Bring the fun back seems to be 2k's theme & since VC

[Blitzburgh]

is developing this game too (NHL 2k9) I wonder if that is the direction they will go? NHL 2k9 online team play is a blast and I think it would be cool as hell if they had that mode for a baseball game.

Can we get a little update since playoffs are just around the corner?

[withauthority]

Re: Bring the fun back seems to be 2k's theme & since VC

The fun?

[Damanjinx]

Re: Bring the fun back seems to be 2k's theme & since VC

Well i have mixed feelings right now about 2k. If Nhl2k9 is the foundation of what MLB2k9 is going to be then i will be somewhat happy, ill explain. I have NHL 2k9 the thing is im really not a die hard hockey fan and i look for a little more arcady version of hockey and i dont know the all the players faces and stances and the way they stick handle. But looking at them from a artistic standpoint look like trash. But it doesnt bother me, But baseball i am diehard about and though i dont mind a little arcady i want to see stances, faces, and smooth animations, were NHL fails not that its a bad game, just i look for those things. If MLB 2k9 can honestly say hell with the graphics and worry about that in MLB2k10 and focus on new menu and presentation and gameplay only, screw the modes, get the 60fps or 30fps anything solid and constant and get the gameplay smooth i think alot of people will dismiss the graphics. Its when you dont have any dept that is stable is what gets people upset.

[jbishop1702]

Re: Bring the fun back seems to be 2k's theme & since VC

I'm a bit concerned too. Game Informer gave NHL 2K9 a 6.75-7.0 review, stating lifeless commentary... sounds like the lifeless crowds that already exist in MLB.

If NHL's flop-age is any indication of what is to come from the MLB series, this could be a long year head of us.

[ezekiel55]

Re: Bring the fun back seems to be 2k's theme & since VC

I'm a bit concerned too. Game Informer gave NHL 2K9 a 6.75-7.0 review, stating lifeless commentary... sounds like the lifeless crowds that already exist in MLB.

If NHL's flop-age is any indication of what is to come from the MLB series, this could be a long year head of us.

NHL 2k9 is actually a great game...in fact the the atmosphere in the game is one of the best I've ever heard. The crowd is dynamic and they cheer appropriately, and in the playoffs they become more intense.

While the announcers dont get as excited as the guys from the other game, their comments are much more intuitive and in-depth.

You shouldnt trust reviews from the mags or the big sites...either rent it or do some research on OS, we've got some pretty knowlegable people here...dont knock it til ya try it.

[Blitzburgh]

Re: Bring the fun back seems to be 2k's theme & since VC

NHL 2k9 is actually a great game...in fact the the atmosphere in the game is one of the best I've ever heard. The crowd is dynamic and they cheer appropriately, and in the playoffs they become more intense.

While the announcers dont get as excited as the guys from the other game, their comments are much more intuitive and in-depth.

You shouldnt trust reviews from the mags or the big sites...either rent it or do some research on OS, we've got some pretty knowlegable people here...dont knock it til ya try it.

I couldn't agree more with you! I was really on the fence this year and I enjoyed both demos but I decided to go with NHL 2k9 and I'm glad I did. It plays a very good game of hockey and the presentation really makes it more fun. The other hockey is a good game too but it lack that element to me.

[Brave22]

Re: Bring the fun back seems to be 2k's theme & since VC

The NHL 2K series has been pointless for about 3-4 years now...

Its not even close to being able to compare it to EA's game...

So I hope we're not holding out for something along those lines...

If we're wanting to hope for a similiar 2K game, I would look to basketball....both the college and NBA 2K games seem to blow EA's out of the water every single year and the college game did since its inception (even though there won't be one this yr :-()

Hopefully they incorporate most aspects we have discussed in the developer forum....add a few things similiar to MLB 08, MVP, and ASB, and put the 2K touch on it...

A great game is not necessarily all about the frame rate or game modes, its about the true depth of the game and likeness to a "real" baseball game that will have everyone digging in their pockets and rushing to the stores to buy it...

Just look at what has happened w/ Sony and the MLB series...ppl are actually buying PS3's just simply for that game....now THAT is amazing!

[baa7]

Re: Bring the fun back seems to be 2k's theme & since VC

The NHL 2K series has been pointless for about 3-4 years now...

