Looking for that pitching "sweet spot"

[JoshC1977]

Re: Looking for that pitching "sweet spot"

I use the classic, buttons for pitching. I always thought that gives me the most realism. I think from what I'm hearing, I suck at HOF pitching because of how I am pitching.

OK....I've been in the same boat between AS and HOF and I am unwilling to dumb-down the AI hitters on HOF to accomplish it (and All Star+ doesn't change the equation enough). I got a very simple slider setup for AS classic that works very well (for me at least), it seems bass-ackwards, but it works well if you can be patient and allow the numbers to normalize. The ratings definitely play out over the long haul and leads to a very realistic experience.

The other key, turn all the little visual aids (strike zone, ball marker, hot zones, etc.) OFF completely. Then, turn off vibration. Use the broadcast camera for pitching as well (it will be different for each stadium, so it builds in a little adjustment period when going on the road).

You will not only get a better visual experience, but it will be more challenging without overly tinkering with sliders/difficulties.

[jcar0725]

Re: Looking for that pitching "sweet spot"

OK....I've been in the same boat between AS and HOF and I am unwilling to dumb-down the AI hitters on HOF to accomplish it (and All Star+ doesn't change the equation enough). I got a very simple slider setup for AS classic that works very well (for me at least), it seems bass-ackwards, but it works well if you can be patient and allow the numbers to normalize. The ratings definitely play out over the long haul and leads to a very realistic experience.

The other key, turn all the little visual aids (strike zone, ball marker, hot zones, etc.) OFF completely. Then, turn off vibration. Use the broadcast camera for pitching as well (it will be different for each stadium, so it builds in a little adjustment period when going on the road).

You will not only get a better visual experience, but it will be more challenging without overly tinkering with sliders/difficulties.

I'll try this stuff, thanks. What is your slider set up? I usually am against messing with sliders......

[JoshC1977]

Re: Looking for that pitching "sweet spot"

I'll try this stuff, thanks. What is your slider set up? I usually am against messing with sliders......

I am too, but there are a couple of things that are just a bit 'off' on default. My slider setup is one the first page of the slider sub-forum here.

[jcar0725]

Re: Looking for that pitching "sweet spot"

I am too, but there are a couple of things that are just a bit 'off' on default. My slider setup is one the first page of the slider sub-forum here.

Got it, thanks gonna try it out.

[tanman05851]

Re: Looking for that pitching "sweet spot"

Wouldn't it be nice if a dev weighed in on whether "classic" pitching was just a "heave it at the plate" pitching mode with accuracy solely depending on pitchers ratings with some rng thrown or there can actually be some skill to it.

[jcar0725]

Re: Looking for that pitching "sweet spot"

Wouldn't it be nice if a dev weighed in on whether "classic" pitching was just a "heave it at the plate" pitching mode with accuracy solely depending on pitchers ratings with some rng thrown or there can actually be some skill to it.

I assume its dependent on pitcher's ratings, with the gamer sort of getting inside the pitcher's head for decision making.

[JoshC1977]

Re: Looking for that pitching "sweet spot"

Wouldn't it be nice if a dev weighed in on whether "classic" pitching was just a "heave it at the plate" pitching mode with accuracy solely depending on pitchers ratings with some rng thrown or there can actually be some skill to it.

I'm obviously not a dev (though I believe they may have chimed-in on this years ago), but from what I've seen, there IS some skill to it but it is more mental. There is a ~1 second period between the button press and when the controller will rumble for max effort.

When you release the button essentially replicates the pitcher's arm velocity. So, longer presses (within that 1 sec window) mean more velo, less accuracy, and tighter breaking pitches. Shorter presses are the opposite (less velo, better accuracy, and loopier breaking pitches). Ratings factor in mightily here on the final outcome....but you DO have some say in how he throws the pitch.

