Beta Impressions Thread

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  • captaink
    Pro
    • Jul 2002
    • 593

    #376
    Re: Beta Impressions Thread

    Hi, got another question Hil over at IGN is indicating that the gameplay has taken a back step in this year's version, do you feel the same or does it feel very similar to last year?

    What about the problem with balls rolling to the wall all the time is this even on balls that are not hit hard (Almost like there is no friction slowing the ball down in the outfield?)

    Comment

    • captaink
      Pro
      • Jul 2002
      • 593

      #377
      Re: Beta Impressions Thread

      If I enjoyed last year's WSB2k3, will I also enjoy this year's, is it the same with Live play tacked on? (If so that would be a good thing IMHO?)

      Comment

      • captaink
        Pro
        • Jul 2002
        • 593

        #378
        Re: Beta Impressions Thread

        If I enjoyed last year's WSB2k3, will I also enjoy this year's, is it the same with Live play tacked on? (If so that would be a good thing IMHO?)

        Comment

        • captaink
          Pro
          • Jul 2002
          • 593

          #379
          Re: Beta Impressions Thread

          If I enjoyed last year's WSB2k3, will I also enjoy this year's, is it the same with Live play tacked on? (If so that would be a good thing IMHO?)

          Comment

          • sdrotar
            OS Managing Ed., 2002-07
            • Jul 2002
            • 1055

            #380
            Re: Beta Impressions Thread

            Since the last few questions have been kind of the same, I'll try to answer them at once.

            All of the below is my opinion of course - and as always - you should try for yourself before you formulate your own.

            I loved last year's version - played an entire Franchise season and uncounted exhibition games.
            However, this year - the game seems to be missing... something.

            The fielding feels off. The OFs will go to a cut scene of the catch when you're chasing it and not even sure you're going to get to the ball.
            Nothing feels new here except the presentation, so there's a definite "been there, done that" feel.

            Last, but not least, I just don't feel in total control of my players all the time. The hallmark of a Sega Sports game has always been that the game player has had complete control over what's happening on the field - and that doesn't seem to be the case this year. There seems to be more going on "behind the scenes" that removes a measure of control. I'm not sure what it is, but I notice a difference - and I don't really like it.

            The end result is that "ESPN MLB" doesn't have that "just one more game" type of energy to me.

            The "ESPN NHL Hockey" statement above does have some merit here, and I have to admit that I do see where Hil at IGN is coming from.

            Who knows, though? It's not a bad game, and I'm sure others will think it's the best thing since sliced bread (and pontificate upon it endlessly...).
            But, this is an "Impressions" thread, and for what it's worth - those are mine.
            Shawn Drotar
            Former Managing Editor, OperationSports.com (2002-07)

            Comment

            • sdrotar
              OS Managing Ed., 2002-07
              • Jul 2002
              • 1055

              #381
              Re: Beta Impressions Thread

              Since the last few questions have been kind of the same, I'll try to answer them at once.

              All of the below is my opinion of course - and as always - you should try for yourself before you formulate your own.

              I loved last year's version - played an entire Franchise season and uncounted exhibition games.
              However, this year - the game seems to be missing... something.

              The fielding feels off. The OFs will go to a cut scene of the catch when you're chasing it and not even sure you're going to get to the ball.
              Nothing feels new here except the presentation, so there's a definite "been there, done that" feel.

              Last, but not least, I just don't feel in total control of my players all the time. The hallmark of a Sega Sports game has always been that the game player has had complete control over what's happening on the field - and that doesn't seem to be the case this year. There seems to be more going on "behind the scenes" that removes a measure of control. I'm not sure what it is, but I notice a difference - and I don't really like it.

              The end result is that "ESPN MLB" doesn't have that "just one more game" type of energy to me.

              The "ESPN NHL Hockey" statement above does have some merit here, and I have to admit that I do see where Hil at IGN is coming from.

              Who knows, though? It's not a bad game, and I'm sure others will think it's the best thing since sliced bread (and pontificate upon it endlessly...).
              But, this is an "Impressions" thread, and for what it's worth - those are mine.
              Shawn Drotar
              Former Managing Editor, OperationSports.com (2002-07)

              Comment

              • sdrotar
                OS Managing Ed., 2002-07
                • Jul 2002
                • 1055

                #382
                Re: Beta Impressions Thread

                Since the last few questions have been kind of the same, I'll try to answer them at once.

                All of the below is my opinion of course - and as always - you should try for yourself before you formulate your own.

                I loved last year's version - played an entire Franchise season and uncounted exhibition games.
                However, this year - the game seems to be missing... something.

                The fielding feels off. The OFs will go to a cut scene of the catch when you're chasing it and not even sure you're going to get to the ball.
                Nothing feels new here except the presentation, so there's a definite "been there, done that" feel.

                Last, but not least, I just don't feel in total control of my players all the time. The hallmark of a Sega Sports game has always been that the game player has had complete control over what's happening on the field - and that doesn't seem to be the case this year. There seems to be more going on "behind the scenes" that removes a measure of control. I'm not sure what it is, but I notice a difference - and I don't really like it.

