Thinking about buying a PS3...need some advice/persuasion

[jeffy777]

So now that the price of PS3's has come down, I'm thinking about selling my 360 and buying a PS3 for The Show.....the last time I played The Show was 09 on PS2, and 08 on PSP....so obviously it looks like it's come a long way.

I've enjoyed the MLB 2K series, and it is fun for what it is (and I'll probably still play the PC version), but I guess I'm just looking for a change o' pace, and a more authentic/challenging MLB experience.

I do have some questions/concerns before I buy, so if you could help me out, I'd really appreciate it

1.) One thing I really like with 2K is the pitch speed and the default camera angle which makes it easy to read pitches and tell balls from strikes (something I didn't like about older versions of The Show)......but it looks like The Show now has a similar camera angle? I know on PS2, the pitch speed seemed a little too fast for my taste (even on the slowest setting), but I thought I heard that it's possibly slowed down a bit this year?

2.) I'd like the hitting to be a bit more challenging than 2K, but not much. I have poor eyesight, so I might want to stick with timing only (at least at first). I'd like the rest of the game (pitching, fielding, etc) to still be challenging, so is it possible to have a higher difficulty setting and still use timing only hitting?

3.) I also like the stealing controls in 2K. I like how you have to time the actual jump instead of just queuing up a steal like it used to be in The Show. How does it work in The Show now?

4.) I've heard that the analog pitching controls are quite good in The Show. One thing I liked about the older version I've played is that the accuracy is varied (based on ratings) and you can't nail your spots every time. Is that true for the analog pitching as well?

That's all I can think of for now.....thanks in advance

[Knight165]

Re: Thinking about buying a PS3...need some advice/persuasion

So now that the price of PS3's has come down, I'm thinking about selling my 360 and buying a PS3 for The Show.....the last time I played The Show was 09 on PS2, and 08 on PSP....so obviously it looks like it's come a long way.

I've enjoyed the MLB 2K series, and it is fun for what it is (and I'll probably still play the PC version), but I guess I'm just looking for a change o' pace, and a more authentic/challenging MLB experience.

I do have some questions/concerns before I buy, so if you could help me out, I'd really appreciate it

1.) One thing I really like with 2K is the pitch speed and the default camera angle which makes it easy to read pitches and tell balls from strikes (something I didn't like about older versions of The Show)......but it looks like The Show now has a similar camera angle? I know on PS2, the pitch speed seemed a little too fast for my taste (even on the slowest setting), but I thought I heard that it's possibly slowed down a bit this year?

2.) I'd like the hitting to be a bit more challenging than 2K, but not much. I have poor eyesight, so I might want to stick with timing only (at least at first). I'd like the rest of the game (pitching, fielding, etc) to still be challenging, so is it possible to have a higher difficulty setting and still use timing only hitting?

3.) I also like the stealing controls in 2K. I like how you have to time the actual jump instead of just queuing up a steal like it used to be in all baseball games. How does it work in The Show now?

4.) I've heard that the analog pitching controls are quite good in The Show. One thing I liked about the older version I've played is that the accuracy is varied (based on ratings) and you can't nail your spots every time. Is that true for the analog pitching as well?

That's all I can think of for now.....thanks in advance

Jeff

If you post this in The Show forums you'd get much more varied answers and maybe more in depth than I can go(I do mostly Manage only Mode)....but here goes...

1. The hitting and pitching cameras are numerous now....many more default ones than in '09. .....and now you can make a custom cam for your hitting and pitching as well.

2. I'm nearly certain you can use timing only on any difficult level.

3. This....is nearly the same as in '09...they've tweaked the pickoffs...and base stealing...but the mechanics are the same.

4. It is on the higher difficulties to some extent. It might still be a wee bit to precise for you. I love analog and lowering the human consistency slider a bit.
The new pulse pitching will give you a more ratings based result and could be something you'd enjoy. It's a mix of classic...and input from the user on the accuracy. Someone just posted a video on it(it's been taken down...it was prematurely shown by someone....but should be back up soon.

Hope this helps a bit.

M.K.
Knight165

[jeffy777]

Re: Thinking about buying a PS3...need some advice/persuasion

Jeff

If you post this in The Show forums you'd get much more varied answers and maybe more in depth than I can go(I do mostly Manage only Mode)....but here goes...

1. The hitting and pitching cameras are numerous now....many more default ones than in '09. .....and now you can make a custom cam for your hitting and pitching as well.

2. I'm nearly certain you can use timing only on any difficult level.

3. This....is nearly the same as in '09...they've tweaked the pickoffs...and base stealing...but the mechanics are the same.

4. It is on the higher difficulties to some extent. It might still be a wee bit to precise for you. I love analog and lowering the human consistency slider a bit.
The new pulse pitching will give you a more ratings based result and could be something you'd enjoy. It's a mix of classic...and input from the user on the accuracy. Someone just posted a video on it(it's been taken down...it was prematurely shown by someone....but should be back up soon.

