Beta Impressions Thread

[sdrotar]

Re: Beta Impressions Thread

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
shawn, do the infielder still make the shallow outfield catches with their heads wagging?

as far as hitting, it was described as being a 3D type zone hitting, have you seen that?
is it default? or do you have to choose it?

do the pitchers tire reasonably? do the CPU pitchers provide a good challenge?

you say everything looks and feels the same. since this game didn't need huge overhauls, is it a game that will show the improvement the more you play it? for axample, will the changes be nuances in CPU management and AI regarding stealing, pitching out and defensive adjustments?

i am looking for a game that makes you manage and think.

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1. I'm not sure what you mean with the "heads wagging"... sorry.

2. "3D zone hitting"? I don't think so. Think "High Heat" - nine zones; swing at the one the ball's in when it gets to the plate.

3. Yes and yes, in my opinion. Pitchers may tire a little slowly, but they normally do in videogames. Nothing out of whack here.

4. More improvement as you play? I don't know. The games have had a pretty similar feel to me, but it's fine. I think if you enjoyed last year's title, you'll likely enjoy this year's - but I haven't seen any ground-breaking AI or anything at this point. It's the same, rather solid baseball AI that Sega's used for years. That's OK, too - baseball strategy itself hasn't changed much for decades...

5. This won't make you manage and think more than any other game I've seen this year, but certainly no less, either. Console baseball games are designed to be PLAYED - and as such, the big sim fans (of which I'm one) are always disappointed when they expect them from console titles - and we shouldn't be. Any game that's tuned to be played with a game pad is naturally prone to dramatic statistical and managerial deviation. "ESPN MLB" is no different.

[sdrotar]

Re: Beta Impressions Thread

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
What kind of scores are there in CPU vs CPU games. do they get some hits.. Are there some blow outs.

Has the lack of Walks, hits, Low pitchers ERA's been addressed..???

I asked this question several times about MVP on their board.. It never got answered.. Now I know why it was avoided. Because CPU vs. CPU games are pretty much all 2 to 1... Very low offense... Same problem as ASB had last year..

If someone would have answered me, I might not have spent 40 bucks on the game. I am not a thumb jockey, I am a GM type player and just want to Manage, or GM my career league. Just set back and watch all my decisions unfold before my eyes...

I am not interested in Arcade style of play.. ( maybe a few games ) my only purpose for getting this game would be for Gm mode and realistic game play between the CPU vs CPU.. and of course realistic stats.

Thanks in advance if you can answer this.

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

Please look at my post above. If you're looking for a pure sim game - look to the text-based PC games available.
This is a console game, and it's AI is tuned for human intervention and human decision-making. All console games are. "ESPN MLB" is no different. The stats are more-or-less realistic, but if you're a hardcore sim fan, the consoles are simply the wrong place to look - especially for baseball.
That's no condemnation of "ESPN" by any stretch - it's simply the nature of console gaming as a whole.

[sdrotar]

Re: Beta Impressions Thread

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
What kind of scores are there in CPU vs CPU games. do they get some hits.. Are there some blow outs.

Has the lack of Walks, hits, Low pitchers ERA's been addressed..???

I asked this question several times about MVP on their board.. It never got answered.. Now I know why it was avoided. Because CPU vs. CPU games are pretty much all 2 to 1... Very low offense... Same problem as ASB had last year..

If someone would have answered me, I might not have spent 40 bucks on the game. I am not a thumb jockey, I am a GM type player and just want to Manage, or GM my career league. Just set back and watch all my decisions unfold before my eyes...

I am not interested in Arcade style of play.. ( maybe a few games ) my only purpose for getting this game would be for Gm mode and realistic game play between the CPU vs CPU.. and of course realistic stats.

Thanks in advance if you can answer this.

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

Please look at my post above. If you're looking for a pure sim game - look to the text-based PC games available.
This is a console game, and it's AI is tuned for human intervention and human decision-making. All console games are. "ESPN MLB" is no different. The stats are more-or-less realistic, but if you're a hardcore sim fan, the consoles are simply the wrong place to look - especially for baseball.
That's no condemnation of "ESPN" by any stretch - it's simply the nature of console gaming as a whole.

