MLB '09: The Show Preview with Screenshots (ESPN Videogames)

[countryboy]

Re: MLB '09: The Show Preview with Screenshots (ESPN Videogames)

Its not for the sake of changing. Everything gets old evenually no matter how good or popular it was before. The one song you loved as a child no longer interests you because it got old, the food you eat, evenually you grow tired of eating pizza no matter how much you loved it, etcc.. My point is i want to experience something new from the same awesome developers. The core gameplay hasn't changed at all and no matter the countless features they keep adding on every year, the core gameplay feels exactly the same. It feels like you are playing the same game except with add ons. I think its time for them to try out something more innovative.

I understand what you're saying thats why I said that I'm fine with it so long as I can use the "old" system they replace. I'm not a fan of changing something for the sake of change and don't care if its considered old or whatnot. I stay with a series due to knowing the controls and the ebb and flow of the game. I don't want them to change that. Yes, maybe I will like the new thing, I mean I adapted to pitching meters and a few other things, but I've also had the ability to use the old, more familar controls, if necessary.


I guess what I'm saying is that I don't want to be "forced" to change or "adapt" to a new system. I'll try it out, but if I don't like it, I want to be able to play with a system thats more comfortable to me.

[atlbravesws05]

Re: MLB '09: The Show Preview with Screenshots (ESPN Videogames)

well i wasnt trying to convince you lol. I was just stating my opinion. I just hope the developers at least consider imprementing new mechanics to the core gameplay.

[dat swag]

Re: MLB '09: The Show Preview with Screenshots (ESPN Videogames)

See, I don't agree with some of your reasoning here. I don't think people who "just want to play the game" are going to be negatively impacted by a feature like that at all. In fact, it's something that could be automated if a more casual player wanted to jump into a franchise anyway. Baseball fans (generally speaking) are a bit more detail oriented with their sport in a lot of ways. Anyone even wanting to dive into a franchise is likely doing so with the more detailed stuff in mind. I think the more detailed the franchise the better. Again, most stuff can realistically be automated so the peopel can avoid the micro management if they so desire.

As far as focus, I do mostly agree with that. I don't think that kind of detail would detract too much from things like the player models you mentioned, but I do think there are probably more pressing things. It doesn't hurt to have dialog about it though as it keeps the devs abreast of what some of the more hardcore features we like are.

If it wasn't already addressed in some fashion I don't think, especially at this point (09 isn't even out yet...lol), that we need to concern ourselves with how they prioritize for the next interations. I think they've shown a pretty good feel for how to balance the features and the subtleties.

In any case, I'm pumped for the franchise depth they seemed to have added already, so anything else they snuck in to 09 would be icing, IMO. I do hope things like AI logic, fatigue/injuries, and ratings adjustments were toyed around with a bit too though. The best part of all this is, the game looks like something still very much on the rise and not just trying standing pat, which is a big part of my own excitement

I can tell you right now...I only care about the gameplay...I don't give a rip about coaching, scouting or GM mode or how much hot dogs cost in my virtual stadium. I care about the gameplay and more specifically ONLINE head 2 head play...Now I don't discount any of that other fluffy stuff because I respect the next man's appreciation of it but at the end of the day NOTHING matters unless the gameplay is solid.

I'm not one of those folks who are gonna sit down and play the CPU and stare at franchise stats...I only play head to head and online so that aspect of the game has to be tight for me...I'll never even tap into all that other stuff because I don't have the time or interest...I simply want a good solid sim to play head to head with...Now Franchise might interest me if I could play it online versus real opponents but playing the CPU is boring to me...Thats why when there are online problems the game is pretty much useless to me and many others.

[Crash Davis]

Re: MLB '09: The Show Preview with Screenshots (ESPN Videogames)

All these little features are nice, but they just don't make the game. All this audio recordings are gimmicks and people will grow tired of using them. I just hope the core gameplay is different (pitching, hitting, fielding) because i need some new refreshment. I dont want to play MLB 08.5 The Show.

I can see what youre saying, they did already say the pitching was going to be tweaked so theres that at least. I wish or hope they are keeping secret for now that they have a swing stick. I think the default swing should still be the buttons but work on easing in a swing stick... but thats just me

As for your gimmicks comment, custom soundtracks hell no, im sorry i just will never not use batter music, it actually IS part of the atmosphere at a ball game, its almost like saying umpires shouldnt be in the game cuz the game calculates everything anyway.... see what im saying...

as for the previous posts about scouting you guys are right those ideas if they were implemented in franchise only it would be a great idea, the casual gamers could just do the season mode.

