Let's discuss the new timing window

[DJ]

As we all know, MLB 13 features an expanded timing window compared to previous games. And, as most of you know, I have had my share of issues with the new change when using Timing hitting. Early swings are a frequent occurrence for me.

I've increased pitch speed (that has helped a bit) changed camera angles and tried to wait an extra beat before pressing the swing button. I've spent time in the batting cages, too.

I still can't get it and I'm growing frustrated.

After another exercise in frustration, I popped in MLB 12 and played a game of my Mets franchise. Why did SCEA go away from 12's timing window? To me it is perfect. You really have to anticipate a pitch to put the proper swing on it. Turning on fastballs can be tough, but that is how it should be. I liked having to start my swing before the ball got on top of me, which by all indications, is how 13's timing window works.

Any tips for how to be a good hitter in 13, or tips on how to replicate 13's timing window would be greatly appreciated.

[CKW11]

Re: Let's discuss the new timing window

I was having the same problem as you, I knocked down the timing window one or two notches (not sure which and I'm not at my ps at the time) and bumped pitch speed up, and took a couple days off from playing and sure enough that did the trick for me.

[kehlis]

Re: Let's discuss the new timing window

Never used timing hitting so I'm just throwing this out there but is there a possibility it was done to make zone hitting more responsive?

I use zone and it feels so much more natural to me this year than last year.

In no way am I justifying it and feel for you but just wanted to mention it.

[DJ]

Re: Let's discuss the new timing window

Never used timing hitting so I'm just throwing this out there but is there a possibility it was done to make zone hitting more responsive?

I use zone and it feels so much more natural to me this year than last year.

In no way am I justifying it and feel for you but just wanted to mention it.

I think you are on to something. When I use Analog hitting, I have no issues. My problem is that Analog isn't a good long-term solution for me; it's very tough to use on the Vita and with my limited gaming time, I don't always have the desire to use the interface.

[DJ]

Re: Let's discuss the new timing window

I was having the same problem as you, I knocked down the timing window one or two notches (not sure which and I'm not at my ps at the time) and bumped pitch speed up, and took a couple days off from playing and sure enough that did the trick for me.

Thanks for the suggestion. Raising pitch speed has helped a little, so hopefully if I change the timing slider that will make things even better.

[Bobhead]

Re: Let's discuss the new timing window

I agree with Kehlis. I play zone hitting, and hitting was quite frustrating in years past, because there was no way to move the PCI before you swing, as early as we had to swing.

The new window makes zone hitting a lot more enjoyable. It's not perfect though, I think it could still be a lot smaller, especially since those "too early" swings lead to a lot of pop-ups and other stuff, instead of foul balls as they should.

Try this:

In previous years, with zone hitting, I was so focused on swinging early enough, that I ended up constantly swinging before my left hand touched the analog stick, thus a lot of my swings were accidentally down the middle.

My solution was to hold my right hand further away from the X button (or square or whatever)... thus making it impossible for me to swing impulsively early.

So instead of resting your finger over the button, hold it back. That way, the time it takes for you to move your hand towards the button delays your swing. It helped me swing later, and even though your situation is different in detail, it seems to be the same in concept. So maybe it will work for you too.

[DJ]

Re: Let's discuss the new timing window

I'm willing to try anything at this point. Everything else about the game (13) I like a lot, especially the improved ball physics. It's funny because with 12, I struggled for months pulling the ball, but eventually found a way.

The adjustment to the new timing window has been more frustrating to deal with.

[Frank is the Tank]

Re: Let's discuss the new timing window

Whenever I'm in a slump, I prefer using the contact swing until I get comfortable. Whenever I get comfortable with timing, I like to use the normal swing and when I guess right on a fastball, I use the power swing.

[Stolm]

Re: Let's discuss the new timing window

I'm not a fan either.

Last year hitting felt perfect. Yes it was challengng, yes it was hard to pull inside fastballs, but I didn't feel like my swing was being manipulated like it does this year.

The new timing windows feels like there is a lot of under the hood simulation going on, especially right when you are about to connect with the ball, sometimes you notice a slight pause just as you hit a ball while it figures out where its going to go.

