Major League Baseball 2K8 360 Impressions

[sportyguyfl31]

Re: Major League Baseball 2K8 360 Impressions

Is it just me or are people starting to get into this game very heavily now, some even praising it. I think all the naysayers and negative comments were very premature and though I admit some problems, I think this game will prove to be a fine one. Anyone agree? Or Disagree?

I agree. I'm having a good time with this game...pitching takes some time..and there are some pitches that I dont get a good feel for at times..but isnt that baseball?? Last game I just could not snap off Josh Beckett's 12-6 curve consistantly, so I didnt throw it all that often.

I think sometimes we get a little spoiled, which causes us to go bonkers over a games friggen frame rate and we forget that the game plays a good game of baseball out of the box.

Now if there was a way to get the CPU to throw some balls every now and then.

[metal134]

Re: Major League Baseball 2K8 360 Impressions

\


you have to make sure your catcher is set up with where your pitching and it will cut out all the wild pitches...i had the same problem earlier

I'll try that. It's only been in the last couple of games that I've accepted the idea of throwing what the catcher calls for. I'm still hitting a lot of batters, though.

[orthostud23]

Re: Major League Baseball 2K8 360 Impressions

Now if there was a way to get the CPU to throw some balls every now and then.

After I asked a quetion on here I tried BFJ's sliders and the only thing that I DIDNT like was that it felt like all my hits were bullets (I am using the BoSox). I didnt have anything weakly hit. There was one instance where Chacin fromt he Jays thru a slider low and out of the strike zone and PAPI still ended up hitting it for a HR. For the pitching it was the first in 8 games were I actually drew more than 1 walk!! I face Burnett in my next game so it will be interesting to see if he throws as many balls as the 4th and 5th starters. for 2 games I think the AI had under 70% strikes.

[truckie16]

Re: Major League Baseball 2K8 360 Impressions

Well, my 360 arrived from the shop yesterday. Just before my gamefly copy of 2k8 arrived. Played about 2.5 games yesterday.

First off: framerate, while not great, is nowhere near as bad as some make it out to be IMO but every one sees things a little different.

This game is vastly improved over 2k7. If judging from the demo.... don't. The final build is quite a bit better.

Pitching: While I don't think its quite as engrossing as a lot you do( at it's core it's still a meter), I have no real issues with it either. Definitely takes some practice. I love the in game tutorial. Makes it feel very realistic, like I'm throwing my warmup pitches with each guy I bring into the game.

Batting: Much like in MVP 06 I gave up on the hit stick and went back to classic. I just feel like I have no control when using the stick.
Classic is very much like MVP's hitting ( a very good thing to me).
Hit variety is fantastic with balls being sprayed all over the ballpark. I've scored 7 runs in my 2.5 games with no HRs by me. The CPU has hit 4( 2 solo) but they've scored 48 runs int the two+ games. WOW they hit a ton of doubles(fielding issue for me). CPU tends to hit a lot of fly balls...too many. Slider adjustments might fix this.

Fielding: 1MILLION times better than 2k7. I love the throwing meter. Offline throws for both me and the CPU. I've had an issue with the computer giving me control over what I feel would be the wrong fielder. Example: When the CPU does hit it on the grounder toward short, I'm thinking easy play, only to have the CPU switch me from the SS to the CF'er. So now my CF is going the wrong way. Easy double for the CPU. I think there is an option to change it to manual though. So it may not be an issue after that.

Presentation part 1: Commentary-It's pretty bland and on occasion totally wrong. This section needs a complete overhaul next season.
TV style- It's ok nothing great but not bad either.

Presentation part 2: Atmosphere- Improved over past games. The crowd has more buzz throughout. Could be significantly better.

Graphics: Stadiums need some serious work. Something to do with the crowd/seating sections that just looks off. Even though the field has been toned down I actually think its looks better than last year. In 2k7 the fields had this glow to them that looked to bright.
Sig stances and windups are phenomenal!!
I've seen some great ball physics as well.
Animations for fielding are very good. I had one where there was a ball hit towards the wall in Fenway and Manny tried to make a jumping grab at the bottom of the wall only to have the ball bounce off of his glove. Manny then smashed into the wall and fell to the ground. It was so Manny. I must have replayed it 15 times just saying... wow!

