Official MLB 2k11 - Impressions Thread

[Redemption]

Re: Official MLB 2k11 - Impressions Thread

interesting, what are you fielder speeds at (I've got infielder at 40 and of at 30)? Because I have AI contact at 45 and power at 70, and I was having way too much success just throwing fastballs down the middle

[Watson]

...and then it crashes. This has to be the 4th time today it has crashed

[Sabo's corked Bat]

Re: Official MLB 2k11 - Impressions Thread

AI trade logic is bogus. I'm able to get Cole Hamels for three AAA players in their mid 60s.

Too many Injuries. I turned Injuries down to 25% and all my starting pitchers are still getting injured. And no, I dont try to have them all pitch complete games.

Player of the week/month and league leaders etc. is all messed up. They have guys that are 1-5 and 5.00 ERAs as the best pitchers in the league.

They also need to patch in ejections. I traded Renteria and two prospects for Elvis Andrus and in his first game with me the pitcher beans him in his first three at bats and hes finally injured on the last one. Hes out for 4 months. LOL at the noobs on the 2K forum saying ejections dont matter.


BBBBUUUUUUUUUTTT!

The commentary is so good, it almost makes up for all of the problems. Im halfway through May in my Reds franchise and the stuff they say is just fantastic. Easily the best commentary to ever be in a game.

[swaldo]

Re: Official MLB 2k11 - Impressions Thread

Played two complete games and messed around in various modes. In the past I've played a very limited amount of 2K baseball so I really can't compare versions so everything is fresh for me. Here's some random thoughts...

Home Run Derby: The first ball I hit went far and I wasn't sure if it was going to go "yard", then halfway to the wall it cuts off and a very cartoony "OUT" appears on the screen. That's so arcadey and ruins what could be a good mode. Please let us watch the balls after we hit them. Even when I hit a home run big text appears stating "HOME RUN" which covers the ball in flight. I mean C'mon man.

Batting: I'm feeling a disconnect sometimes between myself and the pitcher. For example I played against the Giants and got to face the great Brian Wilson in the 9th. However, the batting cam makes the pitcher look so far away - as if he's on an island and I need binocs to see him. How about putting a cam in the top corner of the screen showing closeups of the pitcher during the downtime between pitches? You can do other things with it as well, like showing bums in the stands eating hot dogs or something. Whatever, I just want to be entertained. The game lasted more than an hour and I just felt like I needed some sort of stimulation.

Other than that I love the batting camera. I can read pitches well and fastballs really have some pop. This part of facing Wilson was great, his first pitch landed on the low outside corner at 96 mph. I was like "Dang, this is going to be knarly!" At first I scoffed at how simplistic the batting mechanic is, but I'm a fan now thanks to how well the pitches look. It's just plain fun - and knuckleballs look nice and tumbly!

Also, at the end of my second game I had to wrap up the last 3 innings quick because of dinner. So I swung at everything, and the CPU immediately started throwing me junk in the dirt and way outside. I thought wow, that was a quick adjustment! You better not chase too many bad pitches in this game LOL. Earlier in the game it seemed like the CPU had magical powers because every time I was taking it threw something right down the middle, arggh! needless to say I lost 5-2.

Commentary: Wow, I dont follow the National League too much but I just played against the Rockies and thanks to the commentators I feel like I know their team well now. Awesome job on this and it elevates the game in so many ways.

Inside Edge data: a dream come true for me, and you can access it lightning fast. I also like how you can see player ratings in letter grades so you know exactly who is average etc rather than just throwing out a number without knowing how strong it is.

Pitching: Again it's fun and I've had very realistic results thus far. First game I pitched with Jared Weaver of the Angels who has good movement and stuff. The Giants were only able to muster a couple doubles and several weakly hit weak singles. He ended up allowing 4 runs in 7 innings. The next game I pitched with Kazmir who lives and dies by nibbling the corners because his stuff isn't great. He ended up throwing 110 pitches over 6 innings because I was trying to be too cute and hit those corners. When I got behind and put it in the zone he got hit much harder than Weaver did and gave up 4 runs in 6 innings.

