Author Bio
Caley Roark
Home Town: Lancaster, PA
Sports: Football, Baseball
Games: NFL 2K5, MVP 05, NBA 2k series, Civilization
Teams: Phillies, Eagles, Sixers
OS Username: CPRoark
Tags: Live: Mr Rockit
Home Town: Lancaster, PA
Sports: Football, Baseball
Games: NFL 2K5, MVP 05, NBA 2k series, Civilization
Teams: Phillies, Eagles, Sixers
OS Username: CPRoark
Tags: Live: Mr Rockit
Thursday, May 12, 2016
04:41 PM - May 12, 2016. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Caley Roark
Battle Royale is my favorite new addition to MLB: The Show. Since the online issues have improved, it’s also where I spend most of my time. While I’m not terribly good yet, I have gathered some tips that have helped me improve. At the risk of facing stiffer competition, here are some guidelines to help you climb the Battle Royale ladder.
Oh, but first, an overarching point: Battle Royale is not traditional baseball, so don’t treat it that way. All of the Diamond Dynasty modes that utilize the shorter three-inning games and increased pitcher fatigue bend the rules of the game enough to make a non-traditional approach necessary. This is a theme that winds its way through my tips, but is important enough to highlight on its own. You almost need to approach it as an extra-innings game. The best real-life analog would be the second half of the “rain split” Game 5 of the 2008 World Series. Keep in mind, just as in extra innings, one run can usually win it.
Read More - MLB The Show 16: Tips for Winning in Battle Royale
Thursday, March 31, 2016
04:12 PM - March 31, 2016. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Caley Roark
For years, MLB The Show has been a series known for its incremental upgrades -- small changes that generally increase the overall quality of an already quality title. Whether improving the lighting engine or analog controls, these year-to-year improvements were well received, but not typically earth-shattering features. This "slow but steady" philosophy makes sense for a relatively small development team, but often left some users unimpressed. "Stale" was a common complaint, though one unattached from the general consensus that The Show was still one of the best sports games on the market.
After playing MLB The Show 16 for the last week, I’ll start with the obvious; it's still The Show. As usual, there is not one giant game-changing, "back of the box" upgrade that makes this year’s game feel like something brand new. Instead, the "small but meaningful" description I have used in the past to talk about The Show is still apt.
Before you check out and cast The Show 16 off as another collection of small tweaks, here’s the catch: The sheer amount of changes, whether under the hood, visual, or mode-related, collectively make this the most improved, and best, Show of this generation.
Read More - MLB The Show 16 Review (PS4)
After playing MLB The Show 16 for the last week, I’ll start with the obvious; it's still The Show. As usual, there is not one giant game-changing, "back of the box" upgrade that makes this year’s game feel like something brand new. Instead, the "small but meaningful" description I have used in the past to talk about The Show is still apt.
Before you check out and cast The Show 16 off as another collection of small tweaks, here’s the catch: The sheer amount of changes, whether under the hood, visual, or mode-related, collectively make this the most improved, and best, Show of this generation.
Read More - MLB The Show 16 Review (PS4)
Monday, March 21, 2016
06:25 PM - March 21, 2016. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Caley Roark
The DLC is all here!
2K is one of the few remaining publishers to release big budget sports titles through Steam. 2K's latest PC release is WWE 2K16. If you are a fan of wrestling, and haven't yet picked up this year's version, is this the one to get?
Read More - WWE 2K16 Comes to the PC: Should You Buy It?
Monday, February 22, 2016
04:44 PM - February 22, 2016. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Caley Roark
Diamond Dynasty is a mode that began as just another Ultimate Team clone, using card collecting as a way to extend and monetize traditional gameplay. However, during the past few iterations, the mode has blazed a new trail by incorporating unique and interesting features. It's almost as if Diamond Dynasty is in a constant state of evolution; this year looks to be the biggest set of changes yet.
Here are some of my quick reactions while watching the most recent Twitch stream...
Read More - MLB The Show 16 Thoughts: Diamond Dynasty
Monday, February 15, 2016
11:33 AM - February 15, 2016. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Caley Roark
In the latest stream, some MLB 16 The Show developers revealed some of the "little things" we can expect to see improved this year.
-The Operation Sports community got some love from the developers when they (re)introduced "Sounds of the Show" on the PS4. I am excited to see customized soundtracks, walk-up music and chants return because these things really help create an authentic atmosphere. The feature has been sorely missed this generation, and its inclusion seems like a real labor of love for the developers.