                The end result is that "ESPN MLB" doesn't have that "just one more game" type of energy to me.

                The "ESPN NHL Hockey" statement above does have some merit here, and I have to admit that I do see where Hil at IGN is coming from.

                Who knows, though? It's not a bad game, and I'm sure others will think it's the best thing since sliced bread (and pontificate upon it endlessly...).
                But, this is an "Impressions" thread, and for what it's worth - those are mine.
                Shawn Drotar
                Former Managing Editor, OperationSports.com (2002-07)

                Comment

                • Blzer
                  Resident film pundit
                  • Mar 2004
                  • 42530

                  #383
                  Re: Beta Impressions Thread

                  That sounds logical. Quick questions:

                  -Do you play baseball? If so, does hitting in FPB or fielding seem at all rational to real life?
                  -Did you simulate to the end of a season, play in the WS? If so, any celebrations?
                  -If you've gone to multiple seasons, did you notice any decent player progression?
                  -Are the stadiums and fields brighter in night games this year?
                  Samsung PN60F8500 PDP / Anthem MRX 720 / Klipsch RC-62 II / Klipsch RF-82 II (x2) / Insignia NS-B2111 (x2) / SVS PC13-Ultra / SVS SB-2000 / Sony MDR-7506 Professional / Audio-Technica ATH-R70x / Sony PS3 & PS4 / DirecTV HR44-500 / DarbeeVision DVP-5000 / Panamax M5400-PM / Elgato HD60

                  Comment

                  • Blzer
                    Resident film pundit
                    • Mar 2004
                    • 42530

                    #384
                    Re: Beta Impressions Thread

                    That sounds logical. Quick questions:

                    -Do you play baseball? If so, does hitting in FPB or fielding seem at all rational to real life?
                    -Did you simulate to the end of a season, play in the WS? If so, any celebrations?
                    -If you've gone to multiple seasons, did you notice any decent player progression?
                    -Are the stadiums and fields brighter in night games this year?
                    Samsung PN60F8500 PDP / Anthem MRX 720 / Klipsch RC-62 II / Klipsch RF-82 II (x2) / Insignia NS-B2111 (x2) / SVS PC13-Ultra / SVS SB-2000 / Sony MDR-7506 Professional / Audio-Technica ATH-R70x / Sony PS3 & PS4 / DirecTV HR44-500 / DarbeeVision DVP-5000 / Panamax M5400-PM / Elgato HD60

                    Comment

                    • Blzer
                      Resident film pundit
                      • Mar 2004
                      • 42530

                      #385
                      Re: Beta Impressions Thread

                      That sounds logical. Quick questions:

                      -Do you play baseball? If so, does hitting in FPB or fielding seem at all rational to real life?
                      -Did you simulate to the end of a season, play in the WS? If so, any celebrations?
                      -If you've gone to multiple seasons, did you notice any decent player progression?
                      -Are the stadiums and fields brighter in night games this year?
                      Samsung PN60F8500 PDP / Anthem MRX 720 / Klipsch RC-62 II / Klipsch RF-82 II (x2) / Insignia NS-B2111 (x2) / SVS PC13-Ultra / SVS SB-2000 / Sony MDR-7506 Professional / Audio-Technica ATH-R70x / Sony PS3 & PS4 / DirecTV HR44-500 / DarbeeVision DVP-5000 / Panamax M5400-PM / Elgato HD60

                      Comment

                      • sdrotar
                        OS Managing Ed., 2002-07
                        • Jul 2002
                        • 1055

                        #386
                        Re: Beta Impressions Thread

                        </font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
                        That sounds logical. Quick questions:

                        -Do you play baseball? If so, does hitting in FPB or fielding seem at all rational to real life?
                        -Did you simulate to the end of a season, play in the WS? If so, any celebrations?
                        -If you've gone to multiple seasons, did you notice any decent player progression?
                        -Are the stadiums and fields brighter in night games this year?

                        <hr /></blockquote><font class="post">

                        1) I played second base in rookie-A ball in 1990 until I tore up my throwing shoulder. (I wasn't going anywhere anyway - I was a pretty light hitter... )
                        First-person baseball unfortunately bears zero resemblance to standing at the plate in real life. It's simply a very odd (and not very playable) camera angle.

                        2. Here's the problem. I can't find any way to watch or play a playoff game that your team isn't involved in. So in Franchise mode, I can't find out! I keep picking the Yankees or Red Sox (who win the vast majority of the sims), but I haven't gotten lucky enough yet...

                        3. Player progression seems unattached to performance. I've seen players with awful seasons dramatically improve and young players with good season have no change. It's seemingly random (although I'm sure it's not totally so). Older player's skills diminish over time rather well, though.

