I am still awaiting ESPN, whih I loved last year, but here are my main reasons ASB rocks, is the best game thus far, and will, I believe, be the best game overall:
(1) This morning/afternoon, I played three games as the Pirates versus the Cubs, with Maddux pitching for the Cubs. Lost first game 3-1; won second game 7-4; lost third game 6-2. Maddux held me down in two of the games, but I was able to score some runs in the other. I've seen "consistent variation" like this since I've begun playing the game, and it's simply awesome. If you go up against a good pitcher, you'll struggle most of the time, but every once in a while, you can break through.
(2) I draw a couple walks a game on average, and walk the CPU at about the same rate, even without having generated counts. You can work the count, and, at times, the CPU is patient at the plate. This leads to higher pitch counts, more runners on base, and more scoring opportunities.
(3) Corey Patterson had one of the best drag bunts against me I've ever seen. Beautiful animation, and placed it right in the triangle between the 1B, 2B, and pitcher. Awesome.
(4) The CPU steals; it's successful sometimes, unsuccessful others, and seems to try to run at the "right" times.
(5) I've seen the CPU get thrown out trying to take the extra base and score. Would like to see more offline throws, and more risk taking by the CPU, but it's more than adequate the way it is.
(6) It's possible to generate runs. Bunting, hitting to the right side, sac flies, etc., generally work the way they should.
(7) I play with the 2D cursor, and hit variety is good. Also, I don't always have to try to hit home runs. I just aim and swing, and the hits come as they may.
There are other things, but these are what I am thinking of at the moment. The biggest things for me are that the game (1) is fun; (2) plays like baseball; (3) does not seem to be scripted; (4) has realistic variation in results; and (5) appears not to have any major things broken (as with MVP).
All-in-all, I am very satisfied, and I am happy with the game. I was not happy with last year's version, but with the changes Acclaim made, this game is solid.
(1) This morning/afternoon, I played three games as the Pirates versus the Cubs, with Maddux pitching for the Cubs. Lost first game 3-1; won second game 7-4; lost third game 6-2. Maddux held me down in two of the games, but I was able to score some runs in the other. I've seen "consistent variation" like this since I've begun playing the game, and it's simply awesome. If you go up against a good pitcher, you'll struggle most of the time, but every once in a while, you can break through.
(2) I draw a couple walks a game on average, and walk the CPU at about the same rate, even without having generated counts. You can work the count, and, at times, the CPU is patient at the plate. This leads to higher pitch counts, more runners on base, and more scoring opportunities.
(3) Corey Patterson had one of the best drag bunts against me I've ever seen. Beautiful animation, and placed it right in the triangle between the 1B, 2B, and pitcher. Awesome.
(4) The CPU steals; it's successful sometimes, unsuccessful others, and seems to try to run at the "right" times.
(5) I've seen the CPU get thrown out trying to take the extra base and score. Would like to see more offline throws, and more risk taking by the CPU, but it's more than adequate the way it is.
(6) It's possible to generate runs. Bunting, hitting to the right side, sac flies, etc., generally work the way they should.
(7) I play with the 2D cursor, and hit variety is good. Also, I don't always have to try to hit home runs. I just aim and swing, and the hits come as they may.
There are other things, but these are what I am thinking of at the moment. The biggest things for me are that the game (1) is fun; (2) plays like baseball; (3) does not seem to be scripted; (4) has realistic variation in results; and (5) appears not to have any major things broken (as with MVP).
All-in-all, I am very satisfied, and I am happy with the game. I was not happy with last year's version, but with the changes Acclaim made, this game is solid.
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