[sdrotar]

Re: Beta Impressions Thread

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
What kind of scores are there in CPU vs CPU games. do they get some hits.. Are there some blow outs.

Has the lack of Walks, hits, Low pitchers ERA's been addressed..???

I asked this question several times about MVP on their board.. It never got answered.. Now I know why it was avoided. Because CPU vs. CPU games are pretty much all 2 to 1... Very low offense... Same problem as ASB had last year..

If someone would have answered me, I might not have spent 40 bucks on the game. I am not a thumb jockey, I am a GM type player and just want to Manage, or GM my career league. Just set back and watch all my decisions unfold before my eyes...

I am not interested in Arcade style of play.. ( maybe a few games ) my only purpose for getting this game would be for Gm mode and realistic game play between the CPU vs CPU.. and of course realistic stats.

Thanks in advance if you can answer this.

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

Please look at my post above. If you're looking for a pure sim game - look to the text-based PC games available.
This is a console game, and it's AI is tuned for human intervention and human decision-making. All console games are. "ESPN MLB" is no different. The stats are more-or-less realistic, but if you're a hardcore sim fan, the consoles are simply the wrong place to look - especially for baseball.
That's no condemnation of "ESPN" by any stretch - it's simply the nature of console gaming as a whole.

[sdrotar]

Re: Beta Impressions Thread

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
Shawn,

Is the time it takes for the CPU pitcher to deliver the ball any faster this year, it seemed to be a little faster in the demo I played, is the beta at all comparable to the demo?

The length of games killed it for me last year, is their an improvement.

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

The deliveries do seem a bit faster to me, as well.
If you're referring to the OXM demo - yes, they are comparable. The game looks a lot prettier now, of course, and the presentation is much improved - but the engine seemed to be in place based on what I've seen.

The game length is still pretty long. It's a few minutes shorter than last year - but it's not likely that you'll be playing a 30 minute game.

[sdrotar]

Re: Beta Impressions Thread

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
Shawn,

Is the time it takes for the CPU pitcher to deliver the ball any faster this year, it seemed to be a little faster in the demo I played, is the beta at all comparable to the demo?

The length of games killed it for me last year, is their an improvement.

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

The deliveries do seem a bit faster to me, as well.
If you're referring to the OXM demo - yes, they are comparable. The game looks a lot prettier now, of course, and the presentation is much improved - but the engine seemed to be in place based on what I've seen.

The game length is still pretty long. It's a few minutes shorter than last year - but it's not likely that you'll be playing a 30 minute game.

[sdrotar]

Re: Beta Impressions Thread

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
Shawn,

Is the time it takes for the CPU pitcher to deliver the ball any faster this year, it seemed to be a little faster in the demo I played, is the beta at all comparable to the demo?

The length of games killed it for me last year, is their an improvement.

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

The deliveries do seem a bit faster to me, as well.
If you're referring to the OXM demo - yes, they are comparable. The game looks a lot prettier now, of course, and the presentation is much improved - but the engine seemed to be in place based on what I've seen.

The game length is still pretty long. It's a few minutes shorter than last year - but it's not likely that you'll be playing a 30 minute game.

[sdrotar]

Re: Beta Impressions Thread

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
1. Is it still to easy to strike out the batter when pitching?
2. Is the new batting interface better than last year's cursor?
3. Are the graphics much different?
4. Is the confidence meter, turbo run, etc. worthwhile (I think it would take away from the sim feel)

5. Can we see more of the ball parks?
6. Do pitchers warm up in the bullpen during the game (a la ASB)
7. Any broken bat animations?
8. Is the BTP CAM any differnt this year?

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

1. Easier than it should be? In my opinion, yes - but not as easy as last year, which is good.

2. Absolutely. It's a little odd in that the ball doesn't always seem to come off the bat the way you'd expect, but anything's an improvement over a cursor system.

3. There are more animations in the field, and some very nice presentation elements. It looks quite nice for the most part - and I've always been ond of Sega's more "photo-realistic" visual style. Unfortunately, the pitching and swing animations are very poor; so much so that they detract from the entire game's look.

4. In a nutshell: I like the Confidence meter; I don't like the Turbo run/throw. It feels too arcade-like to me. The Confidence meter only comes up in appropriate situations, and I think it add to the game.

