Baseball Games in 2013: What to watch for - CPRoark's Blog

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Baseball Games in 2013: What to watch for Stuck

Posted on January 11, 2013 at 02:01 PM.

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I think it's fair to state that baseball games, especially The Show and OOTP, have had a more consistent run than most other sports titles. Both have been critical hits since at least 2006.

One problem with continued success is the expectations thrust upon each iteration. Maintaining quality can be hard enough; adding improvements to meet consumer exceptions can be tougher.

With that in mind, here are three things to watch for this Spring:

1. Can MLB 13: The Show and OOTP14 maintain their record of excellence, while being innovative at the same time? I don't think it's a stretch to expect good things from both games, but will what these games add be enough to warrant a purchase? I'd safely bet on "yes," but only time and consumer reaction will tell.

2. What's up with MLB 2K13? Will it be full price? Download only? Will it add anything new? The recently released fact sheet doesn't provide much information, at least in regards to new features while the 2K website lists the game as a full price pre-orders. At least 360 owners have a baseball game, but what kind of game will it be?

3. What does the future hold for baseball games? By the end of the year, we should know what the new consoles will be like. Does a generational change in hardware create new opportunities for additional hardball simulations? It will be exciting to see what The Show becomes on a more powerful machine, and interesting to see what happens to the 2K series. Do Microsoft or EA jump back in the game?

Now's a good time to be a baseball fan, at least in terms of the quality (not quantity) of titles. What are you looking forward to this year?

Comments

# 1 GrandMaster B @ Jan 11

It's kind of a big FU to sell this game at full price with the thought that "Oh, they should just be happy there is a game on the 360 now." Sell the game at a reduced price for the reduced effort.

# 2 HustlinOwl @ Jan 11

Can MLB The Show finally deliver a true online online franchise??

# 3 Ikki @ Jan 11

Seems MLB 2K13 is retail disc, $59.99.

# 4 ELDoro @ Jan 11

Hoping MLB The Show's Diamond Dynasty turns a good feature into an amazing feature!

# 5 JustinVerlander35 @ Jan 11

If 2K13 is just a roster update, it will be another scar on an already ugly franchise. Especially considering they just now got their license and who knows if they had time to work on anything to improve the game.

# 6 dodgerblue @ Jan 13

1. The show will put out another excellent version of their excellent game. Improvements will be incremental rather than innovative. I would like to see them improve the pitching and defense to make the game more interesting when playing defense. Also, greater separation between players.

2. Although glad that 2k13 has an entry this year, how will less than a full cycle create enough improvement to make this a day one purchase? I'll wait for the demo and price drop on this one although I really enjoy playing defense in 2k.

3. Haven't given much thought to this one, I hope games keep coming out for the ps3 as I'm not rushing out to buy the next game system.

# 7 bobtrain @ Jan 13

MLB 2k13 is 2k12 with updated rosters. It's hard to ask a franchise to innovate this late in a console cycle. I think if MLB 13 The Show improves the online experience that will be enough for me. I'm looking forward to innovation on next gen.