Five Ways to Avoid the All-Star Slump With Baseball Games

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Submitted on: 07/18/2012 by Caley Roark

The All-Star Game represents the mid-point of the current MLB season, but often signals the end of gamers' time with current MLB games. The facts are that these games are nearly six months old and football tends to dominate the late summer scene. Here are some tips to keep your current MLB game fresh:

1. Play a Whole Season

The staff went around on this back in March (http://www.operationsports.com/featu...game-season/); I made it a goal to try it this year. So far, I'm through June, and can't believe how much more immersive it is than simming games. If you haven't tried the season-long marathon, now's a good time to jump in. With a little dedication, you may just wrap up around the actual end of the season.

2. Complete the Feat

Set some goals while you play exhibition games. Have a player hit for the cycle or throw a no-hitter. Alternatively, figure out what your platform's achievements/trophies are and set out to earn as many as possible.

3. Shake it Up

The trade deadline is fast approaching. If you've resisted temptation in your franchise/season, shake things up by trading away or for a big name player. Do what it takes to get your favorite player off another team, or see how many prospects you can get for that aging superstar -- realism be damned!

4. Make it Up

Unless your favorite team is primed for a playoff run, it can be hard slogging through a complete season (it's been both frustrating and depressing seeing anything Phillies lately). However, there is a lot of fun to be had by getting creative. If you are a console gamer, try a fantasy draft. Or edit the roster so that your team matches your fantasy team roster. In Out of the Park, there are lots of resources available to create a fully-realized fictional league.

5. Switch it Up

Try a title that you've never experienced. Maybe it's the stellar Out of the Park or the under-appreciated MLB Bobblehead Pros. Give some older games a look, like The Bigs 2. Or, try your hand with Pro Yakyuu Spirits. Then, come playoff time, you'll be ready to jump into your game of choic

MLB 12 The Show Videos

Member Comments

# 1 DJ @ 07/18/12 02:00 PM

There are also Fictional Rosters for MLB The Show that are very well done.

# 2 onac22 @ 07/18/12 03:54 PM

Or just wait like I did and get it used at the all-star break, in an effort to kill time between the NHL season and Madden. So far so good plenty entertained and the game feels like I just bought it at the all-star break.

# 3 Majingir @ 07/18/12 04:08 PM

For me, interest in baseball video game goes down once Jays season is clear they're not gonna make playoffs(or even come close). That point this year is right about now...Bautista on 15 day DL, half their pitchers are injured, and Lawrie is injured now too.

I barely play MLB once NHL comes out. But that's not for another 8 or so weeks

# 4 crpav @ 07/18/12 04:29 PM

The length of a season as well as the lack of time is what kills my interest to play. The other factor is when Madden comes out.

# 5 LowerWolf @ 07/18/12 04:38 PM

Getting through June was key for me.

Once I got to July 1, I wanted to see who made the All-Star team. I took a few days off from playing at my All-Star break. Now with the trade deadline approaching, I'm excited to see what moves are made. And once the deadline passes, the stretch drive for the playoffs begins.

I've got 66 games to go to finish the regular season (playing every game).

# 6 Fictionix @ 07/19/12 05:14 AM

For me, Im just a massive massive baseball fan. I will play it all year till the next show comes out. Sure i take a day or 2 breaks, But ill be playing it all year just like I did last year. Love baseball

# 7 CujoMatty @ 07/19/12 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Majingir


	For me, interest in baseball video game goes down once Jays season is clear they're not gonna make playoffs(or even come close). That point this year is right about now...Bautista on 15 day DL, half their pitchers are injured, and Lawrie is injured now too. I barely play MLB once NHL comes out. But that's not for another 8 or so weeks

I feel ya. Even with how horrible their pitching has been I was still holding on to the hopes of the extra wild card spot. Bautista dropping, now Lawrie, yikes. On the brightside it saved me money, no need to make my final payment to MLB.tv to finish the season.

# 8 Armor and Sword @ 07/19/12 09:02 AM

This year I set a goal to play every game in year one in my Marlins Franchise. And thus far things are going great. I am at July 31st and 4.5 games back of the wild card. Entering July I was 8 back.

I made a monster trade sending Ramirez packing and welcoming Cole Hamels and Placido Polanco. It was just what the doctor ordered. I also did a couple of call-ups and send downs.

Shaking things up was a great decision. I have 2 months left and I have no doubt I will finish year one by the time Sep rolls around.

I play The Show year round and squeeze in NCAA and Madden. This year I am also picking up NHL 13. But The Show always get's the most playing time. I will also not rush through my Madden CC and NCAA dynasty....as those two titles will in all likely hood be my last purchases of those series on this console generation as well as NHL 13.

# 9 RangersCruz @ 07/19/12 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fictionix


	For me, Im just a massive massive baseball fan. I will play it all year till the next show comes out. Sure i take a day or 2 breaks, But ill be playing it all year just like I did last year. Love baseball

Same here never dies for me

# 10 sydrogerdavid @ 07/19/12 10:58 AM

Or just change modes. Create a RTTS player or DD.

# 11 kunner @ 07/22/12 01:45 AM

I try to play every game of my cubs franchise each year, i usually make it till about mid/late july, then the football games come out and take my time away. I played NCAA a bit, but im less than a month from the end of the regular season in the show, I couldnt let myself just leave that laying there, I have to finish it

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