Its not even close to being able to compare it to EA's game...

As far as graphics and player models go, you're correct. As far as sim gameplay and depth is concerned, you're completely wrong. As much as I enjoy playing NHL 09, it's a child's toy compared to NHL 2K9. It's designed for kids, whereas 2K is designed for older gamers who understand the nuances of the sport.

The same holds true for the 2K baseball series, although not to the same degree. The pitching system in 2K8 was implemented to give older, knowledgable gamers a challenge. But the stick movement is just too convoluted IMO, and should have been implemented differently -- in conjunction with the pitcher's movements, not the individual pitches themselves. Same holds true for the step influence system -- a briilliant addition to video baseball. But then they totally screwed up by eliminating zone hitting, and going with a brain-dead timing-only system.

[Damanjinx]

Re: Bring the fun back seems to be 2k's theme & since VC

Well, the problem is the baseball was fun and i hold that term loosily, it was a little fast past which is good cause baseball is boring sometimes and MLB 08 is such a true sim sometimes it does get boring, its not a bad thing its just baseball. But 2k is soooo far in the gutter i cannot possibly expect anything this year, im actually hoping to see a PS3 price drop this year so maybe i can pick it up next year for MLB 09. THe Point is there is Soooo much wrong with this game from graphics to gameplay to sound to presentation they have a awesome pitching mechanics and models but thats it once the game starts moving Ugh it is a desaster. For one the only way to "Bring the fun back into Baseball" is have the developers watch baseball for and start completely from scratch and hope we get a game worthy of a baseball title.

[Brave22]

Re: Bring the fun back seems to be 2k's theme & since VC

For one the only way to "Bring the fun back into Baseball" is have the developers watch baseball for and start completely from scratch and hope we get a game worthy of a baseball title.

I couldn't agree w/ you more!

[Stroehms]

Re: Bring the fun back seems to be 2k's theme & since VC

MLB 2k needs to straighten up the Graphics and the player models (something is barely off). You see what happened with MLB 2k8, is that we all were on the high horse because Brinkman (MVP Series) was developing it and supposed to be our savior. He didn't have the resources to do so. So hopefully this is they year.

[bakesalee]

Re: Bring the fun back seems to be 2k's theme & since VC

Seriously though, let's hope it's fun above any and every other wish regarding the game.

[EWRMETS]

Re: Bring the fun back seems to be 2k's theme & since VC

As far as graphics and player models go, you're correct. As far as sim gameplay and depth is concerned, you're completely wrong. As much as I enjoy playing NHL 09, it's a child's toy compared to NHL 2K9. It's designed for kids, whereas 2K is designed for older gamers who understand the nuances of the sport.

The same holds true for the 2K baseball series, although not to the same degree. The pitching system in 2K8 was implemented to give older, knowledgable gamers a challenge. But the stick movement is just too convoluted IMO, and should have been implemented differently -- in conjunction with the pitcher's movements, not the individual pitches themselves. Same holds true for the step influence system -- a briilliant addition to video baseball. But then they totally screwed up by eliminating zone hitting, and going with a brain-dead timing-only system.

The 2k baseball series has been an utter disaster since they got the exclusive license. I don't know what you are talking about their target being older, knowledgeable gamers. Older, knowledgable baseball fans know that baseball has walks and that pitch counts reach 100.

[Salhus]

Re: Bring the fun back seems to be 2k's theme & since VC

Isn't it funny how the best football game is no longer being made (ESPN 2K5) AND the best baseball game is no longer being made (MVP 05) All because of licenses and what not. Just so funny

[baa7]

Re: Bring the fun back seems to be 2k's theme & since VC

I don't know what you are talking about their target being older, knowledgeable gamers.

No question the pitching system was developed with older gamers in mind. Tell me how many kids would want to take the time to learn that? Same applies to the swing stick/step-influence hitting system, which IMO is the best innovation in baseball video gaming in many years. Again, not for the kiddies: too complex.

Same applied to their hockey series last year. Kush created a complex, PES-like system for shooting and passing, which many gamers never took to. Meanwhile, EA's simplistic game was a huge hit with the gaming masses -- the "gaming masses" being kids, primarily.