- Man, the game is bright. I had to turn down contrast and backlight but white jerseys are still too bright. If I go down anymore the pitch icons look too dark. And in general there is too much stuff flashing, please tone it down.

- Hit variety was really good and I looked at replay after several plays and everything looked legit.

- Only one time did I "call BS" and that was when I was able to turn a double into a triple because Spilbourghs ran into the wall instead of waiting for the bounce. However, maybe he stinks defensively so am not sure if that was a glitch.

Overall the fundamentals of the game are good - hitting, pitching, fielding, commentary. That's why this game got my support, because instead of focusing on silly modes and pushy marketing they are working on the core fundamentals of the game. And I get the feeling that I'm going to like it enough to play out a full season in 'chise.

[rudyjuly2]

Re: Official MLB 2k11 - Impressions Thread

Like some of you guys I'm struggling to keep the cpu from knocking me around. I'm making a lot of adjustments and I think I'm getting to where I'm happy but who knows. I definitely think OF speed needs a boost up, particularly for the human to help cut down some hits and keep the cpu from getting too many triples on balls that are normally doubles. I'm going to watch what bigfnjoe and blazzen do with the sliders as I liked a lot of there suggestions in areas last year.

I agree with Swaldo that if you start chasing pitches as a batter you just dig yourself a grave. They start throwing stuff out of the zone and you can really struggle as I am.

Played half a game this morning and was getting pounded 13-6 through 6 IP or so. I was the Brewers at St. Louis. Then I took my Tigers and Scherzer at home against Texas and was down 2-0 through 6 IP and it was better after a few more tweaks.

This game is definitely different than the singles version 2K10. I'm seeing the opposite this year with too many extra base hits compared to singles although I think sliders can fix this.

[sroz39]

Re: Official MLB 2k11 - Impressions Thread

If you're not using catcher suggestion, try turning it on. I was having the exact same problem of every AI team being murderer's row. Turned the catcher suggestion on, and threw a shutout with Jonathan Niese. I swear I think it made a big difference.

I actually am using this, always have in this game and the API in The Show.

interesting, what are you fielder speeds at (I've got infielder at 40 and of at 30)? Because I have AI contact at 45 and power at 70, and I was having way too much success just throwing fastballs down the middle

IF and OF speeds are both at 30 for me. I actually have a bigger problem with OF'ers not cutting off rolling balls in the outfield than anything happening in the infield. Interesting that you're having so much success with A.I. sliders so high. I could just suck at the game lol. Mind you, I'm not using any "stud" pitchers per se, Romero is rated a 79 and everyone else on the Jays staff is below that.

[seasprite]

Re: Official MLB 2k11 - Impressions Thread

Like many have said before, I really enjoy "feeling" the hit when I get a hold of one. Also I like the fact that even if you have a guy with power in the 50's, when the AI pitcher makes a mistake with a pitch and you get a hold of it, you can put it into the lower deck. Pretty satisfied with this game right now even with the minimal bugs I have encountered.

[sportyguyfl31]

Re: Official MLB 2k11 - Impressions Thread

Like some of you guys I'm struggling to keep the cpu from knocking me around. I'm making a lot of adjustments and I think I'm getting to where I'm happy but who knows. I definitely think OF speed needs a boost up, particularly for the human to help cut down some hits and keep the cpu from getting too many triples on balls that are normally doubles. I'm going to watch what bigfnjoe and blazzen do with the sliders as I liked a lot of there suggestions in areas last year.

I agree with Swaldo that if you start chasing pitches as a batter you just dig yourself a grave. They start throwing stuff out of the zone and you can really struggle as I am.

Played half a game this morning and was getting pounded 13-6 through 6 IP or so. I was the Brewers at St. Louis. Then I took my Tigers and Scherzer at home against Texas and was down 2-0 through 6 IP and it was better after a few more tweaks.

