Possible first review!! XBM - 6.5

[tmac55]

Re: Possible first review!! XBM - 6.5

I understand that some of the hardcore people on here like to edit games and that is cool by my books. I just really agree with some of the other posters in this thread who have said that every person likes a game for their own reasons. I have to be honest, I don't have the time, energy, or patience to edit pitch types, stances and whatever else was mentioned. So if that's going to be a game killer for you, then so be it.

VC said it was going to be a game that the casual gamer could pick up and play, and yes there are things missing, but in that regard they have delivered on their initial goals.

I am not defending VC by any means, but I think for the casual gamers out there, who just want to play baseball and have fun in the game, not being able to play an exhibition game and edit things, is not going to be a game killer. I really like the effort and a review isn't going to sway my purchase considering I have a 360, and could really care less about 'the other' system and game out there.

[Eddie1967]

Re: Possible first review!! XBM - 6.5

I think we all know why 2k continually gets a free pass.

Pass? 2k games never get a "pass". Every year their games are ripped to shreds even before they come out. It's really strange but despite the game omissions being bad for some, there is definitely something crazy that happens every year before a 2k game drops. APF, NBA 2K9 and NHL 2K9 are the best representations of those sports to date in a video game IMO. It was the same before those games came out, negative after negative after negative thread, funeral procession, mock death, blah blah blah, it really is depressing for those that may be looking forward to the game, I mean, look at all of the negative threads, I'm not saying this thread is wrong, it's accurate for those that care about those things, but man, if I had to go by some of the views here in the 2k forums I would never touch a 2k game. Fortunately, I like to try things myself regardless of what others say, but hey that's just me. I played the demo, it's looks and plays light years better than 2k8 IMO and I will be picking it up tuesday evening..............

[bkrich83]

Re: Possible first review!! XBM - 6.5

Pass? 2k games never get a "pass". Every year their games are ripped to shreds even before they come out. It's really strange but despite the game omissions being bad for some, there is definitely something crazy that happens every year before a 2k game drops. APF, NBA 2K9 and NHL 2K9 are the best representations of those sports to date in a video game IMO. It was the same before those games came out, negative after negative after negative thread, funeral procession, mock death, blah blah blah, it really is depressing for those that may be looking forward to the game, I mean, look at all of the negative threads, I'm not saying this thread is wrong, it's accurate for those that care about those things, but man, if I had to go by some of the views here in the 2k forums I would never touch a 2k game. Fortunately, I like to try things myself regardless of what others say, but hey that's just me. I played the demo, it's looks and plays light years better than 2k8 IMO and I will be picking it up tomorrow evening..............

BS. 2k gets a pass from the users around here every year. No matter what they spit out. Hypocrisy at it's finest.

[SoxFan01605]

Re: Possible first review!! XBM - 6.5

Pass? 2k games never get a "pass". Every year their games are ripped to shreds even before they come out. It's really strange but despite the game omissions being bad for some, there is definitely something crazy that happens every year before a 2k game drops. APF, NBA 2K9 and NHL 2K9 are the best representations of those sports to date in a video game IMO. It was the same before those games came out, negative after negative after negative thread, funeral procession, mock death, blah blah blah, it really is depressing, I mean, look at all of the negative threads, am I'm not saying this thread is wrong but man, if I had to go by some of the views here in the 2k forums I would never touch a 2k game. Fortunately, I like to try things myself regardless of what others say, but hey that's just me. I played the demo, it's looks and plays light years better than 2k8 IMO and I will be picking it up tomorrow evening..............

This is where you're wrong Eddie, and I think your slant comes into play...lol. 2K gets a ton of free passes simply on people's hate for EA alone.

APF got ripped by the general public becuase it was a shallow game overall. I agree, it played beautifully, but that wasn't the issue people had with the game. For those who loved 2K5, it felt like a cheap "let's make money off of that popularity" kind of deal. The reviews on this game were generally fair. The OS crowd actually liked it mostly, but the only game that hurts APF's reception is 2K5...another 2K game

NBA 2K9 is generally well received with praise by many. A lot of people go as far as to say it's the best sports game ever. The only knock this game gets in general is people feel it doesn't make enough strides each year (I'll wait patiently for you to refute that while you try to argue the same case against The Show...lol).

NHL 2K series was considered the best until EA finally did a few things right. Even now, people are split on this one. Until these recent ones (2K8 and 2K9) it wasn't even close. Despite EA's success, 2K hockey is still respected at least.

The only game that 2K gets blasted on is the MLB game. It might have something to do with it's lack of an identity or stable quality over it's lifespan on "next gen."

People don't bash 2K...people bash EA. 2k actually ends up getting a lot more leeway than it deserves simply because it's not EA. Unfortunately, the only reason the baseball games have gotten mediocre to poor reviews, is because it earns them.

