My thoughts on the two baseball games

[pistolpete]

Re: My thoughts on the two baseball games

I've played a TON of the show over the past week, and while I have plenty of fun playing it, is is a pretty mediocre game.

I'm going to avoid criticism which sounds like me saying the game is too hard, because I know how well that goes over. I've actually become a competent hitter.

Gameplay:
-I took it to my brother's house and he hasn't played the Show since 08 and he commented that some of the commentary is still the same.

-They brag about nuances and how realistic it is. Pitchers making plays to the left and right of the mound 60'6" from the plate on line drives or sharp grounders shouldn't happen.

-Pitchers doing Patrick Roy impressions and the number of kicked balls on hits up the middle directly to the third baseman shouldn't happen.

-The number of hits off the wall that result in singles for both human and cpu players is entirely unrealistic. But hey, did you see Manny's loose Jersey flip in the wind.

-Here is one people never comment on, could the contact off the bat be any less realistic looking. Whether a pitch is on the outside or inside of the zone is pretty meaningless to whether it's pulled or not. I love lacing doubles down the left field line with right handed hitters on pitches on the outside corner. That looks so stupid.

-Could pitching be a bigger bore? Yaaaaaawn

Franchise
-The draft is hilariously bad. Why even participate?

-Trades are hilariously bad. The only way to prevent nonsense is to control all 30 teams. Glad I got a video game for that.....

-No season-to-season stats? I cannot believe a video game still pulls this one over on us.

-You have to look in player cards to compare advanced statistics? Maybe a list would be helpful side by side.

-It's 2012 and we're still getting emails that our hot dog prices are too high?

Comments: I enjoy the game, but let's get real people Madden's build-a-stadium feature thinks the Show's franchise mode is due for a major overhaul.

[bayman]

Re: My thoughts on the two baseball games

The selective responses to my statement is not surprising. My main point as backed up by several facts was that MLB 2K12 is the definition of a roster update and anyone who says otherwise is ignoring these facts. You want to say MLB 2K12 is more fun to you personally, go ahead, but show me anything that proves there was even remotely the same amount of work put in.

PS- I wouldn't go arguing that the series that tried removing the check swing plays a more realistic game of baseball.

[pistolpete]

Re: My thoughts on the two baseball games

The selective responses to my statement is not surprising. My main point as backed up by several facts was that MLB 2K12 is the definition of a roster update and anyone who says otherwise is ignoring these facts. You want to say MLB 2K12 is more fun to you personally, go ahead, but show me anything that proves there was even remotely the same amount of work put in.

PS- I wouldn't go arguing that the series that tried removing the check swing plays a more realistic game of baseball.

The Show's improvements to franchise were implemented poorly. Advanced stats are pretty much hidden, and I don't even know what the others were. Cross-platform saves are pretty sweet though.

[Knight165]

Re: My thoughts on the two baseball games

The Show's improvements to franchise were implemented poorly. Advanced stats are pretty much hidden, and I don't even know what the others were. Cross-platform saves are pretty sweet though.

Yeah...the page on the front end called STATISTICS.....is very hard to find!

M.K.
Knight165

[pistolpete]

Re: My thoughts on the two baseball games

Yeah...the page on the front end called STATISTICS.....is very hard to find!

M.K.
Knight165

In franchise mode? You don't have to go to individual player cards?

[Knight165]

Re: My thoughts on the two baseball games

In franchise mode? You don't have to go to individual player cards?

In franchise mode.

