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MLB The Show 16's Successful Year, And A Look At An Ideal Roadmap Ahead

It was a good year for The Show as it continues to be the best console baseball game on the market. And as you’re likely aware, it’s really the only console simulation baseball game on the market. So let’s discuss the most popular modes and what they offered us in 2016, with some hopes for 2017 as well.

Gameplay

Before getting into modes, let’s discuss gameplay. The Show already has had some of the best sports gameplay coming in to 2016, so it’s not to say that it is not good -- it is very good -- but from a year-to-year improvement standpoint it didn’t feel a lot different. However, that can sometimes be a good thing as no one really wants a rebuild of the gameplay engine.

Nonetheless, here are some improvements I hope to see with gameplay in 2017:

  • Line drives go through your OFs far too frequently. In my most recent online game, we had a total of four out of 10 line drives hit to the OF go straight through the OF without an animation happening. When the animation takes, even on a far more challenging play over the OF's head, it was caught.
  • Most of the animations that we see by the AI or with auto-fielding simply are unobtainable when manually controlling your fielders.
  • Too many animations, meaning that as soon as a ball is hit, I immediately know whether or not my IF has a shot to get to the ball. There’s zero suspense.
  • It is far too easy to throw strikes and to not walk someone, even with slider adjustments down to 0 for pitch control and consistency. This is especially evident in online play against another human. There needs to be some sort of differentiation between missing a pitch out of the zone (needs to increase) and missing a pitch with a meatball (could use a slight decrease).
  • It seems hit variety will continue to receive attention in 2017, according to the teaser trailer, but having hits curve down the line, for example, seems evident of hit variety lagging behind a bit in this series. Hopefully we'll see some more bloops and bleeders for hits as well.
  • Defensive adjustments need to be easier and quicker to manage, and the AI should utilize more than just the default adjustments.
  • Speaking of adjustments, make me want to shift against Chris Davis. As it is now, if my human opponent can’t pull the ball, why would I bother shifting? This is a tricky balance, but it would be nice to see MLB players follow their own hitting styles a bit more than they do currently.

Franchise Mode

We saw some new additions to franchise mode such as the new morale system, 20/80 rating scale, deeper stat tracking and more. There were, however, issues with the importing of carryover saves when it came to utilizing the new stat tracking, and it was odd to me that the 20/80 scale was only used for amateur players -- not professionals -- when the majority of baseball scouting is of professional players in the majors and minors.

There still isn’t much interaction happening within franchise mode, and while the radio show’s enhancements were nice, it seems that in 2017 we should be seeing more in a mode such as this, especially with a morale system in place now. The Show definitely offers more than Madden or NHL in this regard, to which franchise interactivity is nonexistent (NHL) or in menus so mangled (Madden) that it’s not worth the time to decipher.

Here are some improvements I hope to see within franchise mode for 2017:

  • Statistical engine needs adjusting, mostly for the way pitchers and bullpen are handled.
    • Bullpen pitchers need to be used in the right situations, and not just removed when they are tired or have let a runner or two get on base; they should be removed after a success as well.
    • Improved stat tracking was a welcomed addition, but now let’s see more of it and tie it into the interactions and presentations we hope to see in franchise mode. Real baseball broadcasts are LOADED with this, and it is often all visual, so no need for a huge team of broadcaster updates, etc.
  • Carryover saves must work flawlessly. Otherwise, there’s no point in a game so stat-driven as baseball.
  • Player morale was a nice addition, but let’s work in some interaction like we see in NBA 2K’s MyGM. As it is now, I’d have no problem signing a guy like Milton Bradley as there’s simply no worry of a team cancer in franchise mode.
  • Player fatigue needs to be separated from durability. Players need far too much rest, and most guys don’t need 1-2 days off in a given week just because they also happen to be injury prone.
  • In 2017, it’s unacceptable to not have a fully functional, fully featured, 100 percent match of offline franchise mode compared to online franchise mode.
  • Also allow for custom leagues to be created, including league size, unique baseball rules (think eras) and even leagues that can be run using Diamond Dynasty cards complete with card talent level restrictions, duplicate card rules, etc.
  • Expansion mode with Diamond Dynasty customization access.
  • Stadium builder -- available in custom and Diamond Dynasty leagues as well.

Diamond Dynasty

This mode is a lot of fun, and it is very popular. I’m probably in the minority who miss the days of the all-fictional rosters, but here are some improvements I hope to see within Diamond Dynasty for 2017:

· Does anyone even play Conquest Mode after the first month?
· Bring back fictional players and cards, but keep it challenging where it’s much tougher to really max out such guys, Instead, teams would have more specialized players/depth, and the developers could even utilize a mode similar to NHL’s EASHL players where each style has certain pros and cons and can’t be altered much, if at all. They could then release different models throughout the year to keep things fresh. Also, not all “leadoff speedsters” would be exactly the same -- each card drawn could be slightly better or worse, and even could have hidden abilities where you have you try them out to see if you found an upgrade at SS, for example.
· Allow for “fictional only” to be an option in matchmaking.
· Allow for private Diamond Dynasty leagues where commissioners can also set card-level limits, and even the ability to block duplicate cards.
· Online play in general needs to clean up the fielding animations.

