Hopefully I'm not jumping the gun, but I believe now is the time to propose changes to this series that we (the sim community) want implemented. Let's face it, there are numerous options missing in MLB 2k9, and many improvements need to be made before this game can be truly excellent. Now, I realize everyone is awaiting a patch to fix AI hitter aggressiveness and some of the other issues such as first basemen being pulled off the bag. I'm under the assumption, possibly naively, that a patch will be released that addresses the larger problems in 2k9. This thread is NOT for obvious bugs present in the current game, nor is it intended to be an outlet for complaints or impressions of 2k9. There is a thread for impressions already stickied.
Anyway, onto my wishes for Visual Concepts:
1) During my playtime with 2k9, it's become abundantly clear that the progressively lighting system is poorly implemented. I started a sunny 1 o'clock game and it was dark by the sixth inning. That's just silly. I'd rather not have progression at all than have it completely broken. One of the earlier games (either 2k5 or 2k7) had the progression and shadows right, and it looked great. Not sure what happened here, but it'd be nice if it were fixed. I know Blzer is the biggest proponent of this, and I wholeheartedly agree with him. It adds so much atmosphere to the game. VC, please bring progressive lighting back in its proper form.
2) Active scoreboards.
3) For the love of god, do NOT mess with the hitting system or remove cursor (zone) hitting. I repeat, DON'T remove it. It's awesome just the way it is. Please don't feel the need to "improve" it or tinker with it or install some new-fangled hitting device. The current zone system feels perfect.
4) The presentation is wonderful, and I'm sure you guys are working on the kinks, but I've seen some strange stuff happen. It might be amusing to see Joe Girardi skate through the dugout fence while making his way to the steps for a mound visit, but it gets old fast. Also, what's up with the camera panning to open field for a few seconds? I suppose it expects a player to be there or something. Happens at least once a game.
That's all for now. Please don't take these complaints as nitpicking or whining. I'd just like to see obvious issues get addressed in next years game. Currently, 2k9 has a ton of promise, but it's held back by a couple giant chains. With a patch to fix the AI aggressiveness, 2k9 will be highly playable. It's already a blast. But we don't want a good game, we want a GREAT game! Thanks, and I hope everyone else adds their own suggestions.
Anyway, onto my wishes for Visual Concepts:
1) During my playtime with 2k9, it's become abundantly clear that the progressively lighting system is poorly implemented. I started a sunny 1 o'clock game and it was dark by the sixth inning. That's just silly. I'd rather not have progression at all than have it completely broken. One of the earlier games (either 2k5 or 2k7) had the progression and shadows right, and it looked great. Not sure what happened here, but it'd be nice if it were fixed. I know Blzer is the biggest proponent of this, and I wholeheartedly agree with him. It adds so much atmosphere to the game. VC, please bring progressive lighting back in its proper form.
2) Active scoreboards.
3) For the love of god, do NOT mess with the hitting system or remove cursor (zone) hitting. I repeat, DON'T remove it. It's awesome just the way it is. Please don't feel the need to "improve" it or tinker with it or install some new-fangled hitting device. The current zone system feels perfect.
4) The presentation is wonderful, and I'm sure you guys are working on the kinks, but I've seen some strange stuff happen. It might be amusing to see Joe Girardi skate through the dugout fence while making his way to the steps for a mound visit, but it gets old fast. Also, what's up with the camera panning to open field for a few seconds? I suppose it expects a player to be there or something. Happens at least once a game.
That's all for now. Please don't take these complaints as nitpicking or whining. I'd just like to see obvious issues get addressed in next years game. Currently, 2k9 has a ton of promise, but it's held back by a couple giant chains. With a patch to fix the AI aggressiveness, 2k9 will be highly playable. It's already a blast. But we don't want a good game, we want a GREAT game! Thanks, and I hope everyone else adds their own suggestions.