MLB 2K11 Preview GameZone

[jeffy777]

Re: MLB 2K11 Preview GameZone

I know this info is largely repeated, but the little bit we've seen is encouraging IMO (focus on basics, game play, animations, etc...things that needed the most work).

I'm willing to bet that the reason there isn't much new info being released is because there actually isn't much new info to hand out (which doesn't have to be a bad thing if they are indeed focused on fixing things). I'm perfectly content with them offering no real flash and focusing on substance...a welcome shift over some of their previous attempts.

Besides, any info (repeated or otherwise) will be almost pointless at this point anyway. IMO, there's very little 2K can do other than toss a gameplay video out there when they feel they're ready (no sense in doing it with a build that's too early so people can swoop down upon it...lol). I think most of us want to see the game in motion and then get a grasp on the "feel" of it before we can get too excited anyway. No amount of articles or previews will accomplish that.

I imagine some gameplay footage isn't too far away.

Good post. My thoughts exactly, except you said it better than I could

And yes, more info is coming soon. We all know 2K likes to save the good stuff for the last month. Ron said on Twitter that he just did some proof-reading/editing on a Developer Insight, so we should see it this coming week.

[dodgerblue]

Re: MLB 2K11 Preview GameZone

Is is true that they are paying a million dollars to the first person who throws a perfect game?


No? it must have been just a rumor.

[CubFan23]

Re: MLB 2K11 Preview GameZone

Is is true that they are paying a million dollars to the first person who throws a perfect game?


No? it must have been just a rumor.

They had the same promotion last year

[mrsalsays]

Re: MLB 2K11 Preview GameZone

This shot of Castro looks absolutely sick:



I don't see any dirt on his uniform though, assuming he laid out to get this ball. You can't really see the front of his jersey though and it might be an early build, but everything else looks good otherwise.

I dont see anything that would make me assume he dove for the ball. Seems like he reached for it and is throwing semi offbalance.

[HealyMonster]

Re: MLB 2K11 Preview GameZone

You know I hate to be "That guy" but am I off here?

The "MLB2k season kicks off with the executives of 2k saying they "most likey wont renew the license because the game isnt profitable enough."

they then announce their big features are "1 million dollar perfect game thing is returning, we fixed our broke fielding, and we have pin-point pitching, which if I am not mistaken they are wording it so that it sounds like something change but every preview I read it says its the "same as last year".


I see nothing leading me to believe this game has made any improvements, yet I see the same people saying things like "it looks like they focused on the basics" and running around trying to will this game to be good or something. Im not trying to call anyone out or make a statement against any individuals, but perhaps you guys can explain to me what you are seeing that I am not. Like I listed above, I dont even think 2k really cares about this game so Im not sure I expect anything to really come of it. I feel like in a year or 2 this game will have the same fate of college hoops. The writing is on the wall if you look for it is it not?

[Blzer]

Re: MLB 2K11 Preview GameZone

I dont see anything that would make me assume he dove for the ball. Seems like he reached for it and is throwing semi offbalance.

You might be right. I was guessing he was on his knees for this throw. Probably an incorrect assumption.

[Ollienyy]

Re: MLB 2K11 Preview GameZone

You know I hate to be "That guy" but am I off here?

The "MLB2k season kicks off with the executives of 2k saying they "most likey wont renew the license because the game isnt profitable enough."

they then announce their big features are "1 million dollar perfect game thing is returning, we fixed our broke fielding, and we have pin-point pitching, which if I am not mistaken they are wording it so that it sounds like something change but every preview I read it says its the "same as last year".


I see nothing leading me to believe this game has made any improvements, yet I see the same people saying things like "it looks like they focused on the basics" and running around trying to will this game to be good or something. Im not trying to call anyone out or make a statement against any individuals, but perhaps you guys can explain to me what you are seeing that I am not. Like I listed above, I dont even think 2k really cares about this game so Im not sure I expect anything to really come of it. I feel like in a year or 2 this game will have the same fate of college hoops. The writing is on the wall if you look for it is it not?

We obviously won't know fully until we have members with the final copy in their hands but when they say the same as last year I think they mean the basics of hitting, visuals etc with a few improvements. No huge new modes (ala something along the lines of MLB Today or new way to pitch) or starting the game from scratch. But the big thing will be the fielding changes (which I am psyched for) and the improvements to pitching.

I hope that we get a less buggy version (I enjoyed 2k10 alot, in fact I'm still playing the my player mode) and if the excellent commentary (which ranks with VC's NBA title as being the best video game commentary around IMO) is improved then I am hoping we get an enjoyable game of baseball.

And as was pointed out to me in a hostile post by another forum member, just because the exclusive deal with MLB will end, doesn't mean VC will stop making games of the best sport in the world.

[Pared]

Re: MLB 2K11 Preview GameZone

You know I hate to be "That guy" but am I off here?

The "MLB2k season kicks off with the executives of 2k saying they "most likey wont renew the license because the game isnt profitable enough."

they then announce their big features are "1 million dollar perfect game thing is returning, we fixed our broke fielding, and we have pin-point pitching, which if I am not mistaken they are wording it so that it sounds like something change but every preview I read it says its the "same as last year".