[dat swag]

Re: MLB '09: The Show Preview with Screenshots (ESPN Videogames)

Then this is not the game for you. Why correct perfect. I hope they keep it the same. To me changing the core is like "Gimmicks". You add more animations and more little things and this is game will be even better. So I disagree with you, but I respect your opinion.

Great game yes...Perfect???...NO...Lots of things starting with collision detection, base running speed of avg players and online to name a few needed plenty of work...The Show is by far the best sim of all sports games but in the same breath the majority of sports sims on the market are either weak or just barely above average.

I agree that stadium voices and all of that is gimmicky...I also believe they could have a little more variety in the player models and add some additional in-game camera angles to spice up the presentation but to say this game is already perfect is a bit of a stretch and a display of just how desperate all of us sports fans have become in accepting how mediocre next gen sports has been over the last 3-4 years.

Show areas that need vast improvement:
1. Collision detection
2. Online play - Gameplay and Online Leagues w/Web Support
3. Base running speed - Too many avg players could steal bases
4. Player Models
5. Presentation
6. Varied in-game camera angles

[atlbravesws05]

Re: MLB '09: The Show Preview with Screenshots (ESPN Videogames)

Yes, i see where you going but think of it like this. Baseball games come out yearly. I don't want to wait a year just to see that all the new things they impremented are audio recordings, new animations, and like. All these features that are included to enhance the franchise and like, are features that could have been already done in MLB 07: The Show. What I'm saying is I expect new advancements and more unique aspects with given time. The Show has been on next gen for 2 years already and I'm not seeing anything that i could point out that stands apart from this outing to the PS2 versions. The core game play is the same as the PS2 version and i dont find that intriguing. Again, opinions vary and i do agree that they should leave the classic controls for those who dont prefer to adapt to new control scheme. Plus if you dont at least attempt to innovate, then how would you know if its good or not? Maybe you will like the new control scheme. You have to experience it first hand before coming to a conclusion that it will "not work" or is unneccessary."

[jim416]

Re: MLB '09: The Show Preview with Screenshots (ESPN Videogames)

Show areas that need vast improvement:
1. Collision detection
2. Online play - Gameplay and Online Leagues w/Web Support
3. Base running speed - Too many avg players could steal bases
4. Player Models
5. Presentation
6. Varied in-game camera angles

1. Not important to me.
2. Needs improvement, big time.
3. Speed of players needs work.
4. Already been discussed and told to us....next year. But I have no problem at all with the player models.
5. VAST improvement???....I disagree.
6. For game play? Not important to me. What they have is fine.

[sask3m]

Re: MLB '09: The Show Preview with Screenshots (ESPN Videogames)

i play a lot of exhibition games so i wish they had in game saves for that.

[atlbravesws05]

Re: MLB '09: The Show Preview with Screenshots (ESPN Videogames)

they do have in game saves for exhibition.

I also love when they say, "next year." Every year before the new version releases, every time someone asks for something new thats vastly changes the the game, I always hear, "next year."

[jim416]

Re: MLB '09: The Show Preview with Screenshots (ESPN Videogames)

Yes, i see where you going but think of it like this. Baseball games come out yearly. I don't want to wait a year just to see that all the new things they impremented are audio recordings, new animations, and like. All these features that are included to enhance the franchise and like, are features that could have been already done in MLB 07: The Show. What I'm saying is I expect new advancements and more unique aspects with given time. The Show has been on next gen for 2 years already and I'm not seeing anything that i could point out that stands apart from this outing to the PS2 versions. The core game play is the same as the PS2 version and i dont find that intriguing. Again, opinions vary and i do agree that they should leave the classic controls for those who dont prefer to adapt to new control scheme. Plus if you dont at least attempt to innovate, then how would you know if its good or not? Maybe you will like the new control scheme. You have to experience it first hand before coming to a conclusion that it will "not work" or is unneccessary."

Development time takes....well, time. 2K, in my opinion, did "new and innovating" things and what they did set the game back, not forward. We do have to realize that they just aren't making the game for hard core folk like us, but I do know that the devs are true baseball people and I'm bettin' if they had it completely their way it would be hardcore sim baseball all the way.

I want SCEA to continue on the same level that they are, listening to their fans, correcting and tweaking gameplay. The day/night transition is going to be huge, for me. I love the music additions and I'm an old fart, adding to franchise, new signature stuff, correcting some throwing flaws, etc., etc., etc. The additions of animations is HIGHLY important. When I saw all the new catch animations I was thrilled with the steps they had taken over the previous year. This game has grown by leaps and bounds since 06.

