is it worth it? Those of you with the game & whom are currently playing through a Franchise, I'd appreciate your response. I understand this is a "situational" answer and I am sure I'll get a few "if you think it's a good idea", but just put yourself in my shoes and try to throw in an answer based on what you know after playing the game. I can't tell if I am just having insane "Fear of Missing Out" or I am actually missing on a quality game. Thanks.

It's very easy to answer. Franchise mode is the same as 16 but IMO with a better interface and fresher look. Lot's of under the hood tuning was done though. If you go 4-5 years deep and then want to start a new one....your good. However there are some legacy issues with longer term franchises. It is not perfect. But very playable. Especially with 30 team control.

The gameplay and presentation is vastly superior to MLB 16. If you are a die hard baseball fan and diehard console baseball gamer you owe it to yourself to experience hands down the best playing console baseball game ever made to date.

If all you are interested in is GM/front office stuff and not playing the actual game...OOTPB is where you should go. It is a text simulation and very deep in that regard. But you are comparing apples to oranges. Two completely different games.

One is a video game the other is a text sim. I play both. But I can tell you nothing...absolutely nothing brings me closer to actually playing baseball like The Show 18.

Been playing and coaching baseball for 44 years. This is the best baseball game ever made if you love to actually play. Pitcher AI has never been better and the batter/pitcher showdown is a thing of beauty. The ball physics are at a new level. The fielding and throwing animations are at a new level.

Now also keep in mind I approach gameplay from a simulation frame of mind playing with a totally clean screen, auto fielding and manual throwing using classic pitching and directional hitting. I am getting simply amazing games and having the time of my life with my various franchises and classic roster seasons.

Go for it.

[saintrules]

Re: Talk me into/out of buying The Show 18

It's very easy to answer. Franchise mode is the same as 16 but IMO with a better interface and fresher look. Lot's of under the hood tuning was done though. If you go 4-5 years deep and then want to start a new one....your good. However there are some legacy issues with longer term franchises. It is not perfect. But very playable. Especially with 30 team control.

The gameplay and presentation is vastly superior to MLB 16. If you are a die hard baseball fan and diehard console baseball gamer you owe it to yourself to experience hands down the best playing console baseball game ever made to date.

If all you are interested in is GM/front office stuff and not playing the actual game...OOTPB is where you should go. It is a text simulation and very deep in that regard. But you are comparing apples to oranges. Two completely different games.

One is a video game the other is a text sim. I play both. But I can tell you nothing...absolutely nothing brings me closer to actually playing baseball like The Show 18.

Been playing and coaching baseball for 44 years. This is the best baseball game ever made if you love to actually play. Pitcher AI has never been better and the batter/pitcher showdown is a thing of beauty. The ball physics are at a new level. The fielding and throwing animations are at a new level.

Now also keep in mind I approach gameplay from a simulation frame of mind playing with a totally clean screen, auto fielding and manual throwing using classic pitching and directional hitting. I am getting simply amazing games and having the time of my life with my various franchises and classic roster seasons.

Go for it.

Couldn't ask more for a response, really appreciate it buddy. Big fan of your sliders/thoughts on the game, dating back to when I did play The Show in 16. I'll probably reread this response a couple of times, but this does nail down exactly what I was hoping to see in a response.

[TheWarmWind]

Re: Talk me into/out of buying The Show 18

I'm going with a situational answer. It depends what is most important to you.

The gameplay experience is the best it's ever been, hands down. Most of the improvements are subtle, and some legacy issues still exist, but they proc less often and overall it is very possible (with sliders) to have a very organic feeling game. The bat on ball feel is the very best it's ever been, and fielding, while not as improved as they claim, is very smooth this year.

Graphically it's also a big improvement, especially over 16 and even more especially if you have a pro. That framerate is buttery smooth and that makes a huge difference, and if you have an HDR capable tv...

However in terms of modes and options the game has regressed this year. Franchise mode "improvements" are beyond pathetic. The new RttS style is divisive at best. No Season mode, no Online Franchise, all of the focus is on the "game as a service" mode that is DD.

I'm an offline only franchise only player, and yeah this year we kind of got ignored and taken for granted, but I'm still thoroughly enjoying the game.

[countryboy]

Re: Talk me into/out of buying The Show 18

Gameplay wise MLB The Show 18 is by far the best playing baseball game that I’ve ever played.

Franchise mode may not have received sexy back of the feature that everyone is talking about but the fixes for some of the past issues is very welcomed addition as a long time franchise player.

My experience thus far has been that the improved logic and roster building has been great.



Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

[saintrules]

Re: Talk me into/out of buying The Show 18

I'm going with a situational answer. It depends what is most important to you.

The gameplay experience is the best it's ever been, hands down. Most of the improvements are subtle, and some legacy issues still exist, but they proc less often and overall it is very possible (with sliders) to have a very organic feeling game. The bat on ball feel is the very best it's ever been, and fielding, while not as improved as they claim, is very smooth this year.