Again, that doesn't mean 2K9 is horrible or nobody can like it. As I said, "pick-up-an-play players" (as you say you are) will likely enjoy it. That's fine. Maybe some more hardcore gamers will like it too. Also fine.

The design decision makes no sense though, as the stuff they are removing certainly don't hurt the casual player in any way.

Let's be honest, if this were Madden (and 2K baseball's new vision is matching Madden stride for stride over the last few years), people wouldn't let it get off so easy. EA is the one hated. 2K knows nothing of that level of hate...lol.

[jeffy777]

Re: Possible first review!! XBM - 6.5

BS. 2k gets a pass from the users around here every year. No matter what they spit out. Hypocrisy at it's finest.

I despised 2K8 and a lot of people on here felt the same way last year (I was a reader, but not a poster last year). I wouldn't say it got a free pass. Maybe some people gave it one, but a ton of people criticized it. And the same is already true for 2K9. It's not getting a free pass either.

[bkrich83]

Re: Possible first review!! XBM - 6.5

I think it goes back to ESPN NFL 2K5. Everyone's still expecting the second coming of that game from VC/2K and it won't be coming anytime soon. Since that game came out, 2K's been held at such a high standard.

Additionally, and I really hate to bring this up, but The Show series, essentially, has become the "ESPN 2K5" to 2K9's "Madden". In baseball, 2K isn't the underdog anymore. So, gamers (and 360 owners) have every right to complain about what they've been given because they see what the competition has done, while the exclusive license handler is scrambling to find out what to do.

Having played the full retail versions of both games, your analogy is very good. The difference between the two games is staggering.

[bkrich83]

Re: Possible first review!! XBM - 6.5

2K gets a ton of free passes simply on people's hate for EA alone.


People don't bash 2K...people bash EA. 2k actually ends up getting a lot more leeway than it deserves simply because it's not EA. Unfortunately, the only reason the baseball games have gotten mediocre to poor reviews, is because it earns them.

Again, that doesn't mean 2K9 is horrible or nobody can like it. As I said, "pick-up-an-play players" (as you say you are) will likely enjoy it. That's fine. Maybe some more hardcore gamers will like it too. Also fine.

The design decision makes no sense though, as the stuff they are removing certainly don't hurt the casual player in any way.

Let's be honest, if this were Madden (and 2K baseball's new vision is matching Madden stride for stride over the last few years), people wouldn't let it get off so easy. EA is the one hated. 2K knows nothing of that level of hate...lol.

Agreed on all fronts. EA deserves the majority of the criticism they get, for that there is no doubt, but it's time for 2k to be judged on it's own merit, not just on being "not EA".

[Scottdau]

Re: Possible first review!! XBM - 6.5

I will admit I love NFL2k5. So I have been a fan of 2k and I do love the hockey. I see the potential, so I am really to give them a pass on this game with all the missing things. I really liked 2k7 a lot. I just wish they went that route, but every body wants all these new innovations. I just want a game that plays real. That is all I care about. And that is really beautiful. I am a graphic whore too.

[Eddie1967]

Re: Possible first review!! XBM - 6.5

This is where you're wrong Eddie, and I think your slant comes into play...lol. 2K gets a ton of free passes simply on people's hate for EA alone.

I'm am a bit slanted.........

APF got ripped by the general public becuase it was a shallow game overall. I agree, it played beautifully, but that wasn't the issue people had with the game. For those who loved 2K5, it felt like a cheap "let's make money off of that popularity" kind of deal. The reviews on this game were generally fair. The OS crowd actually liked it mostly, but the only game that hurts APF's reception is 2K5...another 2K game

The only thing that hurt APF was not having NFL teams IMO. It's game play was light years ahead of 2k5. Everything about that game was better except for the presentation.

NBA 2K9 is generally well received with praise by many. A lot of people go as far as to say it's the best sports game ever. The only knock this game gets in general is people feel it doesn't make enough strides each year (I'll wait patiently for you to refute that while you try to argue the same case against The Show...lol).

Like people who have the show say often, "if it ain't broke don't fix it" Why mess with perfection? I would never go against the show even though I haven't spent any real time with it. 99 percent of the views on that side of the forum are positive so it's hard to argue with that.

NHL 2K series was considered the best until EA finally did a few things right. Even now, people are split on this one. Until these recent ones (2K8 and 2K9) it wasn't even close. Despite EA's success, 2K hockey is still respected at least.

2k hockey was killed pre release, and I think I have the infractions to prove it, lol. Seriously it was ripped for missing things that EA's game still doesn't have and yet it was the first year for VC and they did an outstanding job IMO.