Could have been done in 07? We've been treated to a lot of inside stuff as to how difficult it can be to code and develop certain things in the game, that's been shared with us. Didn't realize that new player models could screw other things up in the game, until it was explained to us. They didn't have to. I won't second guess any of these guys and pretend to think I know what should have made it into a game and when. I bet the devs can't wait to get their hands on the finished product and start playing. You can tell they're as big of baseball fans as us.

[SoxFan01605]

Re: MLB '09: The Show Preview with Screenshots (ESPN Videogames)

I can tell you right now...I only care about the gameplay...I don't give a rip about coaching, scouting or GM mode or how much hot dogs cost in my virtual stadium. I care about the gameplay and more specifically ONLINE head 2 head play...Now I don't discount any of that other fluffy stuff because I respect the next man's appreciation of it but at the end of the day NOTHING matters unless the gameplay is solid.

I'm not one of those folks who are gonna sit down and play the CPU and stare at franchise stats...I only play head to head and online so that aspect of the game has to be tight for me...I'll never even tap into all that other stuff because I don't have the time or interest...I simply want a good solid sim to play head to head with...Now Franchise might interest me if I could play it online versus real opponents but playing the CPU is boring to me...Thats why when there are online problems the game is pretty much useless to me and many others.

I see what you're saying and don't disagree. Obviously, if the game plays like crap the scouting and stuff doesn't matter. All I'm saying is that kind of stuff is what helps make franchise mode interesting and deep for those of us who play the mode. That's what I'm (and I'd venture Knight and others) are talking about primarily.

Online play is a different animal entirely, and I certainly agree that it needs it's own work. I'd even agree that fixing some of the online issues and enhancing that aspect of play should be a priority over those details. I certainly don't think you have to limit one to have the other work.

So don't misunderstand me. When I say I'd like to see those little details, it's not at the expense of other areas. As I said earlier, I'm not prioritizing. I'm just talking stuff I'd eventually like to see make it's way in.

[slyfox]

Re: MLB '09: The Show Preview with Screenshots (ESPN Videogames)

Man, other than the throws from SS to 2nd, this would be so great. You have no idea how much not being able to edit all the fake guys slowed us down. Unrivaled....says a lot, doesn't it?

It says to me, the player created feature should be un-equaled. However, I fear it will be very similar to last year. You and Knight do such a good job with roster evaluation and the things that go with it, it'd be nice to see less obstacles in your path. I expect The Show 09 to be great regardless, of course, but your rosters do add alot.

[EnigmaNemesis]

Re: MLB '09: The Show Preview with Screenshots (ESPN Videogames)

1. Not important to me.
2. Needs improvement, big time.
3. Speed of players needs work.
4. Already been discussed and told to us....next year. But I have no problem at all with the player models.
5. VAST improvement???....I disagree.
6. For game play? Not important to me. What they have is fine.

Agree with this.

Online needs huge work, but they did announce stat tracking and fantasy draft for the leagues. And the sports connect website was a tip of the iceberg I bet will be built upon with this years features. Hopefully a huge overhaul to the netcode was done, as well as allow camera angles per user.

And for the original poster which jim quoted, presentation? WTF? Has phenomenal presentation compared to 95% of the sports games out there ... only needs work on the playoff atmosphere, which I have confidence they addressed. They hear our cries.

[jim416]

Re: MLB '09: The Show Preview with Screenshots (ESPN Videogames)

It says to me, the player created feature should be un-equaled. However, I fear it will be very similar to last year. You and Knight do such a good job with roster evaluation and the things that go with it, it'd be nice to see less obstacles in your path. I expect The Show 09 to be great regardless, of course, but your rosters do add alot.

To tell you the truth, for us, the big thing is the devs who can't be edited. If they just unlock that and let us use them (what, there are about 50 of them)....God bless 'em, but unlock 'em so we can get rid of them and put real ballplayers on the roster (not that these guys would not be great pro players, one and all).

I'm bettin' some accessories have been added. Bettin' on it.

[JibJab 24]

Re: MLB '09: The Show Preview with Screenshots (ESPN Videogames)

1. Not important to me.
2. Needs improvement, big time.
3. Speed of players needs work.
4. Already been discussed and told to us....next year. But I have no problem at all with the player models.
5. VAST improvement???....I disagree.
6. For game play? Not important to me. What they have is fine.

Put me in the "Agree with this" camp. This was the first version of 'The Show' I've played and if the gameplay remains the same, with a few minor tweaks and a deeper franchise mode, I'll be extremely happy with 09.