[mkharsh33]

Re: Major League Baseball 2K8 360 Impressions

^ nice, truckie. i like the objectivity. i finally picked this game up - haven't played it yet as i'm awaiting rosters and a patch, but i'll start tinkering around with it to get a feel for it. but i wanted to wait out these "i hate this game..." stuff until i saw some actual objective breakdowns of this game by some of the posters whose judgment i trust and value.

[Cardot]

Re: Major League Baseball 2K8 360 Impressions

I think all the naysayers and negative comments were very premature and though I admit some problems, I think this game will prove to be a fine one.

Yeah, that is often the case here. Folks tend to be pretty jacked up when a game first comes out, and opinions are pretty polorized and exaggerated.

Things tend to be a bit more objective after a week or two. The haters have moved on, and you also get some trends in the game that you can't notice in just a couple games.

[MizzouRah]

Re: Major League Baseball 2K8 360 Impressions

I'm enjoying the game, but I wanted to vent/rant.

[rant]
One thing I wanted to vent about with sports console gaming is I'm sick and tired of games being released so gosh darn early nowdays. It's stil 20 degrees here and out comes two baseball titles. I would be VERY surprised if many people actually start a franchise before opening day.

The Show benefits from their game only needing to fix some things and enhance the graphics, commentary, etc... MLB 2k series went under the knife once again this year and I scratch my head wondering who they paid to come in and test their game? You have to be a moron to NOT to notice the framerate and choppy presentation in the first 5 minutes of playing the game. Did they tell 2k this and the big wigs said, "We don't have time to fix those issues"? I just don't get it.

Is is absolutely necessessary to release the game the same day as The Show? Would they really lose tons of money if it came out on opening day? I like the game, but the finished product reeks of incompletion.

You turn off the ticker and it still displays (I know there is a workaround), commentary at the beginning of each game gets cut off as well as replays during the game. What happened to the player highlights from a previous inning when the player is up to bat again? I just don't get this early release bs!

I would bet $1000 that another month of tweaking/fixing some of the code in this game would have done wonders for it.

For me, 2k is lucky there is enough in 2k8 for me to keep my $400 in my pocket.. but I just don't get why more and more sport games seem to release way to early.

I will tell you this, once consoles start installing full games on their HD's, we'll be back to the pc days where games will require release day patches before they are playable - heck, we are almost there now.
[/rant]

[michaeldu]

Re: Major League Baseball 2K8 360 Impressions

I'm enjoying the game, but I wanted to vent/rant.

[rant]
One thing I wanted to vent about with sports console gaming is I'm sick and tired of games being released so gosh darn early nowdays. It's stil 20 degrees here and out comes two baseball titles. I would be VERY surprised if many people actually start a franchise before opening day.

The Show benefits from their game only needing to fix some things and enhance the graphics, commentary, etc... MLB 2k series went under the knife once again this year and I scratch my head wondering who they paid to come in and test their game? You have to be a moron to NOT to notice the framerate and choppy presentation in the first 5 minutes of playing the game. Did they tell 2k this and the big wigs said, "We don't have time to fix those issues"? I just don't get it.

Is is absolutely necessessary to release the game the same day as The Show? Would they really lose tons of money if it came out on opening day? I like the game, but the finished product reeks of incompletion.

You turn off the ticker and it still displays (I know there is a workaround), commentary at the beginning of each game gets cut off as well as replays during the game. What happened to the player highlights from a previous inning when the player is up to bat again? I just don't get this early release bs!

I would bet $1000 that another month of tweaking/fixing some of the code in this game would have done wonders for it.

For me, 2k is lucky there is enough in 2k8 for me to keep my $400 in my pocket.. but I just don't get why more and more sport games seem to release way to early.

