Ten Areas of Improvement for MLB 12: The Show

Feature Article

Submitted on: 10/26/2011 by Phil Varckette

With the World Series coming to a climax the next two nights (Editors note: or one if my Rangers have their way), you may be thinking that it’s a bit early to start looking forward to next season. But with free agency starting not long after the Classic ends, time will start to fly by. After all, MLB 12: The Show is the next big sports game release.

Here are a few things I think could improve the annual SCEA release.

1. More control over the fielders

This is something fans of The Show have been asking for, for a very long time. It was reported from those who attended The Show’s community day last year that Sony gave this a shot. It was said that the ball travels to fast for the user to field it effectively.

If possible, slow the ball down. Let us have total control to make the play.

2. Fix the Pick-Off System

Runners shouldn’t be getting picked off multiple times a game. It seems like whenever you take that extra step, your chances of getting picked-off skyrockets. Let us hold down L2 and release to take off, Instead of doing it automatically. MLB 2K11 does this very well.

3. Better Ball Physics

I would like to see the ball come off the bat more realistically. When a ball is hit down the line, it tends to slice. This is represented to a small degree, but could be done much better. This would also include balls with top spin and knuckling action. It would add just another touch of realism the series is so well known for.

4. PS VITA Compatibility

Whether it is the ability to actually play our franchise games on the VITA or just manage our franchise, give us something innovative. This is something the fans have wanted to see with the PSP for years, but it never came to fruition. Sony may be surprised how much VITA sales spike by implementing this feature.

5. Franchise Changes

Franchise mode, for the most part, is well done in The Show. The upgrades needed shouldn’t be in the form of an overhaul or anything like that, but we would love to see the scouting system get some love. Team tendencies should be tied to the manager; trade logic needs looked at as well as roster management; make managing rosters more user-friendly; and last but not least, give our editors, like Knight, better tools for roster adjustments.

6. Licensed Equipment and Accessories

Another long standing community wish. With seemingly every other current-gen sports game having licensed equipment and accessories, it's time for The Show to follow suit. It would add so much to the immersion factor. Being able to decide if I want Carlos Santana to use Nike or Under Armor catchers gear would be pretty cool. You could also take this a step further in Road to the Show mode and have certain brands offer to sponsor your player based on performance.

7. Presentation Upgrades

Announcing needs a breath of fresh air. You don’t necessarily have to add or subtract anyone; just give us a ton of new commentary. It would also be great to see enhanced presentation for rivalry games, or games with meaning. That could be something as simple as some special commentary, new graphical wipes. Same goes with playoff games; make it feel like October and give us some on-screen playoff logo splashes. Talk about the importance of each and every at bat.

8. MLB Today-Like Mode

Sometimes a competing company does something so well that you have to capitalize on it for yourself. I am a big “Play Now” guy, and this feature would be a fantastic addition. Keep the rosters updated daily and let the user follow along with the season.

9. Create-A-Team/Expansion Mode in Franchise

This was a blast in the now defunct All-Star Baseball series. The Show lovers love customization. Give us the ultimate customization experience with this mode. Let us select our city, build our own stadium and jump into whatever league and division we want and participate in an expansion draft.

10. Miscellaneous Additions

Co-op Franchise mode, more sounds of the show options, Single-A teams, cleaner user-friendly interfaces, more uniforms, umpire arguments, ejections for arguing, more stat overlays, more hit variety, stand-alone Playoff mode and more catcher animations.

Final Thoughts

This is just a small sampling of what the community would like to see this year. If we know the folks at SCEA like we think we do, I would be willing to bet a lot of our wishes will be granted this year.

After all, there may not be a company who listens to its fan base like SCEA.

MLB 12 The Show Videos

Member Comments

# 121 briang74 @ 11/18/11 09:43 PM

A couple of changes I would love to see:
- have the high socks on players come up just a bit higher closer to the knee.
- have low top cleats.
- have the ability to edit the potential grades of players.
- have the ability to edit multiple players or entire teams at the same time. (ie. being able to edit the cleats of every player on the same team at one time. So if i wanted to have a team have all black cleats I would only have to do one edit.) Have this abiltiy with all things such as sock height, arm bands and wrist bands, batting gloves etc.

