Community Preview Answer Discussion Thread.

[kennyacid]

Re: Community Preview Answer Discussion Thread.

My god how I wish EA sports could do for Madden what Sony is doing for baseball

I believe with competition comes progress, so I dont see that happening soon. All though I have heard some good things.

[Rob_NYY]

Re: Community Preview Answer Discussion Thread.

Lots of little things to discuss as well as some in depth looks into the topic some are so obsessed with: batting stances and pitching motions.

[TeixeiraFanatic]

Re: Community Preview Answer Discussion Thread.

I was just wondering. Do you feel that you could master legend mode? Like does it feel different every game and do certain teams play different ways?

[baa7]

Re: Community Preview Answer Discussion Thread.

Do the starting pitchers' velocity decrease as the game enters later innings?

Pitchers lose control when they get tired, but they don't really lose velocity.

[nemesis04]

Re: Community Preview Answer Discussion Thread.

I was just wondering. Do you feel that you could master legend mode? Like does it feel different every game and do certain teams play different ways?

I bumped my post about legend for you. It should explain some things for you.


Legend

I must say that I walked away very impressed with the amount of work that went into this level. The game gives you a great sense of which teams you will have an up hill battle against as opposed to the ones you feel can be taken early on in the game. Strategy, strategy, strategy.......did I mention strategy? As we know, baseball is a thinking mans game. Sure you have to hit, throw, catch and run but knowing what to do before actually performing these tasks is often the difference between success and failure. This is no different here in the show, I will admit I was a little nonchalant at first with some of my decision making and the CPU thoroughly exploited and punished me for it. Of course this was at the expense of numerous developers standing behind me watching but it was all good!

In some sort of way I view pitching and hitting like a poker game. Each side is trying to figure the other without tipping their hand as to what they have or don't have. It is very important not to establish patterns when pitching or hitting on this level. For example if you are pitching and had success against a batter the first time don't expect to follow the same routine the next time. Strong hitters adjust very quickly and before you know it your pitcher is hanging his head down because he just got torched. Pitcher confidence is important in keeping things together. Use your mound visits to settle down pitchers or to stall while your reliever is trying to get ready. One thing I learned early was to be proactive with your bullpen. They cannot be an after thought as far as getting warm because things can fall apart extremely fast later in the game.

Then there is the other side, the hitting. If you swing at junk, the CPU pitcher will oblige and continue to throw junk until you can prove you have the eye and willpower to lay off. It is more important than ever to try to get to those hitter's counts. This is where the hitter is rewarded with golden opportunities for the extra base hits. To note, there are some great extra base hits in this game. The variety of PULLED hits will impress! Play the bases smart, The cpu does not mess around and will make you pay for being greedy. The cpu will also come up gunning from the outfield to home so you have been warned!

Pitching and hitting are not enough, you need some solid "D" in the field. You can definitely see the work that went into the fielding. The routes that you and the CPU players take are a thing of beauty. Balls that are hit over your head and the ones that split the outfielders need to be collected quickly and sent to your cut off men to gun down those aggressive cpu runners. The CPU will push it on the base paths and will capitalize when you try to throw home from the outfield with other runners on base. One thing I would like to mention is many complained that the fielder would run by the ball without making any attempts. There are now animations that show the fielder reaching for the ball. You still will miss them if you try that route but it looks good when you miss now.The hot corner is definitely on fire his year. Balls will get smoked down the third base line this year and while your third baseman is picking himself and his jock off the dirt, you have a runner on second, so guard those lines. Especially late in the game!

Just when you think you could not come any closer to the real MLB, the SCEA team has brought us even closer to the action. The AI grew a set in the off season so be ready!

[nemesis04]

Re: Community Preview Answer Discussion Thread.

The cpu does some amazing things. They are very aggressive in trying to get runs in. I was caught flat footed when the cpu dropped down a 2 strike bunt!

[jpup]

Re: Community Preview Answer Discussion Thread.

The cpu does some amazing things. They are very aggressive in trying to get runs in. I was caught flat footed when the cpu dropped down a 2 strike bunt!

I actually had that happen last year. I think it greatly depends on the hitter, of course.

[nemesis04]

Re: Community Preview Answer Discussion Thread.

I actually had that happen last year. I think it greatly depends on the hitter, of course.

It was a first for me and was not expecting it.

One cool detail I saw was on bunts or dribblers down the lines, as soon as the ball just goes foul you will see the fielder swat it further into foul territory so it does not kick back.

[wookie48]

Re: Community Preview Answer Discussion Thread.

It was a first for me and was not expecting it.

One cool detail I saw was on bunts or dribblers down the lines, as soon as the ball just goes foul you will see the fielder swat it further into foul territory so it does not kick back.

Hey Nem did you play with or against the rangers?

[mike75]

Re: Community Preview Answer Discussion Thread.

I'll tell you what by the way you guys are making MLB 09 The Show sound I would be shocked if IGN gives it a score of anything less then a "9.4" or around there.

[PhantomPain]

Re: Community Preview Answer Discussion Thread.

I'll tell you what by the way you guys are making MLB 09 The Show sound I would be shocked if IGN gives it a score of anything less then a "9.4" or around there.

That is of course if they have a clue about baseball.

[nemesis04]

Re: Community Preview Answer Discussion Thread.

Hey Nem did you play with or against the rangers?

Knight played with the Rangers.

[gotigers15]

Re: Community Preview Answer Discussion Thread.

I'll tell you what by the way you guys are making MLB 09 The Show sound I would be shocked if IGN gives it a score of anything less then a "9.4" or around there.

The funny thing about it ... all the major reviewers will probably dish out 6s and 7s because they didn't add any "major" gameplay additions.

This precise reason is why Madden 09 got a 9.

[Knight165]

Re: Community Preview Answer Discussion Thread.

Knight played with the Rangers.

He did....but he sucks at stances and motions and that's what wookie wants.
I was hoping one of you guys did too.

Also...they were still working on Arlington(is it still Arlington?)..so I couldn't use it I played in Comerica(beautiful! ) with that. I was checking out the old time uni's(which were really nice..the Rangers not the Sox)

M.K.
Knight165

[Knight165]

Re: Community Preview Answer Discussion Thread.

The funny thing about it ... all the major reviewers will probably dish out 6s and 7s because they didn't add any "major" gameplay additions.

This precise reason is why Madden 09 got a 9.

Anyone who enjoys baseball....on any level...and gives this game anywhere in the 6's or the 7's should be flogged and put on public display for acts of humiliation.
Seriously.

M.K.
Knight165