Hope this helps a bit.

M.K.
Knight165

Thanks, I really appreciate it. I was going to post it in The Show forum, but I wasn't sure if it would be allowed since I mentioned 2K features?

[SoxFan01605]

Re: Thinking about buying a PS3...need some advice/persuasion

So now that the price of PS3's has come down, I'm thinking about selling my 360 and buying a PS3 for The Show.....the last time I played The Show was 09 on PS2, and 08 on PSP....so obviously it looks like it's come a long way.

I've enjoyed the MLB 2K series, and it is fun for what it is (and I'll probably still play the PC version), but I guess I'm just looking for a change o' pace, and a more authentic/challenging MLB experience.

I do have some questions/concerns before I buy, so if you could help me out, I'd really appreciate it

1.) One thing I really like with 2K is the pitch speed and the default camera angle which makes it easy to read pitches and tell balls from strikes (something I didn't like about older versions of The Show)......but it looks like The Show now has a similar camera angle? I know on PS2, the pitch speed seemed a little too fast for my taste (even on the slowest setting), but I thought I heard that it's possibly slowed down a bit this year?

Pitch Speeds have been slowed down a bit, yes. Overall, they'll probably average considerably faster than 2K, but hopefully the tweaks will bring them closer since a lot of people have a hard time with The Show's speeds. This is kind of a "wait and see" thing in that regard, I guess.

Camera's should be no issue as you can adjust the cameras for pitching and hitting quite a bit in terms of zoom, height and vertical angle. If you wanted to, you could pretty much replicate the 2K camera.

2.) I'd like the hitting to be a bit more challenging than 2K, but not much. I have poor eyesight, so I might want to stick with timing only (at least at first). I'd like the rest of the game (pitching, fielding, etc) to still be challenging, so is it possible to have a higher difficulty setting and still use timing only hitting?

You definitely should be good here. There are plenty of hitting options. You can use full timing-only controls with both the stick and the buttons and you have zone hitting for both as well. I believe they've also added a slider or toggle for the amount of step influence/timing for the stick also. Lots more options than 2K in this regard and better balance between the modes (i.e. you'll still see good hit variety regardless of which mechanic you use).

3.) I also like the stealing controls in 2K. I like how you have to time the actual jump instead of just queuing up a steal like it used to be in The Show. How does it work in The Show now?

They've apparently tweaked some aspects of the running game, but in terms of mechanics, it's still "old school" and almost entirely ratings driven. It's one area that, IMO, is lagging behind 2K in terms of game play (I prefer 2K's base stealing greatly).

Don't get me wrong, The Show's system provides realistic results and stats, just don't expect to have much influence over the running game beyond the decision to go or not.

4.) I've heard that the analog pitching controls are quite good in The Show. One thing I liked about the older version I've played is that the accuracy is varied (based on ratings) and you can't nail your spots every time. Is that true for the analog pitching as well?

Yes. In fact, analog kind of operates very nicely in that middle space between the easier timing of the Meter and the "close your eyes and hope" randomness of Classic. It was a bit too user friendly at first, but they tweaked the accuracy in a patch last year and it was great.

It's not as involved as 2K's pitching (i.e. no gestures, but a simpler up and down motion), but the nuances to the control of it provide great variance and feel. The velocity is based on how quickly you move up with the stick, you can adjust high/low and left/right and the base speed of the analog meter is varies based on the pitcher's motion and bases empty vs stretch. I think you'll probably really enjoy it.

It's worth noting that a bunch of the guys who went to community day really seemed impressed with the new Pulse Pitching and a couple of them swore by analog last year. The control and stat reliance leans a bit closer to Classic pitching, but that may be something worth checking out as well.

That's all I can think of for now.....thanks in advance

Answers in bold.

Let me also say, in regards to the PS3 itself, regardless of where you end up falling on The Show, it's a great system to have. I bought mine primarily for The Show, but games like the Uncharted series, Metal Gear Solid 4, Heavy Rain, Infamous, Little Big Planet, etc have all found way more time in my PS3 than I would have expected.

They've got a great lineup. Plus, if you're used to paying for online service, it's nice to either a) have a fully functioning free service or b) get Playstation Plus for the same price as Xbox live and get a bunch of free games to download along with 1 hour full-game demos.

Also, the majority of cross-platforms have finally caught up. A couple years ago, I had The Show and a few PS3 exclusives and everything else was on my 360. Now, I find myself choosing the PS3 a lot more. I like having both, but if I could only have one, I'd keep my PS3. IMO, if you can afford it, get it.

[peigone]

Re: Thinking about buying a PS3...need some advice/persuasion

In fact, analog kind of operates very nicely in that middle space... It's not as involved as 2K's pitching (i.e. no gestures, but a simpler up and down motion), but the nuances to the control of it provide great variance and feel. The velocity is based on how quickly you move up with the stick, you can adjust high/low and left/right and the base speed of the analog meter is varies based on the pitcher's motion and bases empty vs stretch.