Road to the Show

I didn’t play a ton of Road to the Show, and perhaps I’ve already noted some of the reasons why. With interaction being surface level, and issues with the sim engine, this mode could benefit from upgrades already mentioned. However, if we isolate this mode, it’s always been a really cool concept, and one of the last solo modes worth playing, similar to NBA 2K’s MyPlayer.

Here are some improvements I hope to see within Road to the Show for 2017:

· Look at how much more depth we see in NBA 2K’s offering of its MyPlayer mode. Perhaps deeper interaction will help RTTS.
· Is RTTS ever really much of a struggle? Perhaps the biggest challenge is the boredom of having to fight through the minor leagues before getting promoted -- the same struggle each and every iteration of MLB The Show.
· Utilize the fixes to franchise above.
Road to the Show still has the potential to be one of, if not, the most popular modes in The Show (NBA 2K’s most popular mode has been MyPlayer), but it needs to develop more than warning-track power and start hitting some bombs.

Concept Recommendation: MLB eSport

Perhaps this belongs up with Diamond Dynasty or RTTS, but I feel what can push this game over the top and make MLB The Show the best sports offering would be to include a mode such as NHL’s EASHL or NBA 2K’s Pro-Am. Whether we go full 9-on-9 or perhaps 3-on-3 where one player controls OFs, one controls IFs, and one controls P/C, is certainly up for discussion. Maybe both? Regardless, we’re overdue for this mode.

This eSports concept is the type of mode where card trading modes meet with franchise mode. It’s the perfect marriage, and with the proper depth and control (imagine leagues of 9-on-9 of say 10 teams, or leagues of 30 or more teams), we could truly begin to see a simulation of the real life sports we watch on a daily basis in terms of following, or even the recreational leagues we play in ourselves in terms of participation. This is where those two worlds will meet.

The future of sports gaming is in the community-building aspect. We see it already in RPGs and FPSs, and when you look at the followings that real life sports teams garner, there’s no debate that the opportunity is there.

So what are you hoping to see improved for MLB The Show ’17? If we see an eSport offering from Sony in 2017, how would they overcome the challenge of keeping a 9-on-9 mode interesting for folks standing in the OF while a patient hitter works the count full and keeps fouling off pitches to the backstop?


MLB The Show 16 Videos
Member Comments
# 1 Caulfield @ 12/23/16 12:01 PM
I dont play much RTTS anymore , I dont play online at all anymore and I never gave DD a real chance.
What I want from 17 wont add bang to the Sony buck so I have no real expectations for those things to be added. Things like conraction for custom AL and NL, rename coaches and managers, and even umpires.
Basically the little detail type things. I already rate the Show a solid 99 and when Sony deepens the Franchise experience to be even more immersive then I'll bump that rating to an even 100. Which is why I understand why my wants are low on the priority list, as they well should be. Still, a guy can dream cant he?
 
# 2 Bullit @ 12/23/16 12:16 PM
Really nice article.

I disagree with most of what you thought about gameplay. I have no problems pulling off the same animations the AI does. My walks seem to be just about on track with the real MLB average, for both pitching and hitting.

Now I should say I solely play offline, default settings, no slider adjustments at All Star.

As far as your problems with online gameplay, I really can't comment on those issues. I never have and most likely never will play this game online.

Adjustments I think are very easy to manage. I really don't understand this point though:

· Speaking of adjustments, make me want to shift against Chris Davis. As it is now, if my human opponent can’t pull the ball, why would I bother shifting? This is a tricky balance, but it would be nice to see MLB players follow their own hitting styles a bit more than they do currently.

Well if you are playing against a human opponent who cant pull why would you want to shift? I don't see how getting players to react more like the real world players, when they are controlled by human players would be possible and dont see the point. Playing offline, I do have to shift against Davis and most players seem to play true to form.

All of your points with Franchise mode are very good and if even half of them are implemented it would push this game to new heights.

I am not going to comment on the Diamond Dynasty stuff as I have said I don't play or even like those modes.

RTTS I hope they can find I balance between what they are doing now and the NBA and FIFA examples. I dont want to play a linear story with some fictional player. I also don't want to play as anybody but myself. I don't find this mode boring at all and I never have. Working your way thru to the bigs has always, for me, been fun, challenging and rewarding experience. Carry over saves have been kind of useless, because they keep adding things that make me want to start over every year. Then I keep playing my new career and rarely ever go back to my carry over.

I also, personally, hope they never go the E sport route. I play games, The Show especially, to escape from the world. I don't want to have to deal with people in my game. If I want a social interaction or community game there are already plenty of those games out there.

Well this is my longest post I have ever typed on my phone and I am sure it is in horrible need of editing. As always this is all just my opinion and preference.
 
# 3 mdiggitydawg @ 12/23/16 12:18 PM
This is the only game I play a franchise start to finish with exception to the now defunct NCAA (How I miss that football game). The only changes I would add are with the frequent pop fouls and the ability for the catcher to jump out of his stance, field and throw out every player who hits a dribbler in front or near the plate...add that to the list, way too many dribblers. