OS Staff Roundtable - MLB '11: The Show Demo Impressions

[tabarnes19_SDS]

Re: OS Staff Roundtable - MLB '11: The Show Demo Impressions

I kind laugh when people say it is like 10. Duh,it is the same devs making the game. What game ever feel completely different from one year to another? I mean every game I have ever played feels like that last years game. If I was to play the devil avocate here. The show has new controls, better player models, more animation and more life like stadiums and yet it feels like 10? Really?

Disclaimer: I have only played about 7 innings of demo.

Playing Devil's Advocate here, I think people may have been looking for improved ball physics such as choppers and hump back liners etc. I think that would "freshen" it up some.

Things subtle to the AI that would make it play a little more realistic, such as injuries to pitchers on come backers,....


Again some of these things may be in, but I did not see them.

[Scottdau]

Re: OS Staff Roundtable - MLB '11: The Show Demo Impressions

To behonest with you all I want or expect from a game is to fix the bugs that last years game had. I don't need a completely difference game every year. If it feels like 10 too much stick with 10 then. But for with the improved player models and stadiums and the bugs most likely fixed from 10. I am going to enjoy 11. Again this is just my opinion. And Chase had the best reply to the others on that round table.

[Scottdau]

Re: OS Staff Roundtable - MLB '11: The Show Demo Impressions

Disclaimer: I have only played about 7 innings of demo.

Playing Devil's Advocate here, I think people may have been looking for improved ball physics such as choppers and hump back liners etc. I think that would "freshen" it up some.

Things subtle to the AI that would make it play a little more realistic, such as injuries to pitchers on come backers,....


Again some of these things may be in, but I did not see them.

Ball physics have been improved in my opinion. I have not seen high choppers yet, but I hear what you saying.

[tabarnes19_SDS]

Re: OS Staff Roundtable - MLB '11: The Show Demo Impressions

I think it is too early to pass judgment one way or the other. We need to play final build and go from there.


I also agree that bug fixes and tweaks are all that is needed to improve a game each year. We'll see March 8th...when I pick up my copy!!

[Kearnzo]

Re: OS Staff Roundtable - MLB '11: The Show Demo Impressions

Exactly... I mean, no **** it feels like 10. And oh no, it feels like one of the greatest baseball games ever made!?!? Come on SCEA, this game should be completely remade from the ground up so that it feels NOTHING like the previous version

Seriously though, will this be the thanks this team receives for having made such an authentic representation of the game? There is only so much more they can do to the gameplay each year. And what will happen next year, if they completely revamp the commentary? Will that again no longer be enough because the game already plays so well?

The "it feels just like 10" argument is just so incredibly ignorant IMO when it concerns this series. Other sports games? Yes, I could see the complaint, but here? To each their own I guess...

Wholeheartedly agree. All I can do is shake my head at the "feels too much like last year" argument.

[PVarck31]

Re: OS Staff Roundtable - MLB '11: The Show Demo Impressions

On the surface I could see why some would think its not a big improvement over 10. The game plays largely the same. Should we change the gameplay then? Its tried and true. Most would agree that this games represents baseball more than any other game represents its sport. So we should change that?

Analog controls give you a completely new way to play the game. I know they aren't for everyone, but at least give them a shot. In my opinion analog pitching revolutionized pitching in baseball games. I got into why I think that in the impressions thread. The new player models are spectacular. Players now look height weight proportionate and not stretched out to fit their body type. Don't even get me started on the lighting. Just ridiculously good.

As far as some other things that separate 11 form 10 are the ball physics. You can see the slicing and hooking the ball does in real life. The stances look better and more natural. I have also seen many new animations. Outfield play seems to have improved as well.

Look, I know I might sound like a shill for this game. Maybe in a way I am. Been playing it since 2005, but I admit its not perfect. There are definitely issues that still need worked out. Like the gloves not closing. lol this annoys me. They really need more catcher animations as well. Some choppers in the infield would be nice too.

I have faith they will fix these issues at some point. Until then, there is no reason to fix what isn't broken. Just continue to make it better.

[sbmnky]

Re: OS Staff Roundtable - MLB '11: The Show Demo Impressions

It's hard to believe people want a completely different game than what The Show has been building for the last several years. It's a testament to the developers that they are allowed, due to the aforementioned foundation, to fine tune elements of the game to create the most authentic representation of baseball; a game full of subtleties. While I agree analog is not revolutionary, it was a much needed feature for this series.

I've read many posts complaining about the demo, but very few recommendations detailing improvements. The developers don't shy away from constructive criticism - community day is representative of this - so if you have an issue with the game, expound on it with an idea for improvement.

I love reading OS Staff Roundtables, but I am in disagreement with most of the thoughts presented. However, much like Chase, I love analog fielding and I think it's going to be the most lauded feature when the dust settles.

The demo give us all a very minor taste of what's to come for The Show '11. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on the retail version March 8th.

[sbmnky]

Re: OS Staff Roundtable - MLB '11: The Show Demo Impressions

Wholeheartedly agree. All I can do is shake my head at the "feels too much like last year" argument.

Or your shake-weight - zinger!!

Now back to our regularly scheduled thread...

