Is this better than 2K8?

[rodriggo]

Point blank, is this worth buying?
I am happy with 2K8, is this big enough of a leap?
Not trying to hate on this game, just want some honest opinions on this years game.

Is pitching too easy this year?
Is hitting more/less challenging? Is the batter's eye more like 2K7 or 2K8?
Is the game still fundamentally fun or is it too glitchy and slow to get out of it's own way?

Just wondering.

[adayinthelife]

Re: Is this better than 2K8?

I really like it thus far, probably the best baseball game on 360 yet. Having said that, I thought 2k7 was just ok and I didn't like 2k8 at all.. I'd grab the demo first if possible.

[rodriggo]

Re: Is this better than 2K8?

good idea. Why didn't you like 2K8?

[adayinthelife]

Re: Is this better than 2K8?

I wasn't a fan of the new control scheme and it just didn't seem like a large enough update from 2k7 (which didn't seem very "next gen" to me) considering I was going to be using the classic controls.

The default controls in 2k9 are basically a dumbed-down version of 2k8's but I quite enjoy them. As far as I know you still have the option of classic controls as well as a set similar if not identical to 2k8's. All of the graphical work and the presentation overall in 2k9 has been totally redone and I think they did quite a good job.

[Scooter3]

Re: Is this better than 2K8?

YES!

[rodriggo]

Re: Is this better than 2K8?

Cool. Good to know. Definitely gonna check it out now.

[huntt26]

Re: Is this better than 2K8?

Game is easily better than 2k8.. the only real advantage that I think 2k8 had was after you pitch, it tells you how good you did with the pitching motion with the analog stick.

Graphics in 2k9 are WAY better, framerate is better, default batting seems easier, but you can definitely make it harder with cursor batting, pitching is improved.. the only issue i've seen after playing several games is that the outfielders move really slow sometimes for no reason.

oh, and commentary is leaps and bounds better than last year.

[Bruin26]

Re: Is this better than 2K8?

I really like it thus far, probably the best baseball game on 360 yet.

Definitely agree with this. If you are a 360 only player then this is by far the best baseball game we have had. It is definitely a good start considering all they had to fix from last season. I know a lot of people here don't like when they do things to make it easier for the non hardcore player, but that is the kind of thing needed for them to maximize their sales I think. Either way I think they have a nice balance as far as that goes. The changes to the swing stick have made me stay with it when I hated it last year. Just didn't feel right anytime I used it. I admist a large part of that is because I suck and I have some health issues that make me even worse, so it might not be for the hardcore players we have here that always play on the hardest levels. I can't anymore, but like adayinthelife said, this is the best baseball game so far on the 360.

Should make next years really good considering VC is now the developers working on the game. They seem a lot more interested in dealing with the issues and not just ignoring them as well compared to the last few years.

[croc500]

Re: Is this better than 2K8?

I was wondering this as well. I actually had fund with 2k8 the little I got to play it. I havent bought 2k9 and am trying to decide, but here are some factors for me:

1) I recently moved and no longer have internet access to obtain the update.
2) I read they only the AAA and MLB teams are playable this year. I liked playing my AA team.

[HK-47]

Re: Is this better than 2K8?

I was wondering this as well. I actually had fund with 2k8 the little I got to play it. I havent bought 2k9 and am trying to decide, but here are some factors for me:

1) I recently moved and no longer have internet access to obtain the update.
2) I read they only the AAA and MLB teams are playable this year. I liked playing my AA team.

If you don't have internet access, I wouldn't get it, cause you won't be able to download the patch that fixes a huge franchise bug, where star players remain free agents for years.

I have internet access and I still ain't getting this game.They took out so many good things that were in 2k8.Plus the A.I hacks at ANYTHING in the zone, and they can't hit curveballs either.According to a poster on the 2k forums, he pitched a perfect game throwing nothing but curveballs.

If you like to edit players, you'll hate this game, cause you can't edit batting stances and pitcher deliveries...It's generic stance city!

[onlybygrace]

Re: Is this better than 2K8?

If you want it for cheap, go buy The Show for PS2 for just 29.99 and send it to me.

Then I'll send you my 2k9.

[Sedihawk2K5]

Re: Is this better than 2K8?

Call me crazy but I am sticking with 2k8. 2k8 is a bad word around here.....but I don't care what others say. I know that after the patch, the right sliders and installing it to the HD it plays good enough for me.

But you are right, they took too much out of 2k9. Just guessing, but it is almost like they were so set on achieving a frame rate that is superior that they scrapped some things we didn't want removed! I have only played the 2k9 demos on the 360 and PS3, but it is enough that I know 2k9 isn't for me. I know as gamers we can't have everything, but still. We have been able to edit things like stances and deliveries for years, on all platforms. I am still very surprised they took it out.

I bought the other game on Tuesday, and for my 2k fix it will be 2k8 and 2k7 this year.

[Smitty730]

Re: Is this better than 2K8?

It's a better game than the last two editions, but you need to do some slider tweaking. I recommend the game to 360 users.

In order to enjoy the game, like I said, you need to do some adjusting with the sliders. The big complaint is CPU aggression at the plate, but THAT CAN BE FIXED to some extent. Believe me, I've had some good pitch counts with my starting pitchers and have gotten plenty of strikeouts without the CPU hacking away.

This game is all about painting the corners and, to some extent, purposely throwing balls. If your intention is to throw fastballs down the middle of the plate, hoping for a quick game, then you won't have fun.

My overall gameplay score is 8/10 at this point.

[HK-47]

Re: Is this better than 2K8?

This game is all about painting the corners and, to some extent, purposely throwing balls. If your intention is to throw fastballs down the middle of the plate, hoping for a quick game, then you won't have fun.

The corners aren't always painted in real baseball.2k9's batter A.I is broke...That's all that can be said.

I don't know why so many praise 2k9, but bash 2k8.2K8 did have a big issue with the lack of A.I steals, but that isn't nearly as bad as the A.I hackers of 2k9.