MLB 2K13 Initial Reviews Quite Negative

[tril]

I have to scratch my head and ask why this thread was even created. Is this some sort of news piece? Is it, in light of some reacting to the initial review, an attempt to justify that review by saying, "Look, it's averaging bad scores so...?"

I would like to suggest that we refer back to the Madden 06 review given by Shawn Drotar, here on OS. It was given a 5. I use that review as an example for two reasons. One, I'm pretty sure the majority would agree that the game deserved a 5, so there really wasn't much controversy. Two, the review itself thoroughly breaks down why it was given a 5.

Reviews aren't given specific numerical points "because of principle" or because "very little was changed." They are given a numerical value based on the performance of the game. Heck, since we can't help but parallel MLB 2K with The Show, the OS MLB The Show 13 review writes, "There are no sweeping changes to either the core gameplay or the individual modes. And for some, that may be a valid reason to not buy the game. Call it the 'MLB 12.5 defense'." The Show was given a 9.

But I know why The Show was given a 9. It's an excellent representation of baseball in a sports video game. In some areas, so is MLB 2K 13.

When you look at the review that was given for MLB 2K13, that review isn't for this year's version. That review shouts "4" to 2K Sports for this entire generation. It says, "You are the guys that gave us NFL 2K5..."4!"....You are the ones that made the NBA 2K series what it is today..."FOUR!" 4! 4! 4! It's the frustration of feeling like baseball was put in the hands of the sacred 2K Sports and they blew it.

That's what that and many other reviews are all about.

cosign your last paragraph.
I would give the game a 6-7, even though its a patched version of last years game. its still fun and the pitching and batting are top notch.

[Profit89]

It's to bad they stayed away from PC. Mods could have really helped this game.

[Eddie1967]

Re: MLB 2K13 Initial Reviews Quite Negative

I will never EVER understand the complainers. You knew that the game was coming out on short notice yet you spent the money anyway, then you complain over and over again. If you don't have any control over how you spend your money then you have no one to blame for yourself. It's a video game for Christ sake. If it hurts your wallet that much then why not rent it from gamefly or another source to save yourself the embarrassment of complaining about something that you knew in your mind would not live up to your overinflated expectations.

I also have to ask, why does a review make you purchase a game, most folks have some type of agenda to begin with so you are asking for trouble when you take their advice negative or positive.

[pistolpete]

Re: MLB 2K13 Initial Reviews Quite Negative

I will never EVER understand the complainers. You knew that the game was coming out on short notice yet you spent the money anyway, then you complain over and over again.

It's because 2k13 find a way to strip the series of any charm or fun what-so-ever. 2k11 and even 2k12 has some fun factor to it. 2k13 found a way to rip it from us.

[Baile]

Re: MLB 2K13 Initial Reviews Quite Negative

I will never EVER understand the complainers. You knew that the game was coming out on short notice yet you spent the money anyway, then you complain over and over again.

It's a video game for Christ sake.

I also have to ask, why does a review make you purchase a game, most folks have some type of agenda to begin with

Eddie! My favorite 2K Defender of the Faith! Hey man, I'm serious. Your rock-solid logic always makes sense to me, even though you like to make it personal which PO's everyone. But what the heck, your intentions and your points are mostly all good, bud!

[tvman]

Re: MLB 2K13 Initial Reviews Quite Negative

It's because 2k13 find a way to strip the series of any charm or fun what-so-ever. 2k11 and even 2k12 has some fun factor to it. 2k13 found a way to rip it from us.

I don't have 2k13 but from everything i've read it's basically a slightly polished up rerun so I can't understand how the fun factor could be gone. Is it possible you are just burned out from playing to much?

[Baile]

Re: MLB 2K13 Initial Reviews Quite Negative

I have to scratch my head and ask why this thread was even created. Is it, in light of some reacting to the initial review, an attempt to justify that review by saying, "Look, it's averaging bad scores so...?"

There is no justification for that review score, none that makes any logical sense anyway. Here's the reality: If MLB 2K13 were the first game released in the series, comparing it to what is out there already as far as video baseball and other sports games go, it would easily receive a 7 score.

Last year the game it was given a 7 or whatever, based on its playability. It was considered a good game. The simple fact is the reviewer this year assigned a score based on a comparison between 2K13 and last year's game. And because 2K13 didn't improve, it was given a 4.

