Beta Impressions Thread

[Stepback]

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....

[Badgun]

Re: Beta Impressions Thread

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
sdrotar said:
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.

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

Shawn,
I know what you're saying about the outfielder cut scene right before he catches the ball, that was in the demo. I really don't think it's any different than any other game when your outfielder "locks" onto the ball. Like in MVP, when you get your guy into the circle on a fly ball, he puts his glove up or gives some indication that he's locked onto the ball. It just sounds like Sega is handling differently. I personally like the way EA did it this year as the fielder locks on he still kind of weaves back and forth until he catches it, but the catch is not in doubt.

Also, how about taking a gander at the IGN review and see if that's a fair representation of what you've been seeing.

Thanks!

[Badgun]

Re: Beta Impressions Thread

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
sdrotar said:
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.

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

Shawn,
I know what you're saying about the outfielder cut scene right before he catches the ball, that was in the demo. I really don't think it's any different than any other game when your outfielder "locks" onto the ball. Like in MVP, when you get your guy into the circle on a fly ball, he puts his glove up or gives some indication that he's locked onto the ball. It just sounds like Sega is handling differently. I personally like the way EA did it this year as the fielder locks on he still kind of weaves back and forth until he catches it, but the catch is not in doubt.

Also, how about taking a gander at the IGN review and see if that's a fair representation of what you've been seeing.

Thanks!

[Badgun]

Re: Beta Impressions Thread

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
sdrotar said:
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.

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

Shawn,
I know what you're saying about the outfielder cut scene right before he catches the ball, that was in the demo. I really don't think it's any different than any other game when your outfielder "locks" onto the ball. Like in MVP, when you get your guy into the circle on a fly ball, he puts his glove up or gives some indication that he's locked onto the ball. It just sounds like Sega is handling differently. I personally like the way EA did it this year as the fielder locks on he still kind of weaves back and forth until he catches it, but the catch is not in doubt.

Also, how about taking a gander at the IGN review and see if that's a fair representation of what you've been seeing.

Thanks!

[TIm]

Re: Beta Impressions Thread

SDROTAR, You can probably lock this thread now...I would be playing cause the Fed ex man came to my house.I wasn't home so I will get it tomorrow..Thanks for the Impressions..

[TIm]

Re: Beta Impressions Thread

SDROTAR, You can probably lock this thread now...I would be playing cause the Fed ex man came to my house.I wasn't home so I will get it tomorrow..Thanks for the Impressions..

[TIm]

Re: Beta Impressions Thread

SDROTAR, You can probably lock this thread now...I would be playing cause the Fed ex man came to my house.I wasn't home so I will get it tomorrow..Thanks for the Impressions..