Top Five Wishes for MLB 13: The Show

Feature Article

Submitted on: 10/16/2012 by Caley Roark

I think because it come out early in the year, MLB: The Show is often overlooked and/or underrated come “game of the year” voting time. The rapid fire releases of Madden, NHL, Fifa, and NBA games, not to mention this year’s late slate of racing titles, can overshadow a game that typically drops in the first quarter.

However, I think MLB: The Show is, and has been, the best virtual representation of a sport on the market today. Its quality and improvements aren’t necessarily flashy, but, like baseball itself, the game is full of nuances and details that make it a deep and strategic experience.

That said, it has never been perfect either. Gameplay issues, like too many comebackers to the pitcher, can mar the proceedings. The modes are deep, but not always accessible or exciting. Online has certainly been a mixed bag.

Assuming we all want these well-known quirks to be fixed, here are my top five wishes for MLB: The Show...either next year or next generation.

Just like the Red Sox and their pre-season dreams, so is MLB: The Show forgotten when GOTY voting time comes around.

Generated Counts

This is such as simple feature, but one that makes a huge deal for busy people trying to play out a multi-year franchise. All-Star Baseball 2005 did this well, and its about time for it to show up in MLB: The Show.

Instead of starting each at-bat with a fresh count, the game would logically generate a count based on the pitcher/batter ratings. This would not only speed up games, allowing us to play more in a shorter time, but could also help generate statistically realistic walks for those of us who too often swing away. This could also help regulate pitch counts.

While I love playing every game in a season, the truth is, I usually end up simming. Life has a way of getting in the way of virtual baseball season. Generated counts would offer a controllable compromise, and theoretically produce more accurate stats.

Most baseball fans watch the MLB Network throughout the season with great interest.

MLB Network Integration

This channel has become my go-to whenever nothing else is on, thoroughly replacing Sportscenter and ESPN. I would love to see presentation elements, broadcasters, and even entire shows incorporated into The Show.

For instance, a quick MLB Tonight segment would be a great way to recap the games simulated, even if it’s just narrated highlights, a la Berman in NFL 2K5. Perhaps a 30 Clubs in 30 Days presentation during Spring Training could recap the big off-season moves. A quick countdown of the week's top plays could be offered each “weekend” on the calendar. Enhanced post-season atmosphere would also be a natural evolution.

Extend the integration further, tying it into the broadcasting team and in-game elements, and you have a cohesive, realistic, and fan-favorite presentation package. NFL 2K5, College Hoops 2K8, and NBA 2K11 laid the groundwork; it’s time to see a game truly ramp up what presentation can be.

The Franchise Mode in The Show is good, but it's time to get better.

Full GM Options

MLB: The Show’s franchise mode has been solidly deep the past few years, but it’s time to shake things up. While the addition of realistic contract options (Rule 5, arbitration, etc), have added a layer of realism, they haven’t necessarily upped the excitement factor. The same is true for the marketing, banking, and budgeting aspects of the mode.

While I think a revamp is in order, I’d love to see the mode blown out with options that have been seen and enjoyed in other baseball games. Number one on that list for me is an expansion mode, as seen in All Star Baseball. Included here would be a uniform editor, stadium builder, and expansion draft.

Give GM’s the option to relocate if they want. Throw in some random events, like those available in Out of the Park (elimination of the DH?). But most importantly, redesign the interface so these things are easily accessible and manageable--the most recent NFL Head Coach game did this very elegantly.

Time to roll RTTS and GM mode into one.

Connected Careers

Ok, so don’t call it that. But I would love to see Road to the Show and Franchise modes rolled into one.

Ideally, this would include cut-aways (again, see the MLB Network) from your team’s game to your player’s key at-bats.

But even at a basic level, merging the two “universes” would allow us to dedicate time to one mode, instead of splitting time between two.

A big injury story might mean one thing for a team’s playoff chances, but might offer a different perspective for a created player trying to make it to the Show. We may want to trade the farm to get our created player on our favorite team.

Either way, there are lots of possibilities when these two modes function as one.

Playing as the current guys is fun and all, but why not try to get the 1927 Yankees?