                        4. I haven't noticed dramatic differences in the way they look - and I had last year's version up on a screen right next to the new one.
                        Shawn Drotar
                        Former Managing Editor, OperationSports.com (2002-07)

                        Comment

                        • sdrotar
                          OS Managing Ed., 2002-07
                          • Jul 2002
                          • 1055

                          #387
                          Re: Beta Impressions Thread

                          </font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
                          That sounds logical. Quick questions:

                          -Do you play baseball? If so, does hitting in FPB or fielding seem at all rational to real life?
                          -Did you simulate to the end of a season, play in the WS? If so, any celebrations?
                          -If you've gone to multiple seasons, did you notice any decent player progression?
                          -Are the stadiums and fields brighter in night games this year?

                          <hr /></blockquote><font class="post">

                          1) I played second base in rookie-A ball in 1990 until I tore up my throwing shoulder. (I wasn't going anywhere anyway - I was a pretty light hitter... )
                          First-person baseball unfortunately bears zero resemblance to standing at the plate in real life. It's simply a very odd (and not very playable) camera angle.

                          2. Here's the problem. I can't find any way to watch or play a playoff game that your team isn't involved in. So in Franchise mode, I can't find out! I keep picking the Yankees or Red Sox (who win the vast majority of the sims), but I haven't gotten lucky enough yet...

                          3. Player progression seems unattached to performance. I've seen players with awful seasons dramatically improve and young players with good season have no change. It's seemingly random (although I'm sure it's not totally so). Older player's skills diminish over time rather well, though.

                          4. I haven't noticed dramatic differences in the way they look - and I had last year's version up on a screen right next to the new one.
                          Shawn Drotar
                          Former Managing Editor, OperationSports.com (2002-07)

                          Comment

                          • sdrotar
                            OS Managing Ed., 2002-07
                            • Jul 2002
                            • 1055

                            #388
                            Re: Beta Impressions Thread

                            </font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
                            That sounds logical. Quick questions:

                            -Do you play baseball? If so, does hitting in FPB or fielding seem at all rational to real life?
                            -Did you simulate to the end of a season, play in the WS? If so, any celebrations?
                            -If you've gone to multiple seasons, did you notice any decent player progression?
                            -Are the stadiums and fields brighter in night games this year?

                            <hr /></blockquote><font class="post">

                            1) I played second base in rookie-A ball in 1990 until I tore up my throwing shoulder. (I wasn't going anywhere anyway - I was a pretty light hitter... )
                            First-person baseball unfortunately bears zero resemblance to standing at the plate in real life. It's simply a very odd (and not very playable) camera angle.

                            2. Here's the problem. I can't find any way to watch or play a playoff game that your team isn't involved in. So in Franchise mode, I can't find out! I keep picking the Yankees or Red Sox (who win the vast majority of the sims), but I haven't gotten lucky enough yet...

                            3. Player progression seems unattached to performance. I've seen players with awful seasons dramatically improve and young players with good season have no change. It's seemingly random (although I'm sure it's not totally so). Older player's skills diminish over time rather well, though.

                            4. I haven't noticed dramatic differences in the way they look - and I had last year's version up on a screen right next to the new one.
                            Shawn Drotar
                            Former Managing Editor, OperationSports.com (2002-07)

                            Comment

                            • Stepback
                              Rookie
                              • Apr 2003
                              • 31

                              #389
                              Re: Beta Impressions Thread

                              Shawn,

                              First of all, thanks for the honest impressions. If it's not too much trouble, I have a few more questions when you get a chance.

                              1. Did you mean when you said that some of the control has been lost that some outcomes of plays seem pre-determined or that the computer makes plays for you now?

                              2. Have you changed any of the sliders at all? I was just wondering if tuning them makes a difference in delivering a more realistic baseball experience.

                              3. In your opinion, is there anything that the developers of ESPN Baseball should have included in the game to make it more realistic (Not including the obvious oversight of batter swings and lack of pitching and throwing meters)?

                              4. Has the big strike zone been shrunk to more realistic proportions?

                              I already own MVP 2004 and like it alot. However, I am in constant search of the ultra realistic game. Do you think ESPN could be tweaked to be more realistic gameplay wise than WSB 2K3 or even MVP? (I know that is an extremely tough question)

                              Thanks again....

                              Comment

                              • Stepback
                                Rookie
                                • Apr 2003
                                • 31

                                #390
                                Re: Beta Impressions Thread

                                Shawn,

                                First of all, thanks for the honest impressions. If it's not too much trouble, I have a few more questions when you get a chance.

                                1. Did you mean when you said that some of the control has been lost that some outcomes of plays seem pre-determined or that the computer makes plays for you now?

                                2. Have you changed any of the sliders at all? I was just wondering if tuning them makes a difference in delivering a more realistic baseball experience.

                                3. In your opinion, is there anything that the developers of ESPN Baseball should have included in the game to make it more realistic (Not including the obvious oversight of batter swings and lack of pitching and throwing meters)?

                                4. Has the big strike zone been shrunk to more realistic proportions?

                                I already own MVP 2004 and like it alot. However, I am in constant search of the ultra realistic game. Do you think ESPN could be tweaked to be more realistic gameplay wise than WSB 2K3 or even MVP? (I know that is an extremely tough question)

                                Thanks again....

                                Comment

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