# 122 Three Fingers @ 12/10/11 11:52 PM

If Pujols will swing at a slider going out of the zone on a 2-2 count then thats what he should do in the game. And if I miss my spot and it is left over the plate against Pujols I should pay for that. Seeing more real to life batter/pitcher tendencies would be great!!!

I would also like to see you guys more accurately animate the batting stances and pitching wind-ups. It really bugs me to see Jose Bautista standing up in the batters box instead of a wider squat type stance. I almost bought 2k11 because of this and the MLB Today mode along with their more realistic batter/pitcher tendencies.

Also upgrading the rosters throughout the season in Play now would be alot more enjoyable.

I do like all the things they are doing with the game this year! I am a big fan and I cant wait for the game to come out!

# 123 mph2k @ 12/14/11 08:24 PM

The main two areas i would love to see change is being able to edit a players contract before starting franchise mode. And being able to edit players age. The reason for this is i'm sick of seeing superstars having a great season and retiring after the first season. It just kills the game for me when great players are retiring at the age of 30-35.

# 124 Knight165 @ 12/14/11 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mph2k


	The main two areas i would love to see change is being able to edit a players contract before starting franchise mode. And being able to edit players age. The reason for this is i'm sick of seeing superstars having a great season and retiring after the first season. It just kills the game for me when great players are retiring at the age of 30-35.

Neither of those are happening and it has nothing to do with SCEA.

However, Kolbe and Aaron said they will work on the retirements to make it more reasonable in regards to older players having great seasons and then just abruptly retiring.
I have no idea if any of this got reworked for '12, but I will report what I can when I am(if) allowed after the CD.

M.K.
Knight165

# 125 lek @ 12/14/11 09:55 PM

The reason for this is i'm sick of seeing superstars having a great season and retiring after the first season. It just kills the game for me when great players are retiring at the age of 30-35.

This killed 11 for me. After my 162 game season ARod retires. While the Yankees would love this no way it would ever happen.

I want the game to let me do more of what I want, that is to be a control freak. I want to have the option of selecting All Stars, MVP and other awards. The Gold Glove awards were totally broken in 2011. If need be make this a total control option just give me the option so I can control what I want. I really don't care about a homerun derby but if the retired thing is not fixed, which it seems it is not, I will not buy 12. Why not let me decide if I want the Astros in the AL or two more playoff teams?

# 126 Sco291 @ 12/15/11 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MLB_Fan


	franchise improvements that include new contract logic, improved trade logic, and an all new free agent signing process[/i]"

Jeez i seriously hope they did more to franchise than that..

# 127 Cavicchi @ 12/15/11 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mph2k


	The main two areas i would love to see change is being able to edit a players contract before starting franchise mode. And being able to edit players age. The reason for this is i'm sick of seeing superstars having a great season and retiring after the first season. It just kills the game for me when great players are retiring at the age of 30-35.

Mariano Rivera came back in my Franchise the following year at age 42!

# 128 lek @ 12/15/11 02:20 PM

Because that requires a total code rewrite and the Astros are not moving IRL until 2013 and the new playoff system will not be decided until 5 days before MLB12's release.

FOR THIS... youre just gonna have to wait until MLB13

Then I guess I will wait for a total code rewrite in 2013. I just do not have the $60 somewhat dollars to pay for more or less the same game with new rosters. Still love the series but will stay with 2011 in that case.

# 129 lek @ 12/15/11 02:31 PM

Also not sure what this means:

and franchise improvements that include new contract logic,

so will I play finish the 2012 season and have ARod, Holliday and Puljos retiring?

# 130 celticboy25 @ 12/15/11 02:34 PM

I'd like to see some way of implementing international leagues/players into franchise mode. It would be cool to be able to browse stats of Japanese leagues, for example, for potential MLB prospects. Probably too hard to pull off though..... At least for this year

# 131 lek @ 12/15/11 04:36 PM

Not sure I could have sworn I heard similar things last year about franchise logic and such. As is I control whatever I can in franchise to make sure the computer does not do the inevitable foolish things.