Great Moments/Historical Teams

I know that this one is hard, due to licensing etc. But NBA 2K13 shows how a game can serve as a living museum of sorts, teaching younger fans--through interactive gameplay--about the great and storied teams of the past. It’s one thing to watch footage of these teams; it’s another to actually play with them.

And, while classic teams are certainly attainable now through roster editing, a dedicated mode would be a baseball lover’s dream. Include footage of the team in action, period specific broadcast elements (see NBA 2K12 or MVP 2005), and authentic classic stadiums.

Going back to the MLB Network integration, an easy place to start is the recent “20 Greatest Games” series, allowing users to replay those games to attain a different or similar results.

If the producers of The Show can fix the small gameplay issues and add some of these elements, it won't matter what time of year it releases. MLB: The Show will be the greatest sports game or the year, if not all time.

What's on your wishlist for MLB: The Show?

MLB 13 The Show Videos

Member Comments

# 41 bigdoc85 @ 10/17/12 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Armor & Sword


	They have in-game saves. Have had them for years.

You can't save exhibition games.

# 42 Reed1417 @ 10/17/12 08:33 AM

I would LOVE to see MLB Network intergration with the Franchise/RTTS modes. Being a huge presentation guy that would make my life. Also would love the historic teams too. As much as i hate the Yankees i would love to play with the teams that had Ruth or Reggie Jackson. Or even Bo jackson and my man Primetime. Also, the commentary does need an overhaul. If they could take some of the things that 2k does with their commentary that would be lovely.

# 43 sink4ever @ 10/17/12 08:54 AM

All I'm really looking for is more depth to the franchise mode. A more robust draft, possibly another level or two of minors (even if they're not playable), a much richer scouting system, better progression, and individualized training.

Not that I'm against gameplay improvement as well. The bat on ball physics could use some refining, and I'd love to see players each have their own personal tendencies.

# 44 KungPaow @ 10/17/12 09:40 AM

I am gonna say what I say every year: I wish it was on xbox aswell. ://

# 45 BSchwartz07 @ 10/17/12 10:34 AM

1- Minor league player rankings! I have always felt like the Show isn't that great at developing talent through the ranks of the minors... let the next "Bryce Harper" get hype as my team's top prospect from the time they hit AA, this way even if they do not rate as high as the guy at the next level currently I will know that I can move him up and he will catch up in a hurry. Also, it would be helpful when trading with another team to know you are getting say their #3 pitcher...

2- Better uniforms! Whomever picked the "throwbacks" and alternates for the Show should be fired! As a Braves fan there is no reason I shouldn't have the Hank Aaron era uniforms or the powder blue Dale Murphy throwbacks. There are also quite a few alternates missing from the game as well.

3- SELL OUT! Even in Madden you see Nike cleats, Under Armour cleats, Nike uniforms... The Show is so very generic! It really is the only sports game left that doesn't add this level of realism, I want Mizuno gloves and cleats, Nike Batting gloves and so on.

4- More depth in Road to the Show.... since we are adding name brand gear, lets add endorsements. Does my guy want to use a Louisville Slugger Bat? or sign a deal with Nike? I would love to see a system similar to 2K in which my player makes money from different avenues and have ways to spend the money! I would also love to see more off field options.... why have the option to talk to my manager, but all I can do is ask for a trade, playing time, or retire (most of the time retire is the ONLY option)?

5- Better commentary! Better Presentation! Now that 2K is no longer making baseball games I would fleece anyone who worked on the presentation of those games! The Show needs an update to the overall presentation in a BIG WAY! While the 2K games played awful, the presentation was awesome!

# 46 Perfect Zero @ 10/17/12 10:40 AM

I guess my five wishes would be:

True Broadcast Feel- Basically, have some sort of network (even fictional) and make the game play like a true broadcast. If they could sign a deal with MLB Network, perhaps MLB Tonight could be used to go into games, and then the entire game could use their package followed by a post game/night recap. Even if they have to make something fictional like "American Sports Net" for example, there has to be more of a broadcast feel.

Deeper Franchise Mode- This has been talked about before, but the game needs a more realistic and deeper GM type mode. There should be more options for bigger trades, a revamped draft system, an ability to move from team to team and the need to keep a watch on money during tough times. Four years ago, MLB the Show had the cutting edge on franchises on the consoles. Now, everything seems to be a bit dated.