I will tell you this, once consoles start installing full games on their HD's, we'll be back to the pc days where games will require release day patches before they are playable - heck, we are almost there now.
[/rant]

Well said. Obviously a unfinished product was released. I beleive the patch was in the works before release, because they were sure on top of it quickly.

[HealyMonster]

Re: Major League Baseball 2K8 360 Impressions

I'm enjoying the game, but I wanted to vent/rant.

[rant]
One thing I wanted to vent about with sports console gaming is I'm sick and tired of games being released so gosh darn early nowdays. It's stil 20 degrees here and out comes two baseball titles. I would be VERY surprised if many people actually start a franchise before opening day.

The Show benefits from their game only needing to fix some things and enhance the graphics, commentary, etc... MLB 2k series went under the knife once again this year and I scratch my head wondering who they paid to come in and test their game? You have to be a moron to NOT to notice the framerate and choppy presentation in the first 5 minutes of playing the game. Did they tell 2k this and the big wigs said, "We don't have time to fix those issues"? I just don't get it.

Is is absolutely necessessary to release the game the same day as The Show? Would they really lose tons of money if it came out on opening day? I like the game, but the finished product reeks of incompletion.

You turn off the ticker and it still displays (I know there is a workaround), commentary at the beginning of each game gets cut off as well as replays during the game. What happened to the player highlights from a previous inning when the player is up to bat again? I just don't get this early release bs!

I would bet $1000 that another month of tweaking/fixing some of the code in this game would have done wonders for it.

For me, 2k is lucky there is enough in 2k8 for me to keep my $400 in my pocket.. but I just don't get why more and more sport games seem to release way to early.

I will tell you this, once consoles start installing full games on their HD's, we'll be back to the pc days where games will require release day patches before they are playable - heck, we are almost there now.
[/rant]

agreed and i just dont understand why they didnt leave the garbage that happens at the end of the game out. i mean its supposed to some replays and commetary but all i get is a stuttering pile of crap that i have to press the button to get out of for fear of my xbox crashing out or freezing or something. why not leave it out ofthe game? idk i think the brains behind this game doesnt have a clue. when the wrong people are making important decisions you get bad/unfinished product regardless of what your selling, in this case id bet thats the problem with 2k baseball.

[brendanrfoley]

Re: Major League Baseball 2K8 360 Impressions

I will tell you this, once consoles start installing full games on their HD's, we'll be back to the pc days where games will require release day patches before they are playable - heck, we are almost there now.
[/rant]

Mizzou, this is my biggest problem with 'next-gen' gaming. I've chosen console gaming over PC gaming because I just want to pop a game in and play. But now, that's becoming increasingly difficult to do.

Not only to some games require instant patching. But now, some PS3 games require mandatory 5 gig install processes that take 20 minutes. It's a joke.

Developers and console manufacturers are losing sight of what console gaming was about in the first place. Going to the store, buying a game, and playing the heck out it instantly. Now we're waiting for patches, turning off graphic effects to get a smoother experience, etc.

Hell, it's become PC Gaming Lite.

[MizzouRah]

Re: Major League Baseball 2K8 360 Impressions

Mizzou, this is my biggest problem with 'next-gen' gaming. I've chosen console gaming over PC gaming because I just want to pop a game in and play. But now, that's becoming increasingly difficult to do.

Not only to some games require instant patching. But now, some PS3 games require mandatory 5 gig install processes that take 20 minutes. It's a joke.

Developers and console manufacturers are losing sight of what console gaming was about in the first place. Going to the store, buying a game, and playing the heck out it instantly. Now we're waiting for patches, turning off graphic effects to get a smoother experience, etc.

Hell, it's become PC Gaming Lite.

Agreed.

I fully support Ben as I know he knows baseball gaming, I just wish some more development time would have went into this game. They have a great game once you get past all the goofy issues that to me, could have been cleaned up before release. (I could be wrong here, I'm not a programmer)

I do think one more month would have equalled at least 1.5-2.5 points higher in reviews. Not sure if that also means tons of revenue lost though?