The only game that 2K gets blasted on is the MLB game. It might have something to do with it's lack of an identity or stable quality over it's lifespan on "next gen."

I disagree that MLB is the only game that gets blasted but I agree with the lack of identity. I'm not sure it had that deep of a following compared to say MVP and now the show.


Let's be honest, if this were Madden (and 2K baseball's new vision is matching Madden stride for stride over the last few years), people wouldn't let it get off so easy. EA is the one hated. 2K knows nothing of that level of hate...lol.

See this is where I totally disagree, I wish we could pull up some of the pre release threads for NBA/NHL 2K9 it was a blood bath. EA has earned their hatred, Madden has been pitiful and still hasn't surpassed 2k5.

And let's not forget some of the horrible reviews some 2k games have received from 1up, etc. I'm sorry but there has never been a 2k game that is unplayable.........

[bkrich83]

Re: Possible first review!! XBM - 6.5

. I'm sorry but there has never been a 2k game that is unplayable.........

MLB FOM, MLB2k6 and their entire college football series. Try again. And thanks for proving my point.

[bkrich83]

Re: Possible first review!! XBM - 6.5

I will admit I love NFL2k5. So I have been a fan of 2k and I do love the hockey. I see the potential, so I am really to give them a pass on this game with all the missing things. I really liked 2k7 a lot. I just wish they went that route, but every body wants all these new innovations. I just want a game that plays real. That is all I care about. And that is really beautiful. I am a graphic whore too.

I loved 2k5 as well. But it's sort of like MVP baseball, people remember it being better than it really was, due to the circumstances around the way it was killed.

[Scottdau]

Re: Possible first review!! XBM - 6.5

I loved 2k5 as well. But it's sort of like MVP baseball, people remember it being better than it really was, due to the circumstances around the way it was killed.

2k5 had its problems, but it did a lot right. And that is the first game that realized that presentation goes a long. To me that is what made that game so great. That is what I loved about APF. I was never really into MVP. I need more presentation and graphics. This seems like a fair grade. I think it is about a 7. I played it at my friends house the retail version. I like it, but there were little quirks that bug me.

[Eddie1967]

Re: Possible first review!! XBM - 6.5

MLB FOM, MLB2k6 and their entire college football series. Try again. And thanks for proving my point.

So because I don't think a 2k game is unplayable that proves your point? Weird logic but ok, it's your world. That's just the way it is, sorry.

[bkrich83]

Re: Possible first review!! XBM - 6.5

So because I don't think a 2k game is unplayable that proves your point? I'm sure that is something you like that know one could change your mind about? That's just the way it is, sorry.

Actually it proves my point about 2k getting a free pass. Certain people here have some sort of lame agenda and complete dedication and blind devotion to a corporation that could care less whether they lived or died. I don't get it.

There is no excuse for 2k's baseball efforts in the next gen genre. Yet they get free pass after free pass and excuse after excuse from people like you. If this game was made by EA, with the problems it has, and has had since it's inception, it would be getting BLASTED by many of these same people making excuses for it.

as far as a 2k game never being unplayable. That's no where near being accurate, if you are even remotely unbiased. 2k developers themselves were embarrassed by the college football series.

[bigfnjoe96]

Re: Possible first review!! XBM - 6.5

This over ambitious project just falls flat on it's face. Plain & Simple. There's no if's, and or buts about it. This game is more unpolished than it is polished.

I have played the crap-out of this game since Friday Night & the reality is this game feels broken. Players morphing thru each other. Players sliding instead of walking.

During 1 cut scene of a pitching change, half the manager's body is basically in sucked into the ground as he Moon Walks across the screen.. WTF.

Same Moon Walk scene happen while a player was going back into the dugout after making an out..

I started a thread when VC confirmed IE was tied directly into Player Ratings basically saying this feature would make or break the game. Well right now OTB it seems that the IE feature is still broken. Especially when it comes to determining the outcome for the AI Offense.

Not being able to removed on-screen stuff screams Pick-up & Play. This really annoys me because the fan base of this game are not just Pick-Up & Play people but hardcore baseball fans who love the Simulation Aspect of baseball game.

The removing of how much control we have of the game in reference to Editing, Adjusting & Tweaking is UNACCEPTABLE.

Yes there will be work-arounds found (using 2 controllers during Play Now Mode allows for adjusting the AI Line-up & Pitching) but why should we experiment just to find these work-around when a lot of these features were already in the game..

Listen people the game is what it is...

An Unfinished, Unpolished 1st year game that unfortunately is not worth the price of admission. So I would warn everyone to go into your purchase with that mind-set, so you won't be so disappointed.

Also expect scores ranging 5-7 from various outlets. Not even a great new commentary & a refreshing new presentation can hide the problems the game has..

Carry-On