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MLB Bobblehead Pros News Post


Back at E3, I previewed MLB Bobblehead Pros and pretty much could not say enough nice things about it. Konami's Power Pros baseball franchise is beloved for all the right reasons, and this $10 XBLA arcade game seems to be just another way for more people to experience the franchise.

Many folks may have missed out on the series because it has mostly been known for being released on Nintendo platforms this generation, but it's a simulation baseball series that is hidden under a cartoon-like graphical facade. While this version is not quite as in-depth as some of the earlier retail versions of the game, it seems like there is still local co-op online, an edit player feature (although it seems to be locked when you first play the game), full 162-game season and create-a-team elements as well.

Some members here at Operation Sports have already picked up the title and have some nice things to say about it:

Quote:
Originally Posted by bluengold34_OS
And the game is incredibly realistic..I just started a season and the Pirates blasted the Cubs 8-5. The Cubs starting pitching was atrocious, and the they had 2 errors in the field. You can't ask a game to be anymore realistic than that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by philliesfan136
It is looking good, and it feels exactly like Power Pros. It's just as easy to play.
There is a demo for folks to try, and it appears more content will be coming to the game later in the summer. Some of the content coming at a later date includes a home run derby, as well as My Bobble mode, which seems like it will be some sort of career mode where you control one single player for a whole season. I doubt it will be as in depth as "The Life" mode found in other Power Pros games, but it would still be a welcomed addition regardless.

Lastly, while the Xbox Live Arcade version is the only one out right now, it seems like a PS3 version will be coming at a later date.

Game: MLB Bobblehead ProsReader Score: 8.5/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / Xbox 360Votes for game: 3 - View All
MLB Bobblehead Pros Videos
Member Comments
# 61 orthostud23 @ 07/07/11 07:55 AM
I had to try this out since I have heard such great things about it. I do like the game the one issue I am having right now is the hitting. Havent had to do cursor hitting since I think it was 2k5 or around that time frame. I am playing with the default settings and it seems that the hits are all very weak. I am sure my "sweetspot" is not perfect but even the CPU hits (unless using power swing) are also weak. The CPU doesnt chase stuf out of the zone much either. Is this normal for this series?? Defense I have no issues with now. Did dive way to often thinking I was preloading a throw but now I have this under wraps. Is it easier to hit without the AI pitching cursor?? Do you pick the ball up better?
 
# 62 jyoung @ 07/07/11 08:11 AM
Scout your players and find out which ones are power hitters vs. contact hitters.

Then use the "big swing" (right trigger) for all your muscleheads' at-bats.

Also try to only swing at pitches that are waist-high or better. Low pitches usually come off your bat as ground balls.

Speaking of scouting, is there any way to see hitters' hot/cold zones at the plate? Or do you just have to memorize their hitting zones in the menus before the game starts?
 
# 63 Fiddy @ 07/07/11 09:00 AM
I found it funny that the players run through the base on ground outs. They don't even do that on MLB 2k11.

I stink so far lol. Lost in 12 innings 1-0 to the Pirates lol. Then as the Pirates got beat 8-0. Boo.
 
# 64 kings of queens @ 07/07/11 09:18 AM
I have been a big fan of the series since I picked up the 1st Power Pros. I was even updating the 08 version until around this time last year and then my 80 gb PS3 got the YLOD. I am liking the game a lot. It is stripped down from Power Pros but for half the price is it a great buy. I wasn't that big a fan of the life portion anyway.

Few minor issues are no added roster spots for guys in Triple A. So you can't hide any players there. The fielding is frustrating at times. But has a RBI meets Baseball Stars feel. I really like the players rating will be boosted option after a good play is made. Adds a new aspect to the game. I have missed outfield flyouts that I was right underneath so it seems like you need to be more infront of the circle then the middle on lazy high pops. Also I've found the second baseman to be on a delay sometimes when trying to complete a double play.

My biggest gripe is where is K-Rod in is this game? Being a Met fan I couldn't believe they left him out for Pat Misch. He went from cover boy to not in the game. Maybe it is because it is a kids friendly game and he has anger issues and locker room fights last year lol. Lucas Duda is also in the game but no Daniel Murphy. Also no Joe Nathan on the Twins or Mark Trumbo on the Angels. A few more missing but I can't remember who. They are pretty up to update though. I have gone through the AL but I haven't gone through all the NL rosters to see who else is left out yet. I hope they update the rosters but I won't get my hopes up too much.

I have simmed 2 seasons. The Red Sox, Twins, and Rangers are really good in the AL. Especially the Twins. The Philles, Reds, and Padres in the NL. Yankees, Braves, Indians, and Cardinals seem to all be in 3 place and over 10 games out. It is also weird that after the 1st season you cant sim the spring training games and need to select the game and then fast play.

I need to figure out how to unlock the Edit player option as soon as possible no clue why it is locked. I just hope they don't charge us for the Home Run derby and Edit player option. I'm thinking maybe they will update the game with the full All Star rosters and the Home Run derby next week when the actual game is played. Since you cant edit the All Star teams in the game.

If you go to images 18-20 on the Microsoft link the edit player seems pretty deep as far as player model. Lets just hope there is a change name option.

http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Pr...5-d80258410b7b
 
# 65 falcons2003 @ 07/07/11 09:19 AM
As cheesy as it sounds, one of the things I like about the game is the "turning point" sequences, and "key batter" sequences with the split screen indicator.