Playoff Mode- It's not too hard to understand this one. During the season I was playing out different scenarios, but it's not as fun when you don't have the wordmarks on the field or the action in the stands.

Generated Pitch Counts- This wasn't something that I was for before because I always have heard about "one pitch modes" or something to that effect. I never played around with ASB 2005, but if the game can generate counts based on pitcher and batter ratings, that would be something that's highly welcome.

Deeper Diamond Dynasty- I might be one of the few that still likes the mode, but you could tell that last year was a first year effort. I would hope that there are more uniform slots for next year, a way to have multiple clubs with the same nickname, a revamped card system, better online play so that the stats actually track (I've had some cards that have two games left that never expire). The mode needs to be cleaner and needs to be more accessible.

# 47 radney @ 10/17/12 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KungPaow


	I am gonna say what I say every year: I wish it was on xbox aswell. ://

I agree.....this game is the only reason why I own a PS3. Other than the Show, my PS3 don't even see the light of day!

# 48 El_MaYiMbE @ 10/17/12 10:58 AM

They need to fix these small things before they make ANY other changes:

1. Baserunners w/ batting gloves
2. Jackets for Umpires on cold days
3. Better outfield depth/OF Speed
- Outfields look too small
- Makes fielders look too fast
- Not enough balls in the gap as a result, which causes less doubles for non-power hitters

After these things are fixed I would like to see:

1. MLB Network Integration or "fake" network that looks more like what we see on TV:
- No more stat overlays that says MLB The Show 20xx. Thats the name of the game not the network!!!!
2. Online Franchises
- Allow custom sliders
- Allow custom roster sets (i.e. Knights Roster Update)
- Allow all features found in offline Franchise.
3. More editing options for players
- Bat types/tapes
- Glove Colors
- More glove options
- Necklaces
- Different size wrist tapes

# 49 Computalover @ 10/17/12 11:22 AM

Maybe i dont understand.. but if all the players are SIGNED by the team as an organization, and the players are members of said organization, and the teams are affiliated to that organization, why not use their real names and stats on the roster? minor league teams should have current players, and updated players.. its a daunting task, but the gamers do it every year.. not just players on the 40 man.. doesnt it take just as much time to create the fake players? just asking..

# 50 bigdoc85 @ 10/17/12 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BSchwartz07


	1- Minor league player rankings! I have always felt like the Show isn't that great at developing talent through the ranks of the minors... let the next "Bryce Harper" get hype as my team's top prospect from the time they hit AA, this way even if they do not rate as high as the guy at the next level currently I will know that I can move him up and he will catch up in a hurry. Also, it would be helpful when trading with another team to know you are getting say their #3 pitcher... 2- Better uniforms! Whomever picked the "throwbacks" and alternates for the Show should be fired! As a Braves fan there is no reason I shouldn't have the Hank Aaron era uniforms or the powder blue Dale Murphy throwbacks. There are also quite a few alternates missing from the game as well. 3- SELL OUT! Even in Madden you see Nike cleats, Under Armour cleats, Nike uniforms... The Show is so very generic! It really is the only sports game left that doesn't add this level of realism, I want Mizuno gloves and cleats, Nike Batting gloves and so on. 4- More depth in Road to the Show.... since we are adding name brand gear, lets add endorsements. Does my guy want to use a Louisville Slugger Bat? or sign a deal with Nike? I would love to see a system similar to 2K in which my player makes money from different avenues and have ways to spend the money! I would also love to see more off field options.... why have the option to talk to my manager, but all I can do is ask for a trade, playing time, or retire (most of the time retire is the ONLY option)? 5- Better commentary! Better Presentation! Now that 2K is no longer making baseball games I would fleece anyone who worked on the presentation of those games! The Show needs an update to the overall presentation in a BIG WAY! While the 2K games played awful, the presentation was awesome!

MLB 2k's commentary was so much better. Love John Kruk!

# 51 teampunjabi @ 10/17/12 11:29 AM

Generated Counts is the most brilliant idea ever. Totally forgot about this feature from All Star Baseball. Get this feature in and I will preorder the game immediately.