Graphically it's also a big improvement, especially over 16 and even more especially if you have a pro. That framerate is buttery smooth and that makes a huge difference, and if you have an HDR capable tv...

However in terms of modes and options the game has regressed this year. Franchise mode "improvements" are beyond pathetic. The new RttS style is divisive at best. No Season mode, no Online Franchise, all of the focus is on the "game as a service" mode that is DD.

I'm an offline only franchise only player, and yeah this year we kind of got ignored and taken for granted, but I'm still thoroughly enjoying the game.

It seems as though graphics and gameplay have been vastly improved and perfected since I last played in 16. From a Franchise standpoint, it's much of the same. That probably leans me more to wait another year and see what's improved via franchise considering the gfx and gameplay will likely remain the exact same or improve. That's not what I'll do, just what's leading the argument in my head at the moment.

I do get what you meant by "ignored", as that was 100% how I felt by EA in Madden's CFM mode.

[My993C2]

Re: Talk me into/out of buying The Show 18

I was not happy that they removed Season mode with no warning at all because not only am I someone who really only is interested in playing one season at a time (if I really wanted to tackle being the GM of an organization the OOTP game goes much deeper than the Show will ever go), and I was not happy that I was not able to carry over an existing MLB 17 Season save file to MLB 18. But I got over it and I have moved on. The improved graphics, the presentation especially the in between inning new stadium scapes as well as the improved animations and gameplay of MLB 18 make it hard for me to go back to MLB 17 because MLB 18 is just better.

Also, this year I have gotten into RTTS both with positional players as well as with pitchers and it was the new player archetypes and progression system that drove me towards adopting the mode. Now the new RTTS game does have some warts, it definitely does have some aspects to it that need work and one wonders how much testing they did on it. But I am still engaged with my various RTTS players I have and I am adopting a long term approach to RTTS where I plan on carrying over these players with year to year saves since I play at a much slower pace than most other RTTS gamers (I tend to play full games where everyone bats not just my RTTS characters) and I have this hope that SDS will fix a lot of the current RTTS issues in the future before they begin to have a huge impact on me.

So that just leaves DD, which I do not play and it sounds like there are some serious issues regarding online play which is where most people (though plenty Franchise and RTTS gamers also) complain about.

In summary this game has warts. It has it's problems. It is not bug free and not all of the features appear to be clearly thought out. If money is tight, definitely save it and do not buy the game. But if money is not an issue, I have no regrets with my MLB 18 experiences and I have already invested many many many hours of entertainment already into this game with many more hours still to come.

[Yari]

Re: Talk me into/out of buying The Show 18

Appreciate the response. I've done research on OOTP 19 and it does intrigue me. Easily the biggest positive is that it's on steam so I don't have to shell out $$$ for a PS4. In regards to that game, I am curious if you get the same immersion with a team since you can't ever physically see the guys you have, sign, or groom. It's partially like playing ESPN Fantasy Baseball, in my opinion, not saying that's a good or bad thing.

As for The Show 18, it seems as though there's not a lot that's changed since The Show 16, aside from streamlining tasks, which won't do all that much for me.

While it isn't quite up to par with The Show's graphics, you can indeed see your players both on and off the field. In fact, this year they have improved the on field 3D play so that you do see the players. Here's a link to show you what I mean about the 3D players. Granted, the graphics remind me of the PlayStation days but if you zoom in enough you can see that the players have their generated faces. Here's also a pre-release video of Markus going through the features of their game.

Additionally, you don't have to buy through steam if you don't wish to do so since they also have a version available for purchase through their own website. Though I will admit because I switch between computers often I've found the steam version to be a lot more convenient because I use more than two computers, the game is the same though.

All in all, it's more about which baseball itch you wish to scratch. If you want to be the one swinging the bat, you'll want The Show, if you want to be more of the manager and/or GM and let the players do their thing then you'll want OOTP. I do agree that it's a bit like playing fantasy baseball if you're using the 2D on-field modes but to me that's a bit of the charm. I will say though that the one on-field advantage that The Show has is that you can get far more in-depth with fielder positioning since The Show allows you to position each fielder as you so wish. If you want to play your 3B to bunt, your 2B in, and the rest of your infield deep the show lets you do that whereas you've got the dozen or so infield and handful of outfield shifts in OOTP.

I hope all of this helps in your decision!

[nomo17k]

Re: Talk me into/out of buying The Show 18

A question to the OP: What aspect(s) of the game have you enjoyed more when you played baseball games in the past (playing The Show in particular)? My response to your poll would depend on what you are after when looking for a baseball video game.

[saintrules]

Re: Talk me into/out of buying The Show 18

A question to the OP: What aspect(s) of the game have you enjoyed more when you played baseball games in the past (playing The Show in particular)? My response to your poll would depend on what you are after when looking for a baseball video game.