I didn't know that about analog in The Show, and that actually sounds very impressive. No baseball game has ever tried to differentiate between various pitchers' speed of motion, and incorporated that aspect into their pitching system. I don't like 2K's system because it bears no relationship to the motion required to throw a pitch in real life. But The Show's analog sounds like a major step in the realism direction.

[pistolpete]

Re: Thinking about buying a PS3...need some advice/persuasion

If you have MLB2k11 on the pc you might like the show for a change of pace. The Show is a replica of real life baseball which means it is incredibly hard. I am convinced I am too old to be good at the show and I cannot have fun playing it.

I've tried every batting approach in the world. I would sit on a side of the plate and if the pitch came to that side of the plate, whether over the plate or 2 ft inside/outside I would swing.

The controls are also complicated on the Show, basically baserunning is the least intuitive control layout you can imagine. Nothing could be simpler than 2k11's.

EDIT: See if you can afford to keep both systems. I have a PS3 and love it, but I kind of wish I had my 360 back too.

[jeffy777]

Re: Thinking about buying a PS3...need some advice/persuasion

Thanks guys, much appreciated!

[jeffy777]

Re: Thinking about buying a PS3...need some advice/persuasion

Hey guys, another question I thought of in terms of fielding: is it possible to have the ball hit over your head in the outfield? One thing I don't like about fielding 2K is it seems too easy to get to balls that would normally be extra bases in real life. I'm hoping that's not the case in The Show as well?

[SoxFan01605]

Re: Thinking about buying a PS3...need some advice/persuasion

Hey guys, another question I thought of in terms of fielding: is it possible to have the ball hit over your head in the outfield? One thing I don't like about fielding 2K is it seems too easy to get to balls that would normally be extra bases in real life. I'm hoping that's not the case in The Show as well?

It's been a complaint by many for The Show as well, I'm afraid (It can be fixed easily in The Show with some slider and/or ratings edits though). In fact, I would say that, at default, the outfielders in The Show have been worse (in terms of covering too much ground) than even 2K.

That said, the good news is that SCEA has adjusted ball physics and apparently adjusted both the AI involved in the path to the ball as well as (with the help of some community guys at the last event) the OF positioning. So, from all indications thus far, this issue *should* be resolved for most people with 12.

[jeffy777]

Re: Thinking about buying a PS3...need some advice/persuasion

It's been a complaint by many for The Show as well, I'm afraid (It can be fixed easily in The Show with some slider and/or ratings edits though). In fact, I would say that, at default, the outfielders in The Show have been worse (in terms of covering too much ground) than even 2K.

That said, the good news is that SCEA has adjusted ball physics and apparently adjusted both the AI involved in the path to the ball as well as (with the help of some community guys at the last event) the OF positioning. So, from all indications thus far, this issue *should* be resolved for most people with 12.

I see. I'm looking forward to seeing some more gamplay videos of 12.

For 11, did you just have to slow down an outfielder speed slider?

[thaSLAB]

I see. I'm looking forward to seeing some more gamplay videos of 12.

For 11, did you just have to slow down an outfielder speed slider?

Yeah, it could be remedied by taking the fielder speed slider down a couple of notches, and fielder reaction down a notch.

With the changes in 12 you will see a lot more of these types of hits (along with gappers) out of the box. The new ball physics really are a thing of beauty.


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[jeffy777]

Re: Thinking about buying a PS3...need some advice/persuasion

Yeah, it could be remedied by taking the fielder speed slider down a couple of notches, and fielder reaction down a notch.

With the changes in 12 you will see a lot more of these types of hits (along with gappers) out of the box. The new ball physics really are a thing of beauty.


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Sounds great, thanks.

[b22gamer]

Re: Thinking about buying a PS3...need some advice/persuasion

@jeffy777, I too, bought a PS3 for the sole purpose of MLB The Show. For the casual baseball gamer, IMO I dont think it would be worth it. But for a hardcore baseball fan, The Show never ceases to amaze. I've played hundres of games of MLB11 and even last night I played a thriller in the Bronx where I won 6-5 on a late inning blast by V-mart, I found myself cheering as if I was watching it unfold on live TV. Another great benefit of having The Show is the massive community following and dedication the Full Minors roster set that is put out by MK and Co., not to mention the historical sets that guys put in the vault. I had 2k11, and trust me the difference in gameplay, realism, depth etc. is night and day. The attention to detail is what really makes this franchise special and if you want a true MLB experience go get your PS3 and a discounted MLB11 to get your skills polished for MLB 12.

[tvman]

Re: Thinking about buying a PS3...need some advice/persuasion

The best incentive for buying a PS3 other than it being a great blueray player is the fact you can now play PYS, the greatest baseball game ever made IMHO!

[thaSLAB]

The best incentive for buying a PS3 other than it being a great blueray player is the fact you can now play PYS, the greatest baseball game ever made IMHO!

PYS is very good. Still not the greatest baseball game tho, IMO! Definitely worth checking out for any true baseball fanatic.



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