MLB 09: The Show - Impressions

[RogueHominid]

Re: MLB 09: The Show - Impressions

Wow, wow, wow. That's all I have to say. I just picked up the retail version last night, and I've played 3 full games. I'm absolutely blown away. The demo doesn't even do justice to the final version.

Some things I love already:
--the atmosphere is sickeningly immersive, from the lighting and shadows to crowds and chants
--the variability in gameplay: I saw Lackey come out and refuse to throw a ball, and Peavy come out and be unable to hit the strike zone for 2 innings
--the difference in players, especially pitchers: I played with Ducherer (sp?) and because of his mediocre fastball, it was all about location. When that wasn't there, it was over. Then I played with Billingsley, and it was a totally different deal. Raw power got me through several at-bats when location wasn't right. Broxton was the same way.
--the importance of managing--in my games with the A's, I took chances with pitchers, and because they're not dominant types, I got shelled by the Angels. I learned my lesson and managed the bullpen better in my game with the Dodgers, and wound up pulling out a 2-1 victory and avoiding the big inning.
--different teams play differently: In A's vs. Angels, the Angels were extremely aggressive with the running game, moving guys over, etc. With the Dodgers vs. Padres, there was a clear difference in AI strategy.

This game is an instant classic. The only things I don't like are batting camera angles, fielding animations every now and again, and some clunky player models. And even these "negatives" aren't really that bad--I drew three walks last game, generally avoid suction animations in the field, and the models look pretty good with the lighting engine.

The rest of it is flawless. I'm in awe of this game.

[Blzer]

Re: MLB 09: The Show - Impressions

All that catch up logic does is it's supposed to temporarily boost attributes for the opposing team to some extent. Yes, that means if you're down, you are rewarded the same handicap.

As for the game itself, there probably isn't anything intentionally implemented for the AI to "catch up" to you, but there's probably a situational aggressiveness code built in during times that you're ahead of them. I'm not implicating there's any kind of "comeback code" to speak of, but what I mean is that if we played the same style that the CPU does in these instances we would be rewarded with the same success.

[Knight165]

Re: MLB 09: The Show - Impressions

Haha...

There is no comeback code in the game...

Even the comeback logic does nothing more than give a slight boost to some key hitting attributes for the team losing by 3 runs or more.
I don't even think it kicks in for anything less.

Silly...silly talk.

M.K.
Knight165

[Pared]

Re: MLB 09: The Show - Impressions

Whenever someone loses, it's never their fault. They made all the right decisions and it's always the way the game is coded.

Yeah, that must be it.

It happens. I guess the Orioles were screaming "check the comeback code!!" last night when the Mets beat them in the final two innings after being down 8-4.

[Knight165]

Re: MLB 09: The Show - Impressions

Whenever someone loses, it's never their fault. They made all the right decisions and it's always the way the game is coded.

Yeah, that must be it.

Yes...and when THEY hit the two or three run walk off homer....it's their AWESOMENESS that did it!

I know it seems like I'm belittling you guys losing and how you think it's coming about.
It's certainly not scripted...and there is no "default" comeback logic.(why would they put in a "real" catch up feature then?)
Guys wanted a tougher game....you got it!
The screams of "I'm getting tired of going 161-1..."..."This game is too easy" were heard. Blame the guy next to you!:wink:

M.K.
Knight165

[BIG CAROLINA]

Re: MLB 09: The Show - Impressions

[quote=Pared;2039285617]Whenever someone loses, it's never their fault. They made all the right decisions and it's always the way the game is coded.

Yeah, that must be it.

It happens. I guess the Orioles were screaming "check the comeback code!!" last night when the Mets beat them in the final two innings after being down 8-4.[/quote

Could not agree more. What do these guys say when they have a late game comeback against the CPU???:wink: I just hope SCEA does not listen to most of the complaints on here and makes the game easy.

[jim416]

Re: MLB 09: The Show - Impressions

Guys wanted a tougher game....you got it!

Yeah, this is amazing stuff to hear. I usually play on HOF and am playing on VET right now. Why? The game is tougher this year, pure and simple. You actually have to learn and concentrate on the fundamentals of baseball. This was discussed in San Diego, and the devs were right. Hallelujah!

[jim416]

Re: MLB 09: The Show - Impressions

Had my buddy here and played three games yesterday. I put it on AUTO field and manual throw for me, just to try. He plays strictly AUTO field and throw.

The pitcher fielding is great this year. Pitchers made some really good plays on balls up the middle. Nice job on this SCEA.