I also like the random camera angle front view at the plate, when a new batter steps up when you are up, after a batter gets on base, or in scoring position.
 
# 66 jyoung @ 07/07/11 09:45 AM
!!!!!!!!

Just had my first career Bobblehead victory!

Blew a 6 - 1 lead in the top of the 9th after a brilliant 7 and 2/3 inning performance by Greinke, thanks to some horrible pitching by my closer, Axford. God, the rest of the Brewers' pitching staff is horrible aside from Greinke.

But I came back in the bottom of the 9th with the scored tied 6 - 6, as Corey "Hitman" Hart knocked a walk-off home run to win the game, 7 - 6.

What a way to win your first game!

 
# 67 jyoung @ 07/07/11 09:49 AM
King of queens:

Go to "create a team," choose the Mets, and you can edit all the players on the team.

Feel free to change anything about the players including their name, number, and player tendencies.

You can use created teams in season mode!
 
# 68 jyoung @ 07/07/11 10:14 AM
Also, I highly recommend "semi-auto" baserunning.

It puts you in control of only the lead base runner, while the CPU handles all the other baserunners behind you. My run production is much higher now that I'm not making so many baserunning goofs.

I'm getting better at manual fielding. They key is to basically just wait and not press anything until you've secured the ball. Very old school and takes some adjusting to, for sure. But I think I'll stick with the manual style.
 
# 69 philliesfan136 @ 07/07/11 10:22 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by wEEman33
King of queens:

Go to "create a team," choose the Mets, and you can edit all the players on the team.

Feel free to change anything about the players including their name, number, and player tendencies.

You can use created teams in season mode!
What are you talking about? Is that some type of code?
 
# 70 philliesfan136 @ 07/07/11 10:27 AM
Wait, just found out, you can use created teams in season mode (IE Arrange Mode MLBPP08)!

But how do you edit players???
 
# 71 falcons2003 @ 07/07/11 10:28 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by wEEman33
King of queens:

Go to "create a team," choose the Mets, and you can edit all the players on the team.

Feel free to change anything about the players including their name, number, and player tendencies.

You can use created teams in season mode!
Right now you can only trade players from other teams, or change the uniform number. You cannot change their names or attributes from what I can see.

I think it has to do with EDIT PLAYER being locked.

If you found a way, let us know, so I can get at some of these rosters.
 
# 72 Brandwin @ 07/07/11 10:28 AM
Hmmm.. I might have to pick this up. Seems like a lot of fun for $10.
 
# 73 falcons2003 @ 07/07/11 10:28 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by philliesfan136
Wait, just found out, you can use created teams in season mode (IE Arrange Mode MLBPP08)!

But how do you edit players???
From what I see, you can only switch current players from other teams, or uniform number.
 
# 74 philliesfan136 @ 07/07/11 10:30 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by falcons2003
Right now you can only trade players from other teams, or change the uniform number. You cannot change their names or attributes from what I can see.

I think it has to do with EDIT PLAYER being locked.

If you found a way, let us know, so I can get at some of these rosters.
I knew you could trade players and change uniform numbers, but someone said we could change tendencies and names... Where did they get that from??
 
# 75 falcons2003 @ 07/07/11 10:31 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by philliesfan136
I knew you could trade players and change uniform numbers, but someone said we could change tendencies and names... Where did they get that from??
I did not say that,,,scroll up,,,someone else did.
 
# 76 philliesfan136 @ 07/07/11 10:32 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by falcons2003
I did not say that,,,scroll up,,,someone else did.
I edited that post. Sorry about that..
 
# 77 falcons2003 @ 07/07/11 10:37 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by philliesfan136
I edited that post. Sorry about that..
No problem. I went in the game and just tried some stuff again, but create a team right now only let's you trade players from current teams, or uniform numbers. Unless I am missing something. Most likely has to do with that EDIT PLAYER being locked. Hopefully they hit us with some DLC Tues or Weds for the ALL Star Game and gives us Home Run Derby and that.

What days does DLC or New arcade stuff come out for the 360? I thought it was only Tues, but PP came out on Weds.
 
# 78 philliesfan136 @ 07/07/11 10:40 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by falcons2003
No problem. I went in the game and just tried some stuff again, but create a team right now only let's you trade players from current teams, or uniform numbers. Unless I am missing something. Most likely has to do with that EDIT PLAYER being locked. Hopefully they hit us with some DLC Tues or Weds for the ALL Star Game and gives us Home Run Derby and that.


What days does DLC or New arcade stuff come out for the 360? I thought it was only Tues, but PP came out on Weds.
I'm not too fond of that stuff, but I'd assume it's one of those things they do a certain time each week.
 
# 79 kings of queens @ 07/07/11 10:51 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by falcons2003
No problem. I went in the game and just tried some stuff again, but create a team right now only let's you trade players from current teams, or uniform numbers. Unless I am missing something. Most likely has to do with that EDIT PLAYER being locked. Hopefully they hit us with some DLC Tues or Weds for the ALL Star Game and gives us Home Run Derby and that.

What days does DLC or New arcade stuff come out for the 360? I thought it was only Tues, but PP came out on Weds.
I think deals of the week and updates such as map packs are Tuesdays and new arcade releases are Wednesdays.
 
# 80 jyoung @ 07/07/11 10:52 AM
Yeah my bad, looks like they have not unlocked the edit player feature yet, so you can only trade players and edit uniform numbers right now in create a team.

It says "bobblehead battle bonus" next to the edit player feature. Hmmm. Wonder what that means?
 


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