MLB 2K12 Preview (ESPN The Gamer)

[Steve_OS]

ESPN The Gamer has posted their MLB 2K12 preview.

Our pitching mechanic is really what we hang our hat on, and it's what we feel differentiates us from the competition," explains 2K's Chris Snyder as he shows me the new game. "We utilize our Inside Edge scouting reports and all of the data from STATS LLC, and we track how many fastballs, how many curves they throw in real life, and we mimic that data in the game. So if you're abusing a pitch this year, and if you're using a pitch way more than say, Justin Verlander throws it in real life, your stats are going to drop and it's going to be more difficult to hit your spots.

[bigfnjoe96]

Redone physics & hit variety FTW..

" Another big improvement being made to the game is the variety of hit animations. Last year, you had way too many soft liners, as hit distribution was more of a roll of the dice than based on actual physics. This year, you're finally going to see a more physics-based result based on the type of swing you're making and the location of the pitch. And in the few innings I was able to play, I saw everything from lasers being shot off the wall to a better variety of grounders spitting out into the infield, giving the game a much more realistic look and feel than what was presented last year. "



Sent from Awesome Phone

[Blzer]

Re: MLB 2K12 Preview (ESPN The Gamer)

Looks like two solid baseball games this year. Maybe I'll get The Show just for Vita and this for PS3. Or maybe I'll get both this year like I did in 2010. Time will tell...

[SoxFan01605]

Re: MLB 2K12 Preview (ESPN The Gamer)

Improve hitting with that kind of detail and you've got my attention.

Ask and you shall receive.

Jokes aside, I like what I've read. I'm glad they are focusing on tuning, fixes, core AI and small details. The question, of course, is how well it will be executed, but only time can tell on that. The point is they are addressing key concerns.

This should also serve as a good news to all the "they don't care" or "they don't listen" posts people make over and over:

"We go on all the message boards, we read the complaints, and I think we've learned from our mistakes. Like I said, baseball video games are all about getting those little things right in order to make the most realistic experience possible, and this is the year where we finally got it right."

Time will tell on both execution and on how true that statement (learning from mistakes) actually is, but it's good to see 2K acknowledge that.

[tvman]

Re: MLB 2K12 Preview (ESPN The Gamer)

I like the part about NOT preloading your throw. I hate getting stuck in an animation in the other game.

[Flaxseed Oil]

Re: MLB 2K12 Preview (ESPN The Gamer)

They fixed the scoreboards...look in the background of the David Price image..you can see Granderson's big mug on the jumbotron.

[jeffy777]

Re: MLB 2K12 Preview (ESPN The Gamer)

Redone physics & hit variety FTW..

" Another big improvement being made to the game is the variety of hit animations. Last year, you had way too many soft liners, as hit distribution was more of a roll of the dice than based on actual physics. This year, you're finally going to see a more physics-based result based on the type of swing you're making and the location of the pitch. And in the few innings I was able to play, I saw everything from lasers being shot off the wall to a better variety of grounders spitting out into the infield, giving the game a much more realistic look and feel than what was presented last year. "



Sent from Awesome Phone

For the most part, I like the physics and hit variety in 2K11 (it's not random like that writer makes it sound), but sounds like 2K12 is going to be even better in this department.

Great news so far.....and 80 more hours of commentary is pretty impressive too.

[M_F_Z]

Re: MLB 2K12 Preview (ESPN The Gamer)

For the most part, I like the physics and hit variety in 2K11 (it's not random like that writer makes it sound), but sounds like 2K12 is going to be even better in this department.

Great news so far.....and 80 more hours of commentary is pretty impressive too.

Wasn't that a developer's words ?

[hitstreak13]

Re: MLB 2K12 Preview (ESPN The Gamer)

Man, this is fantastic news. Hell, I was even excited when they mentioned over 80 hours of new dialogue. I'm telling you, if the pitching and fielding system work properly and franchise mode is tuned up, this can be one hell of a game. However, like someone mentioned, time will tell. Either way, great job 2k!

[mvb34]

Re: MLB 2K12 Preview (ESPN The Gamer)

Not bad.................

[Cardot]

Re: MLB 2K12 Preview (ESPN The Gamer)

I really like the comment about hit variety. To me, that is one of the most important things in a baseball game. My only hesitation is that I recall a 2K developer saying the same thing a few years ago. I think it was 2K7 vs. 2K8....where 2K7 hits were basically "Random" while 2K8 was physics based.

Looking forward to it though.

[DickDalewood]

Re: MLB 2K12 Preview (ESPN The Gamer)

Love the that entire screen is finally used in the scoreboards, find it almost hard to believe they've added so much more commentary to an already great presentation package, and I really like the cloudy sky pic... 2K has always had great skies.

With getting the Show on PS3 and Vita, I could still be tempted to pick this up if they are truly turning things around. More options never hurts

[jeffy777]

Re: MLB 2K12 Preview (ESPN The Gamer)

Wasn't that a developer's words ?

No, that appears to be the writer saying that.

[rudyjuly2]

Re: MLB 2K12 Preview (ESPN The Gamer)

Hit variety was improved last year but I didn't like how closed the hitting system was. It forced you to go the opposite way on every pitch on the outer half. Unless it's on the black most players can pull a pitch that's outside a little. Most HRs are pulled in baseball but 2K's system put the emphasis on opposite field HRs which bugged me after awhile.

In the end talk is cheap. The demo will be huge for me.

[jeffy777]

Re: MLB 2K12 Preview (ESPN The Gamer)

Hit variety was improved last year but I didn't like how closed the hitting system was. It forced you to go the opposite way on every pitch on the outer half. Unless it's on the black most players can pull a pitch that's outside a little. Most HRs are pulled in baseball but 2K's system put the emphasis on opposite field HRs which bugged me after awhile.

In the end talk is cheap. The demo will be huge for me.

Yes, that was the main flaw. But in general, the hit variety and physics were pretty good, and not random.