[moose1619]

Re: MLB 09: The Show - Impressions

I have a question relating to stats. I am not a huge fan of baseball and haven't really paid attention to baseball statistics for many years. My question is if you are batting and you hit the ball to the shortstop and he bobbles it or throws it over the 1st basemans head(I know this is an error)does this count as a no at bat or does it count as a failed attemp? I had a game where I was 0-3 and I hit to SS and he bobbled it and didn't make a throw to first, should I now be 0-4 or 0-3? The game recorded it as a 0-4 and I was just curious. Also I thought a fielders choice didn't count as an at-bat. I hit into a fielders choice they got the out at second but I was safe at first and my statistics represented an 0-1. Am I not looking at this the right way? Just curious.

I wiki'd it and found my answer and a better understanding. SHould have done this in the first place.

[wsu_gb23]

Re: MLB 09: The Show - Impressions

Why did they change Jimmy Rollins's stance in the retail version from the demo version? I really liked the stance they had for him in the demo. I know they have said he doesn't tap his foot THAT much, but now he doesn't do it at all and has an open-stance. Can and will this be fixed? On batting stance guy's website he does J-Roll very well. Shouldn't they have used the stance that he provided?

[Skyboxer]

Re: MLB 09: The Show - Impressions

I have a question relating to stats. I am not a huge fan of baseball and haven't really paid attention to baseball statistics for many years. My question is if you are batting and you hit the ball to the shortstop and he bobbles it or throws it over the 1st basemans head(I know this is an error)does this count as a no at bat or does it count as a failed attemp? I had a game where I was 0-3 and I hit to SS and he bobbled it and didn't make a throw to first, should I now be 0-4 or 0-3? The game recorded it as a 0-4 and I was just curious. Also I thought a fielders choice didn't count as an at-bat. I hit into a fielders choice they got the out at second but I was safe at first and my statistics represented an 0-1. Am I not looking at this the right way? Just curious.

0-4 is correct and fielders choice also counts as an at bat.

On the catchup logic: I don't feel there is a catchup logic. If so I wouldn't have won a couple the games I did win including the freaky one posted above.
I look at it as by the late innings teams are 3 to 4 at bats into the game and are timing pitches better as well as paterns that you may or may not know you have.
That's how I look at it anyways. In any case if you make the plays you should make and play smart your chances are better.
People need to realize that doing everything "Right" doesn't mean a guaranteed win as the other team is trying to do the same.

I haven't dropped from Legend yet. I may but I simply love the challenge. I'm currently sitting in 3rd place at 8-6 with my Yankees. I'm sure on All Star (The level I would be playing) I would probably be a couple games better at least but it's still fun as heck on legend especially because I'm throwing walks and getting walks and nursing a late game lead is simply stressful and exciting when you get that critical DP or pop out.

[rudyjuly2]

Re: MLB 09: The Show - Impressions

I don't think there is catchup logic but when I'm getting pounded early on, it's hard to tell!

I have come from behind in losses a couple times and gotten out of jams when necessary so I don't think its true. I've never blown a big lead but have only really had one game like that I think. I'm usually opposed to the conspiracy theories regarding comeback logic in all sports games.

[Skyboxer]

Re: MLB 09: The Show - Impressions

I don't think there is catchup logic but when I'm getting pounded early on, it's hard to tell!

I have come from behind in losses a couple times and gotten out of jams when necessary so I don't think its true. I've never blown a big lead but have only really had one game like that I think. I'm usually opposed to the conspiracy theories regarding comeback logic in all sports games.

Yep. I have to admit though there were 3-4 games in a row that when the game hit the 7th inning (Yes each game it was the 7th inning) the game seemed to change in "feel". Can't explain it but somethings been happening.
However it's been for both the AI and User.
I had a 5-1 lead evaporate by giving up 2 and then 3 to go down 6-5. I then however plated 5 to retake the lead and eventually win the game 10-6.

[slthree]

Re: MLB 09: The Show - Impressions

I guess the Orioles were screaming "check the comeback code!!" last night when the Mets beat them in the final two innings after being down 8-4.

Pared, you beat me to it.

When I saw the highlights on the MLB Network I immediately thought: Man, if that happened in The Show people would be screaming comeback code from the highest mountain.

Could you imagine being up 8-4 and having your pen allow the bases to get loaded and then give up a Grand Slam and then give up a "Walk Off HR". You could feel so cheated by that chain of events, or any individual event in that chain of events.

Great timing for that game.

[wsu_gb23]

Re: MLB 09: The Show - Impressions

Yep. I have to admit though there were 3-4 games in a row that when the game hit the 7th inning (Yes each game it was the 7th inning) the game seemed to change in "feel". Can't explain it but somethings been happening.
However it's been for both the AI and User.
I had a 5-1 lead evaporate by giving up 2 and then 3 to go down 6-5. I then however plated 5 to retake the lead and eventually win the game 10-6.

to me, that's the way it goes with real baseball. I think it's because teams get desperate in the late innings and just try to get hits and get on base. I have seen plenty of no hitters broken up in late innings in the real game, must be comeback logic in real baseball...