MLB '11: The Show Demo Impressions - RaychelSnr's Blog

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MLB '11: The Show Demo Impressions Stuck

Posted on February 23, 2011 at 04:21 PM.

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The team at SCEA's San Diego Studios has always said they wanted to do analog controls in The Show at a time which made sense for them and which they could do a fantastic job with them.

Well SCEA San Diego, mission accomplished.

I've played three games in the demo and at this point, I can honestly say the analog controls are easily every bit as good as those found in Major League Baseball 2K11, and some will be able to make a compelling argument that they've surpassed the 2K series.

I've read through the impressions thread and it seems like pitching is a 50/50 proposition among OSers, where half are having serious issues picking it up and the other half are finding it to be a godsend. Put me in the latter group, I had the system picked up from the get go -- but if you are in the former group, just give it time. Once you pick up the controls you will find they are actually quite easy and intuitive.

The hitting is a different story for me, but I've always had issues hitting in The Show at the start of the season for some reason. This year though, I've already had more walks in the demo than I did through my first ten or so games last year. The only problem I'm having is getting solid contact -- and I'm afraid I might be in store for some practice to get up to speed with the analog hitting controls. However, I can see the system will probably be quite deep and intuitive once it becomes second nature.

Of course, if I were reviewing the game (I'm not) I'd probably consider it a slight negative that it takes so long to get the controls down for so many. Those who don't have the patience will be turned off by this game after not picking it up in the first few tries. However, those with a deep appreciation for the game of baseball will likely find that MLB '11: The Show is probably the most realistic game ever....again.

The game in the field will take getting used to for many -- although I admittedly have yet to have a throwing error through three games. I like the flick of the analog stick instead of the button push personally, so the change is a net win for me.

Baserunning controls are still the most frustrating aspect of The Show. I had one situation where after a swing, my players took off back to their bags because the controls for baserunning and hitting use the analog stick to varying degrees -- that's a pretty big design flaw for people who kind of get "stuck" or who follow through in their analog stick movements. So beware of the baserunning controls -- again.

Commentary and graphics are going to be fine again -- and the presentation remains probably the best in our genre. It will feel quite stale in some degree to people who have played the game for years like yours truly -- but there is just enough new commentary to make it seem new for this year.

Of course, there's a lot more which needs to be touched on in some degree -- which I just can't spend time on right now for length reasons. But if you own a PS3 and you are even a casual fan of baseball, MLB '11: The Show is going to be a must buy for you in just a couple of weeks.

Comments

# 16 chrismckone @ Feb 24

Now only if EA Sports would have the same efforts with MADDEN

# 17 supersol13 @ Feb 24

only tough part so far has been the hitting...everything else i love...hitting will def need some getting used to and practice

# 18 Eski33 @ Feb 26

The Show is like it has been in the past few years. It is the same but different. The "different" is subtle but noticeable. I found the lighting to be much improved and the detail is as good as it ever was.

As far as the analog controls, I actually like the pitching. There is no swirling the RS all over the place to throw a pitch. The **** and fire mechanic works real well. I still haven't tried the hitting controls as of yet.

The best thing about The Show is even with the additions to the controls, the original controls are still available for those that are more comfortable with the classic way to play.

All in all, The Show is still great. Although the commentary still sounds the same it isn't horrible. I think people are ready for an update in this area. This is a day one buy for me....

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