The MLB 2K9 Developers Are Listening

[Village Idiot]

These have probably all been mentioned, but nonetheless:

#1 - Commentary that reflects what's going on in your season/franchise/league. That is, less "Justin Verlander was the rookie of the year," and more "Justin Verlander's got an ERA of ... has stuck out ... and has walked ..."

#2 - Poor execution of the pitching mechanic, whatever that mechanic might be, should result in being wild, not the stupid meatball. Surely a pitcher who isn't going well should float some fatties here and there, but it should be much more common that a pitcher "just can't find the strike zone" when he's off.

#3 - As I can say for virtually every sports game ever made: better atmosphere, better crowd dynamics (knowing the difference between an 11-0 game and a 2-2 game; knowing the difference between an inning-ending K with the bases loaded and a meaningless K with 1 out and no one on, etc.), and better sound overall.

Thanks.

[baa7]

Quote: Originally Posted by Undefeated

#2 - Poor execution of the pitching mechanic, whatever that mechanic might be, should result in being wild, not the stupid meatball.

What, you didn't think the meat pitch was "sim"???

True story: I rented 2K8, popped it into the console, then started up a game on default sliders playing at home as my Yankees vs the Red Sox. Yes, I was in the midst of trying to figure out the new pitching mechanics. Nevertheless, 9 of the first 11 Boston batters homered off of meat pitches.

First time I ever shut a sports game off after 5 minutes (I usually give Madden at least a quarter of an hour). And I didn't touch 2K8 again for a whole day, I was so disgusted with the idiotic meat pitch programming.

[BigBlue]

The Meat Pitch is probably the biggest mistake 2K made with the game. I fully understand that you should have a hanging breaking ball if you didn't time the meter right. But to try to throw a slider low and away, mistime it, and have it turn into a 85mph fastball down broadway is wrong. I'd rather that mistimed slider low and away be a wild pitch in the dirt that a human opponent will recognize and not swing at.

I say 'human opponent recognizing and not swinging' because when I play this game online against my friend, sometimes I'll throw a pitchout anticipating a steal and, because of the slight lag online and having to swing early, he'll swing at it for a strike.

2K, I'm hoping that you correct alot of these issues for 2K9.

BigBlue

[wookie48]

No that it really matters, but you can turn off the meat pitch and with the right sliders the game is decent. I recommend SFMLB sliders as they are the most realistic. But there is so much goin on with this game, I dont know. I am VERY curious to see how VC is gonna make this years game. Brinkman gone and all there is just so many issues that surfaced and with the miller morgan problem, I just am very skeptical that they can produce a game worth of $60. I mean, the freakin community manager can even make his may over here and at least buile rapport with us. Even the madden dudes are in here talkin with us. It sounds like 2k didnt just need to get rid of brinkman. There is a whole upper management issue that needs dealing with.

[kenkraly2004]

I think MLB 2K8 took a step backwards this year. 1st off the new pitching controls while good and improved was a bit hard to master. The game makers for next year for MLB 2K9 need improve on the pitching controls. 2nd the batting controls are even harder than in MLB 2K6 and MLB 2K7. That needs fixed and make it more like MVP 2005. 3rd come up with some new broadcasters I love John Miller but hear him and Joe Morgan saying the same thing about a player gets a little old. Why not mix it up a bit with some fresh new broadcasters for MLB 2K9. Also here are additonal changes I want the makers of MLB 2K9 to add 1. Have the real sounds and crowd noise from all the ballparks like the cow belle in Tampa Bay, The Dum guy at progressive field, and the tomahawk chop at turner field just to name a few.

[BlogCapn]

For me, a person with a Wii - the biggest thing is the lack of realism with in game situations. Not kidding, the AI robs three or four home runs a game from me.

The controls are also difficult to get use to.

In terms of game play, I'd love to see some sort of career mode like in MLB: The show; but would probably prefer a better franchise ability. What about being able to form your very own team like in Madden football? That'd be kind of cool.

[Bucksin06]

In my mind no matter how much they add this year...
In order to get people to buy this game, and start to regain trust..2k cannot sell MLB 2k9 for more than $39.99

[ithrowds]

Dunno if this has really been stated yet, but if it has, just to emphasize:
Player Personalities - at least in dynasty mode, players with egos who demand contracts/trades, but also players who have the ability to pull into a higher gear. It brings another element into the game which I believe keeps things a bit more interesting.

Also on the topic of graphics, they were solid, I think the models need to be a bit more crisp and lightning/shadow needs to be better. Also, I think you guys should find a way to make the sleeves more realistic on players. For me anyway it seemed like the sleeves were always just solid tubes and didn't move no matter what the wind was like.

and possibly go into more detail with the draft. its nice if you have the ability to scout a player over an entire season and have a more detailed scouting report rather than just some miniscule ratings. It really helps because like in football/basketball games with all those scouting reports, it really helps to build a bond with the player, so that you would follow their progress through the minor leagues.

oh and probably the biggest issue:
a fun and deep dynasty/franchise mode is major WIN WIN amongst fans and reviewing websites. with customizable stadiums, being able to control every aspect or as a lot of the franchise makes you feel like you're actually the owner and it adds replay value to the game.