The player card is a quick reference and for in game reference.
There is a front end page(one below STANDINGS(by the way...when I capitalize...I'm not "yelling" I do that to signify an option or menu option in the game)....STATISTICS.....
You can't access the statistics page in game however(it's huge)

M.K.
Knight165

[liftheavy]

Re: My thoughts on the two baseball games

My thoughts...mostly on 2k...obviously the show is superior in graphics...list of things 2k does better than the show:
-stats...overlays...game to game stats...career stats...I can go on all day
-player cards within franchise mode
-Numerical ratings...ratings in general actually
-pitch repertoire... too many players in the show have a 4FBI,slider,changeup... in 2k you will get b.leagues sinker...2k is far superior in this area
-Menus...2k12 although similar to years past gives us more detailed info other than the newspaper the show has
-Start up menu...think nba2k...you can load your franchise, my player,MLB season mode,and get online at the start menu...I personally love this
-Trade feature... put players on the block and immediately get offers
-in franchise if a player gets traded to a different team they will split his stats between the teams...I think this is the case?
-You play a 5 inning game and the CPU treats it as a 9 inning game...you can use this option in franchise mode as well
-Commentary obviously...talks about up to date stats on pretty much everything
-Pitching...love the analog and the feel of different pitches...show has pulse and that's solid as welll
-I actually prefer 2k hitting...love the batters eye
-Inside Edge...a huge feature that goes unnoticed...
-Pitchers strikeout celebrations...especially on the third out...love the pitcher walking off/ jogging off the mound
-Replays...lots of different views
-Top three plays

Lots of little things i enjoy on 2k...i will play both games but right now my choice is 2k. People overrate graphics...i have the cpu field and its very smooth. There are some aspects i like in the graphics than i do the shows...enjoy both games! I forgot to mention i am a huge PYS player as well...but they r in a totally different category than both these games!

[bkrich83]

Re: My thoughts on the two baseball games

The selective responses to my statement is not surprising. My main point as backed up by several facts was that MLB 2K12 is the definition of a roster update and anyone who says otherwise is ignoring these facts. You want to say MLB 2K12 is more fun to you personally, go ahead, but show me anything that proves there was even remotely the same amount of work put in.

PS- I wouldn't go arguing that the series that tried removing the check swing plays a more realistic game of baseball.

They were so busy with the persecution act, they missed the entire point of your original post.

[Money99]

Re: My thoughts on the two baseball games

The selective responses to my statement is not surprising. My main point as backed up by several facts was that MLB 2K12 is the definition of a roster update and anyone who says otherwise is ignoring these facts. You want to say MLB 2K12 is more fun to you personally, go ahead, but show me anything that proves there was even remotely the same amount of work put in.

PS- I wouldn't go arguing that the series that tried removing the check swing plays a more realistic game of baseball.

You're right, there weren't an abundance of changes. But the upgrades they made resulted in an improved game; pitcher-hitter exchange (mix pitches, tendencies, etc), hit variety has improved (more pulled balls from outside pitches), better franchise AI (no more poor trades, FA's left available, etc), MLB Today, improvements to My Player, etc.

It's not a major upgrade, but honestly, tell me one sports game in the past 3 years that made huge leaps and bounds from one year to the next?
EA's NHL series has achieved many accolades and yet that game has made very small and subtle changes over the past 3 years. Same with Madden, NBA2K, etc, etc.

To be honest, outside of DD and new ball physics, The Show doesn't feel a lot different from '11 either.
There isn't one development team that has the kind of time and resources to make huge strides in a 12-month span.
Heck, look at Fight Night Champion. It had 2 years and the game felt like EA only spent 12 months on improvements.

[celtics6]

Re: My thoughts on the two baseball games

I actually picked up a ps3 and the show like i do every year. My thoughts still stand for the most part. I honestly think both games have their pluses and minuses. The show drives me nuts and I struggle finding that balance with the game not feeling scripted. Different hits. The new physics are evident, but I still don't see a ton of variety in the games I play. Outfield and fielding is really boring in the show. Yes it all flows together nice I struggle finding that balance.

2k on the other hadn is rough around the edges. The stadiums actually look really nice this year and can look better at times on the 360 depending on preference. The shows models are obviously nice and the game animates like something out of real life at times, but 2k isn't bad. Yes it still looks likea video game.

I go back and forth having both. I prefer certain things about the show. Its prettier. It seems more polished.

