After a rocky start, I have settled into some nice settings and I am very happy to have chosen ASB as my horsehide game this year. I plan to get a lot of hours in with it.
Unfortunately, all gamers are not patient, and ASB could really do their sales department some favors by addressing a few things to make it more user friendly out of the box.
1. Graphical glitches. As an old time gamer, I really don't mind the crouch. But in 2004, it does make the game look primative, and it is immediately noticable. The 90 degree outfield bounces and vacuum grabs (classic cam) are another thing that I can live with (certainly worth the great things that ASB does), but probably don't do much for the guy renting ASB. The problem is that these flaws are quickly apparent, while the great things like Wrigley bleacher bums throwing back a visitor home run may not be discovered for many hours.
2. The other big problem I see for newbies, is that there isn't a good level for intermediate players. Most agree that timing & zone hitting are too easy, and cursors are too challenging. Pitching is another problem for moderate baseball fans. If you don't really understand what pitches should be thrown where, ASB is going to eat you up. They either need to add a pitching tutorial, or make a level where you might be able to get away with that curve up in the zone. ASB vets always say to practice, but I don't think that most gamers have that kind of patience.
I am not trying to complain, I just think it is a shame that some gamers are turned off by ASB before really appreciating the things that make this such a good game.
Unfortunately, all gamers are not patient, and ASB could really do their sales department some favors by addressing a few things to make it more user friendly out of the box.
1. Graphical glitches. As an old time gamer, I really don't mind the crouch. But in 2004, it does make the game look primative, and it is immediately noticable. The 90 degree outfield bounces and vacuum grabs (classic cam) are another thing that I can live with (certainly worth the great things that ASB does), but probably don't do much for the guy renting ASB. The problem is that these flaws are quickly apparent, while the great things like Wrigley bleacher bums throwing back a visitor home run may not be discovered for many hours.
2. The other big problem I see for newbies, is that there isn't a good level for intermediate players. Most agree that timing & zone hitting are too easy, and cursors are too challenging. Pitching is another problem for moderate baseball fans. If you don't really understand what pitches should be thrown where, ASB is going to eat you up. They either need to add a pitching tutorial, or make a level where you might be able to get away with that curve up in the zone. ASB vets always say to practice, but I don't think that most gamers have that kind of patience.
I am not trying to complain, I just think it is a shame that some gamers are turned off by ASB before really appreciating the things that make this such a good game.