5. If you mean by camera angles, a little bit. It looks as if they tweaked the fielding angle so it's a little lower to ground allowing you to see a bit more. It's not dramatically different, but it's nice.

6. You mean if there was a fly ball to the OF, would you see them warming up during the play? If that's the case, then no. The bullpen remain empty during the game and in replays.

7. Yes, there are broken bats, and they look terrific.

8. Unfortunately, it's not. I love to pitch using the behind-the-pitcher cam, but I have to admit that "ESPN's" makes the batter and pitcher look like they're 20 feet apart - just like last year's. It's still quite playable however, and I'll still use it when I play.

[sdrotar]

Re: Beta Impressions Thread

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
1. Is it still to easy to strike out the batter when pitching?
2. Is the new batting interface better than last year's cursor?
3. Are the graphics much different?
4. Is the confidence meter, turbo run, etc. worthwhile (I think it would take away from the sim feel)

5. Can we see more of the ball parks?
6. Do pitchers warm up in the bullpen during the game (a la ASB)
7. Any broken bat animations?
8. Is the BTP CAM any differnt this year?

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

1. Easier than it should be? In my opinion, yes - but not as easy as last year, which is good.

2. Absolutely. It's a little odd in that the ball doesn't always seem to come off the bat the way you'd expect, but anything's an improvement over a cursor system.

3. There are more animations in the field, and some very nice presentation elements. It looks quite nice for the most part - and I've always been ond of Sega's more "photo-realistic" visual style. Unfortunately, the pitching and swing animations are very poor; so much so that they detract from the entire game's look.

4. In a nutshell: I like the Confidence meter; I don't like the Turbo run/throw. It feels too arcade-like to me. The Confidence meter only comes up in appropriate situations, and I think it add to the game.

5. If you mean by camera angles, a little bit. It looks as if they tweaked the fielding angle so it's a little lower to ground allowing you to see a bit more. It's not dramatically different, but it's nice.

6. You mean if there was a fly ball to the OF, would you see them warming up during the play? If that's the case, then no. The bullpen remain empty during the game and in replays.

7. Yes, there are broken bats, and they look terrific.

8. Unfortunately, it's not. I love to pitch using the behind-the-pitcher cam, but I have to admit that "ESPN's" makes the batter and pitcher look like they're 20 feet apart - just like last year's. It's still quite playable however, and I'll still use it when I play.

[sdrotar]

Re: Beta Impressions Thread

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
1. Is it still to easy to strike out the batter when pitching?
2. Is the new batting interface better than last year's cursor?
3. Are the graphics much different?
4. Is the confidence meter, turbo run, etc. worthwhile (I think it would take away from the sim feel)

5. Can we see more of the ball parks?
6. Do pitchers warm up in the bullpen during the game (a la ASB)
7. Any broken bat animations?
8. Is the BTP CAM any differnt this year?

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

1. Easier than it should be? In my opinion, yes - but not as easy as last year, which is good.

2. Absolutely. It's a little odd in that the ball doesn't always seem to come off the bat the way you'd expect, but anything's an improvement over a cursor system.

3. There are more animations in the field, and some very nice presentation elements. It looks quite nice for the most part - and I've always been ond of Sega's more "photo-realistic" visual style. Unfortunately, the pitching and swing animations are very poor; so much so that they detract from the entire game's look.

4. In a nutshell: I like the Confidence meter; I don't like the Turbo run/throw. It feels too arcade-like to me. The Confidence meter only comes up in appropriate situations, and I think it add to the game.

5. If you mean by camera angles, a little bit. It looks as if they tweaked the fielding angle so it's a little lower to ground allowing you to see a bit more. It's not dramatically different, but it's nice.

6. You mean if there was a fly ball to the OF, would you see them warming up during the play? If that's the case, then no. The bullpen remain empty during the game and in replays.

7. Yes, there are broken bats, and they look terrific.

8. Unfortunately, it's not. I love to pitch using the behind-the-pitcher cam, but I have to admit that "ESPN's" makes the batter and pitcher look like they're 20 feet apart - just like last year's. It's still quite playable however, and I'll still use it when I play.