But I play 2k and it just seems more fun to sometimes. other times it's the show. I think as far as fun factor its really negligable though.

I still cant seem to get sliders and difficulty right in the show which is disapointing to me. I play it and the games jus dont seem to work out right. Extra base hits etc are really hard to come by. Which may make me stick with 2k another year.

I actually like the new controls in the show. Pulse pitching is pretty good. Zone button hitting is nice. I think the controls in the show this year are the best they've been. I think the show is more accessible and fun this year. I might keep the show this year and go with that. In the past I've returned it and not really thought its work the $300 price tag. But this year I might keep it.

Like I've said I'm not knocking the show. The game is obviously beautiful to look at and fun to play and the ps3 is really at work. The game seems to handle transitions with ease and you can see the cell at work. 2k on the other hand can be a chopfest and it's really not optimized like that.

The player models in 2k aren't horrible like people say but it's obviously like they pasted models and more oldschool vs whatever teh show is doing which is amazing.

I still say 2k12 is a good baseball game this year. Yes 2k really needs to make their game more seamless, but it's getting there. The Show may be great but it's not without it's flaws.

The show really has the sound down as far as the bat and ball and swing animations are much more fluid and arcade like. It just feels rock solid, everything has perfect weight. 2k on the other hand has really good ambience imo. I also prefer the lighting in 2k.

2k also has a lot of sig stuff I dont see in the show. Especially with the fielding. I really prefer the fielding in 2k for some reason. I play with the royals and they have escobar and his animations spot on where in the Show he is more generic. I also like how in 2k it can really feel like an adventure sometimes on pop flies. Making grabs at the wall also is possible. 2k isnt without its flaws though with fielding. Fielders still slow down and dont seem to animate correctly at times. It's just not polished.

2k has fluid online play. The show does not.

the presentation gap has narrowed. The show used to really slow down on replays and I hated its presentation with that splash screen. But this year the presentation in the show is awesome. 2k still has those shots and camera angles that are really cool though. The show has some amazing ones too though. I think presentation is a wash.

If I had to choose one I'd go with the Show. It's amazing. No other game looks or plays like it. If you want a polished game and the latest and greatest you have to go with the show. I think they've done a great job adding fun controls and their presentation is a lot better. But I think 2k has its pluses and can be just as fun. 2k has its quirks and its not going to wow anyone at first glance. But i wouldnt say the game doesnt have wow moments. I've played them both and there are things in 2k's game as far as gameplay or just hitting that hit when you expect it that just make me say wow. There are times I look at the game and how it animates and its got that 2k flavor and some of the animations are really good too. Still video game like and not doign what the show is but I still really like it and it wows me.

[Money99]

Re: My thoughts on the two baseball games

If I had to choose one I'd go with the Show. It's amazing. No other game looks or plays like it. If you want a polished game and the latest and greatest you have to go with the show. I think they've done a great job adding fun controls and their presentation is a lot better. But I think 2k has its pluses and can be just as fun. 2k has its quirks and its not going to wow anyone at first glance. But i wouldnt say the game doesnt have wow moments. I've played them both and there are things in 2k's game as far as gameplay or just hitting that hit when you expect it that just make me say wow. There are times I look at the game and how it animates and its got that 2k flavor and some of the animations are really good too. Still video game like and not doign what the show is but I still really like it and it wows me.

Excellent breakdown of both games.
Both have something to offer and I think both games could learn a few things from one another.
Hopefully there's a 2K13, or if not, EA develops a game themselves. We need competition or else we get Madden.

[bayman]

Re: My thoughts on the two baseball games

You're right, there weren't an abundance of changes. But the upgrades they made resulted in an improved game; pitcher-hitter exchange (mix pitches, tendencies, etc), hit variety has improved (more pulled balls from outside pitches), better franchise AI (no more poor trades, FA's left available, etc), MLB Today, improvements to My Player, etc.