This game is definitely different than the singles version 2K10. I'm seeing the opposite this year with too many extra base hits compared to singles although I think sliders can fix this.

Are you inside edge?

I take a quick look at the scouting report for each batter, before I pitch..and I throw to him accordingly...its then up to my pitchers ability to locate.

[peigone]

Re: Official MLB 2k11 - Impressions Thread

Rented and played 2K11 yesterday (haven't actually bought the game since 2K6). Once again, so much to love, too much to hate for this game to be a purchase for me. The hitting is phenomenal as usual. 2K has always been way ahead of the competition in the area of zone hitting/hit variety/ball physics, and 2K11 is no exception.

Past that, not much to praise about this game, other than the oft-repeated accolades the game gets for announcing presentation. But presentation can't make up for the poorly programmed and unrealistic gameplay, along with the ever-present graphical and animation bugs and glitches. There is so much about the game that is so wrong and so badly done, and that year-after-year never gets fixed. Really a pity, because from a purely hitting perspective, there's no other video game that's ever come this close to emulating what playing real baseball feels like.

[Blitzburgh]

Re: Official MLB 2k11 - Impressions Thread

Rented and played 2K11 yesterday (haven't actually bought the game since 2K6). Once again, so much to love, too much to hate for this game to be a purchase for me. The hitting is phenomenal as usual. 2K has always been way ahead of the competition in the area of zone hitting/hit variety/ball physics, and 2K11 is no exception.

Past that, not much to praise about this game, other than the oft-repeated accolades the game gets for announcing presentation. But presentation can't make up for the poorly programmed and unrealistic gameplay, along with the ever-present graphical and animation bugs and glitches. There is so much about the game that is so wrong and so badly done, and that year-after-year never gets fixed. Really a pity, because from a purely hitting perspective, there's no other video game that's ever come this close to emulating what playing real baseball feels like.

Wow- well everyone has an opinion but this years game looks pretty sweet on my HDTV and plays a dam fun game of baseball to me. I don't nitpick much and I am more of a pick up and play type guy so many things that people complain about don't mean crap to me.

[jake44np]

Re: Official MLB 2k11 - Impressions Thread

My 2 cents after 2 days with the game.
Its pretty simple for me, I dont have a PS3 and I love baseball so this is it for me.
I have played a whole 162 game season with my Reds since Triple Play '96.
Dont believe me I have the stats written down at home in a folder to prove it!!! lol

With that being said after only 2 days and about 6 games I really am having fun with this game. I am a pretty simple man Jenny, give me a fun game that produces somewhat realistic stats and I am happy as a tick on a fat dog!
PRO'S
Graphics-game is great looking on my new 52" LG TV.
Commentary-greatest ever in a sports game.
Batting-much improved this year, I feel like a battle every at bat.
Pitching-pretty much this same as last year except I think it is a lot harder to pitch with a bad pitcher this year. To me the cpu is alot better at hitting this year.
CON'S
Is it must me or does this game take alot longer to play this year?
I could get a 3 game series in in 2 hours last year. Last night it took me almost an hour and 1/2 to play one game.??.
CPU AI-Cpu let their starting pitching whose stamina was in the 30's bat in the bottom of the 8th vs me in a one run game with the bases loaded.

Thats it I really dont have anything else to complain about this game, I am very satisfied with it. I was really scared after reading alot of the early impressions but for me this game will be fine. I cant wait to get my 162 game season with the Reds going.

[DJ]

Re: Official MLB 2k11 - Impressions Thread

Like some of you guys I'm struggling to keep the cpu from knocking me around. I'm making a lot of adjustments and I think I'm getting to where I'm happy but who knows. I definitely think OF speed needs a boost up, particularly for the human to help cut down some hits and keep the cpu from getting too many triples on balls that are normally doubles. I'm going to watch what bigfnjoe and blazzen do with the sliders as I liked a lot of there suggestions in areas last year.

