Three Point Thursdays: Major League Baseball 2K8

[RaychelSnr]

Matt Blumenthal from Operation Sports has posted his inagural Three Point Thursday article which discusses what he discovered in his early look at the game.

"MLB 2K8 taps into the right analog stick’s potential in ways that no baseball game has before. The new pitching mechanic employs the right analog stick which allows you to come closer than ever to feeling as if you’re pitching in the majors -- or the playable minor leagues the game also boasts. Each pitch type has a unique motion (or “gesture”) and divides the windup and delivery into three parts, represented visually on the screen."

[ehh]

Quote:

While complicated in theory, these mechanics take only a few pitches to learn and give you more input and feedback than ever before. The controls bring a greater sense of authenticity to a game that already has solid presentation. The new pitching stays fresh with a different challenge every game as the exact gesture depends on the pitch type and the handedness of the pitcher, while the speed of the moving circle varies based on the pitcher’s windup, stamina, and composure.

That is awesome, similar to sig-style jumpshot timing in 2K's bball games with additional variables.

EDIT: I also didn't know the R-Stick would control throwing in the field as well, that's very cool. Beats using pressing the four face buttons and will hopefully lead to more variety.

[scott4171]

I work from home. I checked out the marketplace. Spiderwalk Chronicles was the only demo up. Now they took that down and it seems like they maybe be updating today. Lets see if we get MLB 2k8 today or tomorrow.

[bigfnjoe96]

I am really looking forward to the NEW Total Control Analog System. I kept hearing the REALISM from Matt, which always a good thing..

[boomhauertjs]

Quote: Originally Posted by scott4171

I work from home. I checked out the marketplace. Spiderwalk Chronicles was the only demo up. Now they took that down and it seems like they maybe be updating today. Lets see if we get MLB 2k8 today or tomorrow.

Hmmm, could be good news. Nice catch Scott.

[Blzer]

Quote: Originally Posted by ehh

That is awesome, similar to sig-style jumpshot timing in 2K's bball games with additional variables. EDIT: I also didn't know the R-Stick would control throwing in the field as well, that's very cool. Beats using pressing the four face buttons and will hopefully lead to more variety.

The only problem with the R-stick is for us people with HDTV lag (or "ghosting"). I sure hope this isn't too big of a problem.

[pistonpete]

its good that the stick maneuvers change with the handedness of the pitcher. IDK that. also, the fact that every pitcher on a team doesn't have the same repertoire means there will be a challenge every game. these two things, not to mention the analog throwing interface as well as other things 2K has, like switching to baserunner, make this game fun to play. its not a strict sim but still fun and fresh. Come on now, MS and Sony get that demo up!!!!

pete

[ehh]

Quote: Originally Posted by Blzer

The only problem with the R-stick is for us people with HDTV lag (or "ghosting"). I sure hope this isn't too big of a problem.

At the start it will be but I think after a while you'll get a hang of it so you don't even need to look at the throw meter ala MVP.