I see nothing leading me to believe this game has made any improvements, yet I see the same people saying things like "it looks like they focused on the basics" and running around trying to will this game to be good or something. Im not trying to call anyone out or make a statement against any individuals, but perhaps you guys can explain to me what you are seeing that I am not. Like I listed above, I dont even think 2k really cares about this game so Im not sure I expect anything to really come of it. I feel like in a year or 2 this game will have the same fate of college hoops. The writing is on the wall if you look for it is it not?

How about you use the same exact logic... only the other way around:

What makes you think VC DOESN'T care about this game?

They are using the same exact formula here that they used for their basketball title - far and away considered one of the best sports games available... ever. Would you say they don't care about their basketball game?

I don't understand how anything in this preview brought a comment such as that one on.

[PVarck31]

Re: MLB 2K11 Preview GameZone

With the very little amount of info released so far it sounds mostly positive to me. It also sounds like gameplay has been given top priority. Fixing fielding is so huge for this series. Fielding is my favorite aspect in baseball games and up to this point it has been horrendous in 2k baseball. There is also a noticeable graphics upgrade. The pitching has been made tougher, and I think I remember them saying they ripped out all the old animations and put in new ones.

Who knows if all this will make a great game, but I don't see how anyone could say its the same old stuff. So far anyway.

[SoxFan01605]

Re: MLB 2K11 Preview GameZone

You know I hate to be "That guy" but am I off here?

The "MLB2k season kicks off with the executives of 2k saying they "most likey wont renew the license because the game isnt profitable enough."

they then announce their big features are "1 million dollar perfect game thing is returning, we fixed our broke fielding, and we have pin-point pitching, which if I am not mistaken they are wording it so that it sounds like something change but every preview I read it says its the "same as last year".


I see nothing leading me to believe this game has made any improvements, yet I see the same people saying things like "it looks like they focused on the basics" and running around trying to will this game to be good or something. Im not trying to call anyone out or make a statement against any individuals, but perhaps you guys can explain to me what you are seeing that I am not. Like I listed above, I dont even think 2k really cares about this game so Im not sure I expect anything to really come of it. I feel like in a year or 2 this game will have the same fate of college hoops. The writing is on the wall if you look for it is it not?

Well, I'll assume this is directed primarily at my post since I think I'm the only one who said that here (though the running around part is wholly inaccurate...I'm a fatty now and would lose my breath if I tried that).

I don't believe I've ever claimed (nor has anyone else, for that matter) that 2K11 will be good. I don't think anyone is "willing it" to be anything either (though I admit that does paint a funny picture in my head). I think some of us just feel the series isn't as far off as others do. So if they just tighten up key areas, it could be enough. Whether or not that is worth the price tag is obviously entirely up to the individual (and I can perfectly understand why some would not bother).

As I've said, it seems ("seems" being the operative word) that instead of taking the traditional route 2K has with there baseball games and going for flashy sounding features or revamped controls (seriously...they've boasted "new" controls EVERY year...lol) they have instead focused on actually paying attention to fixing the issues that people have been griping about.

If you notice, the big spots they've claimed to focus on over and over thus far are a complete overhaul of fielding, making pitching less pinpoint, and redoing and refining animations. That may not be enough for some (and I get that), but if you go look at the complaints lodged over the last few years, those are the big three gripes people had. So it appears (again, no definitives given) that they've focused on what our gripes have been rather than cramming a half-cocked feature down our throats.

As I mentioned, I think the disconnect may be that some people just simply don't find the series as far off as others. I personally thought 2K10 had promise, but was fundamentally flawed. IF they really did get to those trouble areas successfully addressed, I see no reason why it can't be a solid game at least. If not, well...lol...another year goes by. I'll be okay either way.

It all remains to be seen though (as most of us have also said) once we see it in action and get our hands on it. If you notice, one of the main points I made was that none of the info matters as much as seeing it in motion and getting to play it ourselves. In other words, my expectations are rooted in reality.

Anyway, I hope all that addresses your questions.

[Scottdau]

Re: MLB 2K11 Preview GameZone

I say 2k11 will be great this year and they will actually be on the right the track to making it as good as the NBA 2K. I have faith in 2K.

[HealyMonster]

Re: MLB 2K11 Preview GameZone

How about you use the same exact logic... only the other way around:

What makes you think VC DOESN'T care about this game?

They are using the same exact formula here that they used for their basketball title - far and away considered one of the best sports games available... ever. Would you say they don't care about their basketball game?

I don't understand how anything in this preview brought a comment such as that one on.

Its more-so than just this preview so you are sort of right where the preview doesnt deserve my comment. I just chose this, newer thread, to talk about all of the previews/info in general asopposed to starting a new thread or something.

My thing with this game is that, its been very bad in recent years, yet every single year, its the same story. This year, I actually listed all the things that make me skeptical. Comparing this game to NBA 2k makes no sense to me. Your comparing one of the best sports games in history to a series that has had arguably the worst ever, multiple times over.

