Impressions from a former hardcore gamer to now and older casual gamer.
This is not the best game by any means but I'm really enjoying it thus far. I mean I used to play the horrible looking HH on the Ps2 because the played great.
I think the hit stick even when it is toned down at least mimics some of the physics when hitting. For example, I tried to pull a couple pitches that were low and away and I did not hit them hard, but I have seen on occasion the low and away pull hit hard. Default out of the box is not good, I switched to Default All_Star and pitching is tough.
I haven't seen any of the glitches yet that people have talked about but I only have about 4 games in.
The positives that I see:
- The crowd reaccting to things, It was cool seeing the crowd sitting, then start standing up when I was in a pressure situation on the mound
- I like the IE. I still wish you could see prior at bat pitches and pitcher Pitch count for the CPU
- The pitching while toned down feels pretty good. I feel like I just can't throw anything
- Most of the animations are pretty nice and I enjoy the throw meters
- I LOVE the stealing mechanism, I feel like I have to work at it now
- The CPU runs all over me (to a point where they tried a Squeeze with a terrbile guy on third) (That's a negative )
- I like the baserunning also - although I'm still screwing it up
A few negatives:
- No working scoreboard!!! Minor but still
- Everyone has mentioned the swinging CPU, I have had them take a LOT of 2nd strikes though
- The field is a bit "jerky" at times, like I charge a ball and the fielder doesn't feel fluid all the time
- The out fielder slow down drives me nuts.
The managerial decisions seem better and the CPU seems smarter.
The game to me plays a pretty decent game of ball but does have some flaws. They patched the tag up issue last year or 2 years ago so I have hope they will fix some stuff. I hate that I can pre-load with buttons or stick. I use the stick but sometimes hit a button when switching etc and throw to the wrong base.
One thing I learned early is LEFT Trigger when throwing in the infield is huge.
Overall I'd say a 7.5. I am having fun playing with it and have not changed any sliders yet but overall with it's flaws I still think it's decent.
I do like the presentation this year.