Good question. I would have to say the ability to get immersed. I love getting lost in the Franchise world to the point where I see that the Mets are in the playoff hunt in real life & I am like, what the heck, I thought they were 20 games out, and I realize I am recalling my own Franchise. I don't sim, particularly, I hate simming. I am a stats freak and once I hit that sim button in baseball I immediately feel disconnected, I want to work for my stats. I play every pitch of every game & keep things realistic. I got away with it in Madden by using "Play the Moments" because it usually threw you in for a scoring play so I felt like I did the work, but in baseball it's just different. I like making a change in my lineup and actually physically seeing it at the plate. I like info graphics, stats to tell me how someone is doing in the last week, month, or season. I like watching the batter walkup & seeing the lineup projected.

That's easily the biggest reason why I love playing baseball games. Graphics aren't necessarily a big thing for me, I still play College Hoops 2k8 & NCAA 14 on a regular basis, but don't take that as in I don't care. I think they look phenomenal in 18, it's just, after months of playing it, it starts to not matter to me AS much as other things in the game. The AI making realistic decisions is big for me. In Madden I absolutely cringed when all teams played the same, so I find it important to have variety in competition.

That's what popped into my head right now.

[saintrules]

Re: Talk me into/out of buying The Show 18

I think I am at a point now where it's between, "Yes, get the game", or "Wait till next year".

The positive I find with getting the game now is that it's only early May, there's a TON of baseball left to be played. I don't really play sports games out of season, I find it hard to stay committed to baseball when it's snowing outside & football is on, vice versa, so it being early in the season is a big plus. The game seems to have had a dramatic change from '16 in terms of appearance, which is great, and it seems from a GFX standpoint it's a can't miss.

On the other hand, no major improvements to franchise mode is halting my decision. I think the game is still miles beyond that of Madden, but it seems to be a repackaged product from 2016 with some minor adjustments here and there from a front office/management department. I don't really know what I am looking for to be improved upon, it's just, you want something to be different.

Choices, choices, choices.

[Armor and Sword]

Re: Talk me into/out of buying The Show 18

Good question. I would have to say the ability to get immersed. I love getting lost in the Franchise world to the point where I see that the Mets are in the playoff hunt in real life & I am like, what the heck, I thought they were 20 games out, and I realize I am recalling my own Franchise. I don't sim, particularly, I hate simming. I am a stats freak and once I hit that sim button in baseball I immediately feel disconnected, I want to work for my stats. I play every pitch of every game & keep things realistic. I got away with it in Madden by using "Play the Moments" because it usually threw you in for a scoring play so I felt like I did the work, but in baseball it's just different. I like making a change in my lineup and actually physically seeing it at the plate. I like info graphics, stats to tell me how someone is doing in the last week, month, or season. I like watching the batter walkup & seeing the lineup projected.

That's easily the biggest reason why I love playing baseball games. Graphics aren't necessarily a big thing for me, I still play College Hoops 2k8 & NCAA 14 on a regular basis, but don't take that as in I don't care. I think they look phenomenal in 18, it's just, after months of playing it, it starts to not matter to me AS much as other things in the game. The AI making realistic decisions is big for me. In Madden I absolutely cringed when all teams played the same, so I find it important to have variety in competition.

That's what popped into my head right now.

The Show is your game. And the on field AI has never been better. The pitchers all feel like their real life counterparts. Player differentiation on this game is the best in all of sports gaming.

I get immersed in my franchise because I create my own universe, write up my own story lines and have fun with it. The Show gives me the tools I need to have an amazing franchise because while it is not nearly as deep as a text sim....for a console sports game it is frankly along with 2K 18 the deepest I have played.

It's not perfect. Has any sports game ever been perfect? But being someone who has played the series since 2009 it is by far the best the series has ever offered. And the jump from 16 to 18 will be dramatic for you. 17 took big chances and succeeded on many levels but also had some warts. 18 cleaned up almost all the warts and took the game play to new heights.

If this were the last version I ever bought......I would be fine. That's how good it is on the diamond.

As far as franchise mode...I am so old school that like I said....my universe, my imagination, my story lines etc etc. I create my own fun in addition to what the AI may cook up between themselves. The team building aspect of AI trades has been vastly improved BTW. They will go after needs and future needs if they are rebuilding too.

This will be the sports game of the year for 2018 here on OS yet again. Little doubt in my mind about that.

I am so done with any future purchase of Madden. That series has run it's course with me. But The Show keeps getting better and better every single cycle. Major kudos to that team. And they have been getting bashed a lot the last few years. I don't get it. They keep cranking out such a great sports game every year. It will never ever be the depth of text sim sports games. And today's youth does not give a crap about franchise mode. Fortunately we still have a playable mode (and some people clearly don't think that and that's fine...their opinion) with Franchise and if you simply love baseball and play every pitch every inning......you are going to love this game. I say you will play nothing else for a long time. My other sports games have collected dust since this game dropped. I get the itch for some football and basketball from time to time....but the engagement and investment I feel to my franchises on The Show far exceed those of any other sports title. That is a testament to the superior gameplay.