# 52 seanjeezy @ 10/17/12 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Computalover


	Maybe i dont understand.. but if all the players are SIGNED by the team as an organization, and the players are members of said organization, and the teams are affiliated to that organization, why not use their real names and stats on the roster? minor league teams should have current players, and updated players.. its a daunting task, but the gamers do it every year.. not just players on the 40 man.. doesnt it take just as much time to create the fake players? just asking..

There's licensing issues. The minor leagues do not have their own union, so SCEA would have to negotiate with the thousands of minor leaguers individually to add their likeness to the game, which would cost way too much time and money.

# 53 El_MaYiMbE @ 10/17/12 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Computalover


	Maybe i dont understand.. but if all the players are SIGNED by the team as an organization, and the players are members of said organization, and the teams are affiliated to that organization, why not use their real names and stats on the roster? minor league teams should have current players, and updated players.. its a daunting task, but the gamers do it every year.. not just players on the 40 man.. doesnt it take just as much time to create the fake players? just asking..

No. In order to appear in an MLB product/game such as The Show you have to be part of the MLBPA (Players Association). Players in the minors are not part of the MLBPA UNLESS they played in 1 MLB game in the past. One AB or 1 pitch thrown counts as a game.

# 54 hf199 @ 10/17/12 11:35 AM

I agree with these ideas but I also think they need to add little things like:

> The outfield umpires in the playoffs
> Weather related uniforms for umpires (spring/fall); pullovers, blazers and real personalities (Madden 14)
> Weather Channel integration and rain outs and double headers
> Improved commentary
> And how about some High Heat Baseball pitcher/batter interface; that was a great game too!

# 55 BigBlue @ 10/17/12 11:36 AM

My only wish is for MLB The Show to be on XBox next year.

BigBlue

# 56 onac22 @ 10/17/12 12:15 PM

While we are wishing for game modes. I guess I would love to see a legends league put into a few games. If liscensing would allow, it would be great to get all-time teams on any sports sim and then allow for a legends franchise or season mode in addition to that. What would be better than be able to play Gherig and Mantle together or put Gordie Howe out with Datsyuk or Yzerman. To have Montana throwing to Rice again or Aikman to Irvin. To make all of that even better to be able to keep stats and a whole league with nothing but legends.

# 57 Doogie09 @ 10/17/12 12:21 PM

Would love to see a news and around the league headlines interface like MLB 2k12 has. Helps with the immersion....talk about trades....great performances...injuries, upcoming minor leaguers, draft, etc...with drill down to box scores or standings or statistical leaders. Twitter integration is a consideration, but the big thing for me would be the headlines that Madden introduced with M13.

# 58 Doogie09 @ 10/17/12 12:24 PM

For gameplay....more realistic hit distribution.....not just homers and singles.....make doubles and triples a possibility in percentages that at least come close to ML averages.

# 59 paysworld @ 10/17/12 01:09 PM

Wish list
New authentic broadcasting presentations of Fox and TBS, featuring announcing crews of both respectable networks, think NCAA 2010.

This week in baseball challenge mode from All star baseball 2005. The TWIB challenge took 21 key events from what was then the 2003 season, Cubs fans certainly remember the Bartman incident from that year. Imagine all of the key moments of the 2012 relived in TWIB's style.

Signature Style, not just at the plate, but in the outfield, running bases, in the dug out, homerun trots, pitchers on the mounds, ect... Similar to NBA2K13. Every stars nuances captured in intricate details.

MLB today for season and exhibition modes and playoffs.

Pitching mechanics from MLB2k12, as well as it's throwing meter which was much more intuitive then in the Show.

# 60 cbrown119 @ 10/17/12 03:56 PM

Here is my wishlist for MLB 13:

1. New commentary - like a lot of people already said...more like the 2K.

2. Right Stick pitching controls like 2K's

3. A MLB Today season mode that actually works.

4. A Playoff mode.

5. I would like to see official All-Time or Classic roster set. I would enjoy seeing how the 95 Indians would compare to the current teams...

You know, 2K might have gotten a lot of crap for their baseball game, but the features above were superior to the Show (except for MLB season mode which is/was broken, but the idea was good). I do like 2k...it is fun,and I would like to see these additions in the The Show....

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