It just feels off this year, kinda wish we were given the option to disable whatever they added this year to in their attempt to make the game easier. MLB 12 with the new hitting physics would have been awesome.

[Bobhead]

Re: Let's discuss the new timing window

I'm not a fan either.

Last year hitting felt perfect. Yes it was challengng, yes it was hard to pull inside fastballs, but I didn't feel like my swing was being manipulated like it does this year.

The new timing windows feels like there is a lot of under the hood simulation going on, especially right when you are about to connect with the ball, sometimes you notice a slight pause just as you hit a ball while it figures out where its going to go.

It just feels off this year, kinda wish we were given the option to disable whatever they added this year to in their attempt to make the game easier. MLB 12 with the new hitting physics would have been awesome.

I actually agree 100%. I don't know whether it's the ball physics or something in the new contact/timing equation, but there's a lot of behind the scenes stuff going on, and I don't like it. I feel like where I put my PCI in relation to the ball is more meaningless than ever.

[Heroesandvillains]

Re: Let's discuss the new timing window

I wish I could give you people struggling SYF-like detail oriented advice. I LOVE the how balanced hitting is this year. It's perfect, in my opinion.

Last year, I went almost 4 months consecutively on my Yankees Franchise without being held to 5 hits or under.

This year, it happens regularly, as it should.

But I also absolutely beat the CPU down too.

Through 53 games in my Braves Franchise, we are sitting at .258.

Through 14 games in my Yankees Franchise, we are sitting at .263.

I'm on Default AS (Timing), with Strike Frequency down a click a SB Frequency up on click. That is it.

Though, I do draw around a combined 3.5 BB's per. And I only strike out about 7.2 times per also. I think the new Timing Window allows me to pick up the ball well, so as a result, I am a pretty competitive hitter.

The key is to make sure you are picking up pitches out of the CPU's hand. And looking for patterns after you get once through the order.

RHB vs RHP (and vice versa) are the hardest they've ever been in this series. So plan that day's lineup accordingly.

I find the 1-3 spots in the lineup (especially the 2 hole) to me are the single most important lineup spots in the game. This clearly makes sense, as these are the first three hitters the CPU pitcher sees. If these three aren't hitting, put people up there that are.

And Pitch Speed to me is still king. If you are struggling, drop it. Once you adjust to it being lower, I can almost promise you will start to hit. Timing is all about exactly that: timing. If you aren't seeing the ball well, your timing will be off and you will struggle, as you should.

[lhslancers]

Re: Let's discuss the new timing window

When I first got the game I hated the new timing model. I guess constantly playing the older versions didn't help matters much.

I have been playing The Show using timing hitting All Star with pitch speed at default or on 6. This year I am playing on AS with the pitch speed on 9 and the timing slider turned down 1 from default playing it at 4. It's fair but you need to pause a split second longer than what I am used to even with the pitch speed turned up way higher than before.

The ball physics and hit variety are so much better than in past versions you need to give the game a chance. You can nearly replicate the difficulty of MLB 12 by changing the pitch speed and timing slider.

[Bobhead]

Re: Let's discuss the new timing window

For the record I'm not struggling at all in this year's game (most of my losses are due to pitching). I'm getting plenty of variety in terms of doubles/singles/home runs etc...

I just feel like I'm not in control, even with zone hitting.

When I put the PCI above the ball with perfect timing, it's a deep fly ball.

When I put the PCI below the ball with perfect timing, it's a deep fly ball.

When I put the PCI directly over the ball squared up, with perfect timing, it's a deep fly ball.

It shouldn't be that way. Only one of the above scenarios should be continuously leading to deep fly balls. Squared up balls should mostly be line drives, and swinging over pitches should mostly be grounders.

The whole point of zone hitting is to have an influence on the type of contact you get. I feel like ratings and timing are determining absolutely everything. Nothing feels natural.

It also annoys me because it results in a lack of line drives, but that's another story...

[lhslancers]

Re: Let's discuss the new timing window

Bobhead have you tried Timing Hitting?

[Bobhead]

Re: Let's discuss the new timing window

Bobhead have you tried Timing Hitting?

I feel like I've been trying Timing hitting for the past 3 months. That's my main point with my last post.