You can literally throw different versions of the same pitch by varying it....mimicking a real life pitcher's ability to "add" or "subtract" from his pitches. Knowing how to properly sequence these pitches and understanding your pitcher's ability is the key part of classic pitching.

It's a really fun interface to use because it removes the 'video game skills' from the equation and replaces them with 'knowledge skills'.

[Bullit]

Re: Looking for that pitching "sweet spot"

I will add this because I don't think anybody else has added it and I think Countryboy is right for you to spend some time in Dynamic Difficulty.

There are slider adjustments you can make that will increase or decrease the speed at which the Difficulty is affected by play. So you can get up pretty high quickly and obviously have it sink quickly as well.

What I would advise is each time you go higher level than Veteran you take this slider and put it all the way down to "0" this will halt progression and regression. Then you can play a few games at the new level and get acclimated to it before increasing the slider and starting to let it rise or lower depending on your ability and play.

Edit:

If you do this during Spring Training of Franchise Mode, which is what I do, then you really are not wasting time out of your season. Also you have a wider variety of players to play with at each difficulty level. You have your High level full time Major Leaguers and your minors guys. So in my opinion you can really flesh out where you find your balance.

Also be aware it may not just be you sucking. I have players on my teams that I love playing that I just suck with. There is so much depth to this game. It really can take some time and effort to get dialed in. But I would do a lot of playing and testing before messing with the real major sliders. Once you start down that path it can really get away from you.

[jcar0725]

Re: Looking for that pitching "sweet spot"

I will add this because I don't think anybody else has added it and I think Countryboy is right for you to spend some time in Dynamic Difficulty.

There are slider adjustments you can make that will increase or decrease the speed at which the Difficulty is affected by play. So you can get up pretty high quickly and obviously have it sink quickly as well.

What I would advise is each time you go higher level than Veteran you take this slider and put it all the way down to "0" this will halt progression and regression. Then you can play a few games at the new level and get acclimated to it before increasing the slider and starting to let it rise or lower depending on your ability and play.

Edit:

If you do this during Spring Training of Franchise Mode, which is what I do, then you really are not wasting time out of your season. Also you have a wider variety of players to play with at each difficulty level. You have your High level full time Major Leaguers and your minors guys. So in my opinion you can really flesh out where you find your balance.

Also be aware it may not just be you sucking. I have players on my teams that I love playing that I just suck with. There is so much depth to this game. It really can take some time and effort to get dialed in. But I would do a lot of playing and testing before messing with the real major sliders. Once you start down that path it can really get away from you.

Good stuff man thank you.

[tanman05851]

Re: Looking for that pitching "sweet spot"

I'm obviously not a dev (though I believe they may have chimed-in on this years ago), but from what I've seen, there IS some skill to it but it is more mental. There is a ~1 second period between the button press and when the controller will rumble for max effort.

When you release the button essentially replicates the pitcher's arm velocity. So, longer presses (within that 1 sec window) mean more velo, less accuracy, and tighter breaking pitches. Shorter presses are the opposite (less velo, better accuracy, and loopier breaking pitches). Ratings factor in mightily here on the final outcome....but you DO have some say in how he throws the pitch.

You can literally throw different versions of the same pitch by varying it....mimicking a real life pitcher's ability to "add" or "subtract" from his pitches. Knowing how to properly sequence these pitches and understanding your pitcher's ability is the key part of classic pitching.

It's a really fun interface to use because it removes the 'video game skills' from the equation and replaces them with 'knowledge skills'.

Great explanation of "classic" pitching.I've pretty much been using meter until this year when I've switched to analog and I'm really enjoying it .Being of a certain age(GET OFF MY LAWN)I am sure I don't have any mad gamer skills.

[Caulfield]

Re: Looking for that pitching "sweet spot"

personally, I love Dynamic Difficulty though I'm aware it isnt for everyone. if you feel like you're dominating too much, every 3 innings rotate between meter pitching, pulse pitching, classic pitching and analog pitching.