[sdrotar]

Re: Beta Impressions Thread

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
Woooooo-hoooo!

Well, a couple questions i have off the top of my head:

1. What's the fastest pitch speed or setting?

2. What authentic HR celebrations are there? Do they have Bernie and his slide for Brewers HR's? Sammy Sosa's hop?

3. Do players celebrate at home plate after walk-off homeruns?

4. Does Nomar do his "Rain Man" routine at bat?

5. Are there any REAL FANCY double plays?

6. Is the crowd awkwardly silent?

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

1. There are no sliders for pitch speed, so you have the Real, Slow, Medium, and Fast settings. NOTE - This is only how they appear on screen. Most pitchers also seem to throw at listed speeds far higher than what they do in real-life. Jason Jennings of the Rockies can throw his fastball at 97 MPH at times, and in the mid 90's with regularity - a good 8-10 miles per hour than he can in real life. This may rankle some folks...

2. I haven't hit enough home runs with those guys to tell you. Sorry.

3. Haven't hit a "walk-off" homer, either...

4. No. He just waggles the bat, and keeps his feet moving.

5. There are some nice new DP animations this year.

6. Yes. The crowd is very, very quiet. I think they're even quieter than last year...

[sdrotar]

Re: Beta Impressions Thread

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
Woooooo-hoooo!

Well, a couple questions i have off the top of my head:

1. What's the fastest pitch speed or setting?

2. What authentic HR celebrations are there? Do they have Bernie and his slide for Brewers HR's? Sammy Sosa's hop?

3. Do players celebrate at home plate after walk-off homeruns?

4. Does Nomar do his "Rain Man" routine at bat?

5. Are there any REAL FANCY double plays?

6. Is the crowd awkwardly silent?

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

1. There are no sliders for pitch speed, so you have the Real, Slow, Medium, and Fast settings. NOTE - This is only how they appear on screen. Most pitchers also seem to throw at listed speeds far higher than what they do in real-life. Jason Jennings of the Rockies can throw his fastball at 97 MPH at times, and in the mid 90's with regularity - a good 8-10 miles per hour than he can in real life. This may rankle some folks...

2. I haven't hit enough home runs with those guys to tell you. Sorry.

3. Haven't hit a "walk-off" homer, either...

4. No. He just waggles the bat, and keeps his feet moving.

5. There are some nice new DP animations this year.

6. Yes. The crowd is very, very quiet. I think they're even quieter than last year...

[sdrotar]

Re: Beta Impressions Thread

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
Woooooo-hoooo!

Well, a couple questions i have off the top of my head:

1. What's the fastest pitch speed or setting?

2. What authentic HR celebrations are there? Do they have Bernie and his slide for Brewers HR's? Sammy Sosa's hop?

3. Do players celebrate at home plate after walk-off homeruns?

4. Does Nomar do his "Rain Man" routine at bat?

5. Are there any REAL FANCY double plays?

6. Is the crowd awkwardly silent?

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

1. There are no sliders for pitch speed, so you have the Real, Slow, Medium, and Fast settings. NOTE - This is only how they appear on screen. Most pitchers also seem to throw at listed speeds far higher than what they do in real-life. Jason Jennings of the Rockies can throw his fastball at 97 MPH at times, and in the mid 90's with regularity - a good 8-10 miles per hour than he can in real life. This may rankle some folks...

2. I haven't hit enough home runs with those guys to tell you. Sorry.

3. Haven't hit a "walk-off" homer, either...

4. No. He just waggles the bat, and keeps his feet moving.

5. There are some nice new DP animations this year.

6. Yes. The crowd is very, very quiet. I think they're even quieter than last year...

[sdrotar]

Re: Beta Impressions Thread

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
My main concern is Gameplay...Do you think the Gameplay is the same or dropped off.? Thanks for the impressions again ehehehe

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

I think fielding's a tad smoother, and batting is much more fun without the cursor. It's incrementally improved, but not dramatically.

[sdrotar]

Re: Beta Impressions Thread

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
My main concern is Gameplay...Do you think the Gameplay is the same or dropped off.? Thanks for the impressions again ehehehe

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

I think fielding's a tad smoother, and batting is much more fun without the cursor. It's incrementally improved, but not dramatically.