[Scottdau]

Re: OS Staff Roundtable - MLB '11: The Show Demo Impressions

Great post 31. Totally agree.

[Skyboxer]

Re: OS Staff Roundtable - MLB '11: The Show Demo Impressions

On the surface I could see why some would think its not a big improvement over 10. The game plays largely the same. Should we change the gameplay then? Its tried and true. Most would agree that this games represents baseball more than any other game represents its sport. So we should change that?

Analog controls give you a completely new way to play the game. I know they aren't for everyone, but at least give them a shot. In my opinion analog pitching revolutionized pitching in baseball games. I got into why I think that in the impressions thread. The new player models are spectacular. Players now look height weight proportionate and not stretched out to fit their body type. Don't even get me started on the lighting. Just ridiculously good.

As far as some other things that separate 11 form 10 are the ball physics. You can see the slicing and hooking the ball does in real life. The stances look better and more natural. I have also seen many new animations. Outfield play seems to have improved as well.

Look, I know I might sound like a shill for this game. Maybe in a way I am. Been playing it since 2005, but I admit its not perfect. There are definitely issues that still need worked out. Like the gloves not closing. lol this annoys me. They really need more catcher animations as well. Some choppers in the infield would be nice too.

I have faith they will fix these issues at some point. Until then, there is no reason to fix what isn't broken. Just continue to make it better.

The point for me anyways is why is the "Big Improvement" even discussed. It's not like the game needed a bunch of improvements. There's only so much you can improve on and a lot are dictated by technology available.
I've also played this series since it was 989 and it does get better each year. It's hard for any game to make huge strides in one year but the nature of the beast is we get a yearly release.
I just don't see where the game needs a "Big Improvement". Someone even posted that 2K made more improvements than the Show 11 like that was some negative on The Show 11....
2K had much more room to improve on so yeah if 2K wanted to of course they could make more improvements. (BTW I'm excited to see how 2K11 is coming around)
Other than lacing it up and hitting the field I don't know what more "Gameplay wise" SCEA can do that would amount to a "Big Improvement"

[jestep123]

It's the Madden syndrom. It conditioned people to expect some new feature (usually pointless) each year that mainly tried to disguise the many faults of the game.
Its baseball. We have mutliple ways to play. Graphics/lighting improved, new fielding and hitting mechanics etc.....

Felt like '10?????

I think this is true. I mean when you say the game hasnt changed aside from a new control scheme, what is that supposed to mean? Yes, we have seen the controls before but there is only so much you can do that maps to the controllers functionality right.

I think alot of the indifefence comes from the learning curve involved in the analog controls along with a natural tendency for some to resist change. Chase was absolutely on the screws when he said that the mind blowing thing is that you can go between control schemes and you can achieve the same results. You have to work at it to do that but at least you know it can be done.

I think a more acurate description is that the gameplay seems unchanged outside of analog control. Outside of that there is going to be alot to like.

At least an attempt at threaded commentary (doesnt quite reach the 2k level but its an improvement)
User controlled errors
Balks (I keep trying to get one called and its not happening but apparently you can)
Co Op
Challenge of the week
Player Vault
Better day night transition.

I could go on. I think that is the issue with judging the demo because the gameplay may not have changed alot but the overall package is going to be miles ahead.

Also. I want to give a shoutout to SCEA for something. Most sports demos that are time restricted end when that time is up no matter the score. Last night I played "extra innings" into the 6th of a tie game before giving up a walk off. Its a small thing but since we are talking about the quality of the demo, I thought that deserved a mention. Good work.

[travis72]

Re: OS Roundtable -- MLB '11: The Show Demo Impressions

Everyone's entitled to their own opinion, but some people expect too much change on sports games that are forced into a 1 year development cycle. Gotta wait for the next platform for that.

If it's not broke, don't fix it, perfect it.

Exactly, no need to fix it if it ain't broke. The show is the best video game of all time and nothing else is even in the same league. When I say all video games thats all I play is sports game(football, basketball and baseball). I have never in my life played anything else so thats all I got to go on,lol.

[B-Man1985]

Exactly, no need to fix it if it ain't broke. The show is the best video game of all time and nothing else is even in the same league. When I say all video games thats all I play is sports game(football, basketball and baseball). I have never in my life played anything else so thats all I got to go on,lol.

I second this

[Peter_OS]

I agree with Chase. This game looks better than MLB 10, and the addition of analog pitching and hitting makes this game even better.

but I can also see and understand, for those who have played the game to death over the last few years, how they could be a little underwhelmed with what is being offered in the demo.

[etched Chaos]

Re: OS Staff Roundtable - MLB '11: The Show Demo Impressions

To those saying that a gradual change from year to year is better than massive chancges. You're right but on the other side if you improve very few things then it starts to become a $60 roster update and thats something I never hope to see. As it is from my POV the RTTS changes are enough to justify my buying it, thats and the analog controls. But if you removed those two additions and said to someone 'hey pay $60 for last year's game with better player models, weather and better lighting' do you really think they would?

Thats the problem with having an excellent product, eventually you have to add in new features or change enough to justify people paying $60 for the game. Fortunately for the Show, we still have the commentary system and Franchise thats left for a redesign and so its not likely to become a $60 roster update anytime soon.