Well, I'll assume this is directed primarily at my post since I think I'm the only one who said that here (though the running around part is wholly inaccurate...I'm a fatty now and would lose my breath if I tried that).

I don't believe I've ever claimed (nor has anyone else, for that matter) that 2K11 will be good. I don't think anyone is "willing it" to be anything either (though I admit that does paint a funny picture in my head). I think some of us just feel the series isn't as far off as others do. So if they just tighten up key areas, it could be enough. Whether or not that is worth the price tag is obviously entirely up to the individual (and I can perfectly understand why some would not bother).

As I've said, it seems ("seems" being the operative word) that instead of taking the traditional route 2K has with there baseball games and going for flashy sounding features or revamped controls (seriously...they've boasted "new" controls EVERY year...lol) they have instead focused on actually paying attention to fixing the issues that people have been griping about.

If you notice, the big spots they've claimed to focus on over and over thus far are a complete overhaul of fielding, making pitching less pinpoint, and redoing and refining animations. That may not be enough for some (and I get that), but if you go look at the complaints lodged over the last few years, those are the big three gripes people had. So it appears (again, no definitives given) that they've focused on what our gripes have been rather than cramming a half-cocked feature down our throats.

As I mentioned, I think the disconnect may be that some people just simply don't find the series as far off as others. I personally thought 2K10 had promise, but was fundamentally flawed. IF they really did get to those trouble areas successfully addressed, I see no reason why it can't be a solid game at least. If not, well...lol...another year goes by. I'll be okay either way.

It all remains to be seen though (as most of us have also said) once we see it in action and get our hands on it. If you notice, one of the main points I made was that none of the info matters as much as seeing it in motion and getting to play it ourselves. In other words, my expectations are rooted in reality.

Anyway, I hope all that addresses your questions.

Im sorry man, I actually didnt read your post, so I couldnt have been talking about you. but thanks for the info though.

[Jamin23]

Re: MLB 2K11 Preview GameZone

Its more-so than just this preview so you are sort of right where the preview doesnt deserve my comment. I just chose this, newer thread, to talk about all of the previews/info in general asopposed to starting a new thread or something.

My thing with this game is that, its been very bad in recent years, yet every single year, its the same story. This year, I actually listed all the things that make me skeptical. Comparing this game to NBA 2k makes no sense to me. Your comparing one of the best sports games in history to a series that has had arguably the worst ever, multiple times over.




Im sorry man, I actually didnt read your post, so I couldnt have been talking about you. but thanks for the info though.

To be fair though this game has changed developers at least twice. When 2k bought the mlb license it was kush games developing it and now it's Visual Concepts. If they had taken the reigns when 2k first got the license I believe that the mlb series could be at the level where nba 2k is at now. Every year they have they have taken this game in the right direction and this year from what I have read looks like they have taken another step forward. I am glad not to be reading about gimmicky modes and instead how they focused on the gameplay. No one has seen the game in motion yet so we don't know what this game really plays like.

[JayhawkerStL]

Re: MLB 2K11 Preview GameZone

You know I hate to be "That guy" but am I off here?

The "MLB2k season kicks off with the executives of 2k saying they "most likey wont renew the license because the game isnt profitable enough."

You have misinterpreted what 2K has said about the license, and in doing so it has resulted in a flawed view of what 2K wants to accomplish with the game.

An MLB license is not what 2K has found to be too expensive. It's an exclusive MLB license, which costs dramatically more, that 2K is no longer interested in. 2K got into this deal be sheer emotion. EA had killed of their football game, and this deal with MLB was aimed specifically at killing of EA's baseball game.

In fact, 2K did this deal in a way that allowed for SCEA to continue to produce games. Microsoft and Nintnedo could have done the same. But EA had to give up their baby.

But it wasn't even close to an even trade. Football is far more profitable than baseball. So 2K put themselves in a position in which they had to work on the baseball game like it was a budget title, while Sony could spend less and do more. It was a perfect storm that resulted in games that did not receive the polish and follow through they needed.

But if 2K can go back to a normal license, they will be able to do much more with development than they are able to now. So 2K has every reason to come out of this deal with a product that has gamers excited and interested in what is coming next. And even if they wll have to compete with SCEA and EA, they will be in a position to create a better game with a more reasonable licensing agreement.

In short, 2K regrets the exclusive license, not the license altogether.

[rudyjuly2]

Re: MLB 2K11 Preview GameZone

If you notice, the big spots they've claimed to focus on over and over thus far are a complete overhaul of fielding, making pitching less pinpoint, and redoing and refining animations. That may not be enough for some (and I get that), but if you go look at the complaints lodged over the last few years, those are the big three gripes people had. So it appears (again, no definitives given) that they've focused on what our gripes have been rather than cramming a half-cocked feature down our throats.

I totally agree. I got that sense from Sean Bailey in the dev video. It's like they were embarrassed with some of the issues 2K10 had and are making a point to talk about it and improve the core issues with the game. He also mentioned that 2K10 just didn't have enough polish and it's something they are working on. That gives me good hope for 2K11.