It's not a major upgrade, but honestly, tell me one sports game in the past 3 years that made huge leaps and bounds from one year to the next?
EA's NHL series has achieved many accolades and yet that game has made very small and subtle changes over the past 3 years. Same with Madden, NBA2K, etc, etc.

To be honest, outside of DD and new ball physics, The Show doesn't feel a lot different from '11 either.
There isn't one development team that has the kind of time and resources to make huge strides in a 12-month span.
Heck, look at Fight Night Champion. It had 2 years and the game felt like EA only spent 12 months on improvements.

Your entire response is the definition of selectiveness. DD and new ball physics by themselves are more than all the work that went into 2K12 but you keep pretending that those are the only upgrades and things little new hit and pitch mode, trubroadcast, full move support, don't exist. There is nothing worthwhile that was added to 2K12 that couldn't have been done in a patch for 2K11 except commentary which The Show also added. As for the patched items that you think made 2K12 worth $60. They improved trading by making them barely happen and only for crappy players when they do. For free agency, they fixed that by making any player worth anything resign with the same team. Are you seeing a pattern here and do you really believe these are fixes?

As for The Show, yes the game is far from perfect and there are many things that need adjusting (most pressingly the way the CPU values RPs and Cs) but at least their programmers tried to improve the game by putting real work in instead of just turning things off so they don't appear broken.

My original point is the same, no matter which game you like more the fact is one is a roster update and one is a genuine sequel that took many steps forward even if those steps weren't perfect. The main reason I have to point this out is for the vocal minority who have accused The Show of being a roster update since '10. What other sports games are doing is irrelevant to my point, but FYI, I haven't bought Madden since '06 because their direction doesn't impress me either.

[Money99]

Re: My thoughts on the two baseball games

Your entire response is the definition of selectiveness. DD and new ball physics by themselves are more than all the work that went into 2K12 but you keep pretending that those are the only upgrades and things little new hit and pitch mode, trubroadcast, full move support, don't exist. There is nothing worthwhile that was added to 2K12 that couldn't have been done in a patch for 2K11 except commentary which The Show also added. As for the patched items that you think made 2K12 worth $60. They improved trading by making them barely happen and only for crappy players when they do. For free agency, they fixed that by making any player worth anything resign with the same team. Are you seeing a pattern here and do you really believe these are fixes?

As for The Show, yes the game is far from perfect and there are many things that need adjusting (most pressingly the way the CPU values RPs and Cs) but at least their programmers tried to improve the game by putting real work in instead of just turning things off so they don't appear broken.

My original point is the same, no matter which game you like more the fact is one is a roster update and one is a genuine sequel that took many steps forward even if those steps weren't perfect. The main reason I have to point this out is for the vocal minority who have accused The Show of being a roster update since '10. What other sports games are doing is irrelevant to my point, but FYI, I haven't bought Madden since '06 because their direction doesn't impress me either.

Take your own advice. You're being selective as well.
Did you buy 2K12 and feel ripped-off? If you did, that's your own fault. I rented both games, liked 2K12 better, and now I'm only $60 out instead of $300.
For me, I noticed a difference with 2K12 in many ways. You can't always go by the back of the box. NHL12 had over 300 gameplay tweaks but you don't see them all listed do you?

You're having a great time with The Show. Awesome. Please continue to do so.
If you don't like 2K12, don't play it.
Others have been enjoying it so what do you care?
I'm still perplexed as to why someone would spend so much negative time going to a site to bash a game over and over and over - especially when they have an alternative selection that they do enjoy.
If 2K12 were the only baseball game out there, then yes, I'd see your point.
But you have the Show so take a sedative and enjoy the game you do like.

[pistolpete]

Re: My thoughts on the two baseball games

I wish people who only see 2k's graphics on 360 or ps3 could see them on a PC. The stadium back drops are stunning!

[bkrich83]

Re: My thoughts on the two baseball games

I wish people who only see 2k's graphics on 360 or ps3 could see them on a PC. The stadium back drops are stunning!

I've seen some pretty sweet mods out there too for things like real advertisements, etc.