Using that same logic and review approach, The Show would have to be given a 4 or 5 this year as well. Because The Show hasn't evolved. That game has barely changed in four years, it's mostly a roster update with slightly better graphics each year.

The whole thing is just another example of the inconsistency and the unfairness this site is becoming know for.

[buckeyedawgtribe]

if you did not see coming then its your own fault. Did you expect the game to drastically improve..Based on 2K's prior renditions.. We have all been burned by 2K..some of you keep returning to the well every year in hope of clean water only to get a cup of pee.

[DaveDQ]

Re: MLB 2K13 Initial Reviews Quite Negative

if you did not see coming then its your own fault. Did you expect the game to drastically improve..Based on 2K's prior renditions.. We have all been burned by 2K..some of you keep returning to the well every year in hope of clean water only to get a cup of pee.

Those comments right there are the very reason why I am against the initial review and then a thread like this being created, with its obvious intention to support the review given. All it does is stoke the fires.

Everything we have discussed in this thread and in the review thread could easily be talked about in the impressions thread. For as long as OS keeps that MLB 2K13 review up I will maintain that the game was never adequately reviewed, but rather, a writer took time to gather all the negative feed back on what 2K has done with baseball this generation and post about it.

[pistolpete]

Re: MLB 2K13 Initial Reviews Quite Negative

I don't have 2k13 but from everything i've read it's basically a slightly polished up rerun so I can't understand how the fun factor could be gone. Is it possible you are just burned out from playing to much?

I still enjoy 2k11 a great deal.

Maybe it was unreasonable expectations that make me despise 2k12 and 2k13.

[Mt Oread]

Re: MLB 2K13 Initial Reviews Quite Negative

I still enjoy 2k11 a great deal.

Maybe it was unreasonable expectations that make me despise 2k12 and 2k13.

2K11 was definitely the first in the series that deserved to be called great. But I'm a huge fan of 2K12, and 2K13 is just more of that.

Were you a fan of the PC versions? My assumption is that those versions looked far better than the 360 versions. That could make 2K13 seem like a big step down to PC users, but a decent progression to the 360 users.

[Mt Oread]

Re: MLB 2K13 Initial Reviews Quite Negative

Why haven't you bought 2K13 ?

There has been a ton of work done on 2K12, including updates to the rosters. It makes sense that the game is still a better value to guys that like the 2K series than the $60 2K13.

[tvman]

Re: MLB 2K13 Initial Reviews Quite Negative

Why haven't you bought 2K13 ?

Mainly because I live in the middle of nowhere and haven't been anywhere that they sell video games! That plus the fact I don't generally buy sports games every year they come out.

[pistolpete]

Re: MLB 2K13 Initial Reviews Quite Negative

2K11 was definitely the first in the series that deserved to be called great. But I'm a huge fan of 2K12, and 2K13 is just more of that.

Were you a fan of the PC versions? My assumption is that those versions looked far better than the 360 versions. That could make 2K13 seem like a big step down to PC users, but a decent progression to the 360 users.

I played both 2k11 and 2k12 on my pc initially. It was becoming too much of a hassle to continue using my pc though, so I switched to the 360. 2k11 on the 360 is wonderful. The graphics are not up-to-par with the pc, but it's good enough.

[Ghoti34]

"I think the NFL is still ticked at 2K for undervaluing their brand when they sold 2K5 for $19.99."

This is a false argument.

People have used this line of garbage to justify the exclusivity deal between EA and the NFL, but it is not true. If anything, 2K5 probably expanded the NFL's appeal (not that it needed it). Madden's exclusive deal with the NFL HAS NOT EXPANDED THE NFL'S APPEAL. In fact, I would argue that the brand has been diminished due to the monopoly that EA has enjoyed, and I doubt that EA is going to put up the scratch to maintain its position.

The NFL likes to be able to have absolute control over their brand and that's why they go single source for most of their contracts - whether it be Nike, EA SPORTS, Budweiser, Papa Johns, etc..

Under Armor was able to sneak into the fold and get the contract for the Combine gear. From a gaming perspective, it wouldn't be unreasonable for another gaming company to get the NFL rights for a non-console based game...especially if EA can't bring Madden Mobile to great heights.

If you look at how EA bent over backwards to accommodate the NFL with last minute changes to Blitz - it's this kind of control that the NFL is looking for. I just don't know who can put out an immediate respectable console product, would have the $$ to compete with Madden, the branding to compete with Madden, and also keep the NFL happy.