Until they or someone on this forum tells me they fixed the retirment thing I am out for 2012. Perhaps 2013 because of Astros move and potential new playoff teams but again if retirment is not fixed I may be out again.

# 132 Scooter3 @ 12/17/11 12:37 AM

[quote=briang
- have the ability to edit multiple players or entire teams at the same time. (ie. being able to edit the cleats of every player on the same team at one time. So if i wanted to have a team have all black cleats I would only have to do one edit.) Have this ability with all things such as sock height, arm bands and wrist bands, batting gloves etc.[/quote]

I have wanted this also anything that can speed-up the C A P
process.

The sliders always start at zero and take forever to get to 99
why not add a slow and fast button. The fast button could save 15 minutes off each C A P and 10 days off 600 created players.

Wish there was a way to transfer all C A P to the next SCEA MLB Game on a flash card or to send the players from the 2011 game to the 2012 game using the INTERNET.

scoot...

# 133 ARoid1313 @ 12/17/11 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scooter3


	I have wanted this also anything that can speed-up the C A P process. The sliders always start at zero and take forever to get to 99 why not add a slow and fast button. The fast button could save 15 minutes off each C A P and 10 days off 600 created players. Wish there was a way to transfer all C A P to the next SCEA MLB Game on a flash card or to send the players from the 2011 game to the 2012 game using the INTERNET. scoot...

Importing caps
From 11 to 12 would be huge!

# 134 Rules @ 12/22/11 09:29 AM

I just realized that this top 10 list is what SCEA focused on this year. Personally, I am disappointed as

1) commentary didn't need some new lines but instead needs a complete overhaul.

2) as stated by many others where is the rain delays and rain outs option that was promised last year?

They don't listen as this adds stategy for line ups and impacts retractable roofs for those stadiums that have those features.

Looks like MLB 12 The Show will be a pass for me this year as I am not seeing the necessary changes to revive what has become a stale series. (Let the hate posts fly for the ones who cannot handle justified critism). By the way, I have purchased every Show to date and have yet to make it all 162 games without becoming bored.

# 135 Knight165 @ 12/22/11 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rules


	I just realized that this top 10 list is what SCEA focused on this year. Personally, I am disappointed as 1) commentary didn't need some new lines but instead needs a complete overhaul. 2) as stated by many others where is the rain delays and rain outs option that was promised last year? They don't listen as this adds stategy for line ups and impacts retractable roofs for those stadiums that have those features. Looks like MLB 12 The Show will be a pass for me this year as I am not seeing the necessary changes to revive what has become a stale series. (Let the hate posts fly for the ones who cannot handle justified critism). By the way, I have purchased every Show to date and have yet to make it all 162 games without becoming bored.

They never promised rain delays or rain outs last year.
As a matter of fact they made it a point to say they were NOT adding delays or make up games right from the get go.

M.K.
Knight165

# 136 Rules @ 12/22/11 09:50 AM

The term "next year" was used for "possible" rain delays. Next year is now here and it comes as a complete shock they have no interest in ever adding this feature to the game.

The weather affects real baseball so why is it continually left out for other non interesting additions that will only be removed the following year?

Too many similarities to how NCAA and Madden's franchise went. Same commentary, too much emphasis on things that do not add to the realism of the sport.

# 137 Rules @ 12/22/11 10:03 AM

My point is that everyone else got their headband and Nike shoes additions with the sparkley glitter strings, so how about showing the other 5 of us some love and give us a "working weather" option so that we can strategize more like other games such as F1 2011 or even back in the MVP days?

# 138 Chuck_D84 @ 10/16/12 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cavicchi


	Mariano Rivera came back in my Franchise the following year at age 42!

How did you do this? What did you do differently? I've been trying to get him to not retire without any luck yet.

# 139 Frank is the Tank @ 10/16/12 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck_D84


	How did you do this? What did you do differently? I've been trying to get him to not retire without any luck yet.

That's actually funny because in my Yankees franchise, he's still playing and I'm in the 2015 season! Father Time and his powers don't affect the Sandman!

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