-Sounds of the Show looks to be as fully featured as we remember, and doesn't seem too difficult to use. The number of tracks and sounds seems suitable for most users, and using a webcam or other device for chants is a reasonable hurdle to clear.
-Interactive and context-sensitive tutorials are something all games should have. While this might not be the biggest addition for longtime users, those of us with kids appreciate the help they provide for the youngest fans.
Read More - MLB The Show 16: The Little Things in This Year's Game
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
03:27 PM - February 10, 2016. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Caley Roark
MLB The Show 16 information is now rolling out fast and heavy as we head into Spring Training season. The most recent Twitch stream focused exclusively on gameplay. Below are some of my quick reactions as I watched the feed.
Read More - MLB The Show 16: Gameplay Taking Steps Forward
Monday, February 8, 2016
12:13 PM - February 8, 2016. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Caley Roark
The MLB The Show team in San Diego released their first Twitch stream last week, focusing on the improved Road to the Show mode and new Showtime feature. Here are some initial thoughts on these additions based on what I saw during the stream.
Read More - MLB The Show 16: Breaking Down the First Twitch Stream
Read More - MLB The Show 16: Breaking Down the First Twitch Stream
Saturday, February 6, 2016
08:36 PM - February 6, 2016. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Caley Roark
The 2015-16 NFL season ends on Sunday, but that does not mean you have to go without realistic professional football until August. Draft Day Sports: Pro Football is a new text sim that allows you to create a league, fill it with teams and guide one of them to a championship. While the text-sim market is pretty small (but fierce), is DDS: Pro Football good enough to rise above the rest and keep your football itch satisfied until the fall?
Read More - Draft Day Sports: Pro Football 2016 Review (PC)
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
03:19 PM - January 27, 2016. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Caley Roark
MLB The Show 16 is going to tease us with a steady stream of news over the next two months, instead of their traditional fact sheet release. This is certainly a good way to build anticipation, even if it makes it harder to wait until release season. I'll take it though: The Show's Twitch feeds are some of the best -- and most honest -- marketing in the sports industry.
Read More - MLB The Show 16: Road to the Show Revamped, But Is it For the Better?
Thursday, December 17, 2015
05:57 PM - December 17, 2015. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Caley Roark
I always enjoy checking out games that represent under-represented sports, including cricket, lacrosse and rugby. Part of the enjoyment I gain is the challenge of learning a new sport and a new set of rules.
So I was excited to have the opportunity to look at Handball 16, a game based on a sport I know little about that released on most major consoles. Read on to see exactly what Handball 16 is and whether or not the game is worth your time.
Read More - Handball '16 Review (PC)
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
11:15 AM - December 8, 2015. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Caley Roark
As the Winter Meetings begin, so does our first look at the next iteration of everyone's favorite -- OK, only -- MLB simulation. Besides a new naming convention, what else does MLB The Show 16 have in store for baseball fans this Spring? Here are a few quick reactions from the first wave of information...
Read More - Quick Takeaways from MLB The Show 16's Weekend Announcement
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
05:52 PM - December 2, 2015. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Caley Roark
Football Manager Mobile 2016, a portable version of the highly regarded football/soccer sim on PC. Coming in a $9, an app price that’s becoming increasingly less absurd, is Football Manager Mobile 2016 worth your time and/or money?
Read More - Football Manager Mobile 2016 Review (iOS/Android)
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
11:30 AM - November 3, 2015. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Caley Roark
For many baseball fans, the end of the World Series simply signals the beginning of the offseason, a period arguably as exciting and tumultuous as the regular season. It's also when we start getting our first glimpse of what the next iteration of MLB: The Show may bring us come next spring.
Before we jump ahead to next season, however, let's take a quick look back at MLB 15: The Show.
Read More - MLB 15 The Show: A Look Back At What Worked and What Didn't
Thursday, October 15, 2015
03:05 PM - October 15, 2015. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Caley Roark
I don't invest a lot of time (or any money) into these types of games, though I can see their appeal. To its credit, NHL Supercard does some interesting things with the license to bring hockey strategy to your mobile device.
Read More - NHL Supercard Quick Review
Friday, October 9, 2015
03:58 PM - October 9, 2015. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Caley Roark
With the MLB Playoffs starting in earnest, its time for our somewhat-annual non-scientific simulation, using the latest version of MLB: The Show.
For this simulation, we used the latest roster update from SCEA and the ever-enjoyable Post Season mode. We also ensured that the Wildcard games ended as they actually did, with Houston and Chicago advancing.
Read More - MLB 15 The Show: Full Playoff Sim