I agree with Swaldo that if you start chasing pitches as a batter you just dig yourself a grave. They start throwing stuff out of the zone and you can really struggle as I am.

Played half a game this morning and was getting pounded 13-6 through 6 IP or so. I was the Brewers at St. Louis. Then I took my Tigers and Scherzer at home against Texas and was down 2-0 through 6 IP and it was better after a few more tweaks.

This game is definitely different than the singles version 2K10. I'm seeing the opposite this year with too many extra base hits compared to singles although I think sliders can fix this.

Are you throwing your pitches to where your catcher calls for them, or are you calling your own game and throwing pitches where you want them to go? That could be a reason, too.

[Redemption]

Re: Official MLB 2k11 - Impressions Thread

hey jake, I've never played with it, but I know 2k has a "quick play" option that cuts out a lot of the filler cut scenes and stuff... if the game are taking too long, you could try that out

I'm not sure how much of the presentation elements it cuts out, but it would at least be worth it to look at

[redskinst21]

Re: Official MLB 2k11 - Impressions Thread

Just sitting here at work and thinking how much the player salary problem in 2k really pisses me off. i guess the only way around it is to control all 30 teams and set everything to auto but when the re-sign period comes turn auto off then when free agency comes turn auto back on and off we go to the bidding war. Only ? i have is if you elect to control all 30 teams and set auto for 29 teams do the teams your not controlling still make trades?

[lnin0]

Re: Official MLB 2k11 - Impressions Thread

Ok. Lets get my little gripes out of the way.

1) What is up with the shadows in this game. Can't you give them a little AA or something to cut down on the jaggies. The rest of the game look great and then you see some saw tooth shadow across a guys face and it just ruins it. Same with all the popping and flickering that goes on with shadows when they are sitting on irregular shaped ares. Seriously. Fixing this minor thing would do light years for the games image complex.

2) Pinch Hitting / Sub Pitcher. Why do I have to wait until my pitcher is at the plate to get into the menu to sub in a PH. Why can't I get to this menu right after the 8th batter is done. It is probably minor but waiting for the pitcher to come into the batter box only to pull him out is annoying and distractingly unrealistic. Same for putting a new pitcher in after the PH. Why do I have to see some second string LF standing on the mound, get the pop up message and see my manager come to the mount to pull the LF who should never be there in the first place.

3) Strike Zone options - None, Always or Batting. WTF. I like the strike zone when I pitch but not when I bat. Especially this year with all the various pitching cams it can be hard to tell where the zone it while pitching. But since the option for Pitching is omitted again I have to go with None. Stupid annoying oversight.

4) Replays of guys running around the basepath. For all the great commentary and presentation it is worthless to keep replays on as most amount to a guy running the basepath. Lame!

5) Speed. Yeah, it is nice that I should know what speed everyone on my team is but what if Im just playing a random MLB Today game with a team I don't normally use. It is very hard to view the stats of a player. Is there no roster card I can quickly pull up that lets me see stats? I think I was having to dig into box scores and then pull up the player card to see what speed they are. Maybe there is a faster way I'm not familiar with but I want all my teams ratings and states at my fingertips. Just as easily as the pitcher knows the speed of some guy I would like to know this while batting as well.

Anyway. The good far far outweighs these little gripes but it is all these little things that start to add up. It is all these little things that made games like NFL2K5, The Show and NBA 2K11 so legendary and it is all these little things that make loving this game so frustrating. Not that I don't love it, because I do. But it is like a parent having a genius child that turns out to be an under achiever. The gameplay is there so please please please 2K - just step up to the plate with all the little things that really make a game shine.

I am still hedging on the fact there maybe too many base hits. At first I thought this but now tend to think a lot of it comes down to your pitching. If you give them strikes to hit then it is hard to complain there are a lot of hits. I'm finding I love the pitcher v. batter battle more than any previous version. This year you really have to battle with each batter for a positive outcome and that I think is brilliant.