[CMH]

Re: Major League Baseball 2K8 360 Impressions

As you become better with the pitching system you'll see more CPU hit variety.

My last game I pitched with Dan Haren and the CPU grounded into more groundballs than flyballs. Had lots of assists with Hudson and Drew.

Still gave up a few homeruns but I never felt cheated. Fielder did pull a pitch a tad bit outside but looking at the replay he got his bat head out and the pitch was middle-out instead of outside corner. It was realistic.

And Cameron golfed a low pitch but it was a changeup inside that stayed a bit up higher than ht should have been and he only hit it into the fifth or so row.

In another game I finally hit my first two homeruns (switched to Classic hitting for the time being to get hitting down first). Very rewarding homerun I hit with Corey Hart. Inside fastball that I turned on and it felt natural.


If you like pitch counts then jack up the take sliders (I wouldn't recommend anything ever be 0 or 100. I just think that makes things go out of whack). But I jacked take everyting (balls and strikes, ahead, behind) and the CPU will definitely let me get into a nice duel with them. Threw 80+ pitches with Haren in 6 innings.

Honestly, I think if you like pitch counts then you have to keep yourself from wanting to throw strikes all the time. I prefer taking the catcher's advice because it takes me away from the habit of wanting to avoid the walk. If the catcher wants that 3-1 pitch outside corner then I'm going for it. Sometimes the CPU will swing, sometimes they won't. And now I walked them and it's an added challenge for me.

Still trying to get the CPU to throw more balls but I'm convinced after a few games that the more I struggle with the bat the more strikes the CPU will throw. Which in a lot of ways is smart. Also, I'm interested in finding out if the CPU will pitch to the score. Why throw balls if the score is 9-0?

[arichzona]

Re: Major League Baseball 2K8 360 Impressions

I'm enjoying the game, but I wanted to vent/rant.

[rant]
One thing I wanted to vent about with sports console gaming is I'm sick and tired of games being released so gosh darn early nowdays. It's stil 20 degrees here and out comes two baseball titles. I would be VERY surprised if many people actually start a franchise before opening day.

The Show benefits from their game only needing to fix some things and enhance the graphics, commentary, etc... MLB 2k series went under the knife once again this year and I scratch my head wondering who they paid to come in and test their game? You have to be a moron to NOT to notice the framerate and choppy presentation in the first 5 minutes of playing the game. Did they tell 2k this and the big wigs said, "We don't have time to fix those issues"? I just don't get it.

Is is absolutely necessessary to release the game the same day as The Show? Would they really lose tons of money if it came out on opening day? I like the game, but the finished product reeks of incompletion.

You turn off the ticker and it still displays (I know there is a workaround), commentary at the beginning of each game gets cut off as well as replays during the game. What happened to the player highlights from a previous inning when the player is up to bat again? I just don't get this early release bs!

I would bet $1000 that another month of tweaking/fixing some of the code in this game would have done wonders for it.

For me, 2k is lucky there is enough in 2k8 for me to keep my $400 in my pocket.. but I just don't get why more and more sport games seem to release way to early.

I will tell you this, once consoles start installing full games on their HD's, we'll be back to the pc days where games will require release day patches before they are playable - heck, we are almost there now.
[/rant]

Great point for all sport games.....I could have easily waited one more month as I am only one week into watching my Cubs play out here for spring ball. Granted, my little bits of free time between work, family, and the (the real) Cubs is now consumed with this game. A few tweaks here and there and I am really having a lot of fun with it.......and I thought I would be playing 2k7 until next year.

[The Gamer]

Re: Major League Baseball 2K8 360 Impressions

didn't someone say the MLB were making these mandatory release dates? If that's the case that's probably why things weren't finished and a patch was probably being worked on prior to release.

[arichzona]

Re: Major League Baseball 2K8 360 Impressions

didn't someone say the MLB were making these mandatory release dates? If that's the case that's probably why things weren't finished and a patch was probably being worked on prior to release.

hmmm?

MLB can't make their employees drug test but they can make gaming companies release games on the date that they create?

Now that I think for a second, that is very possible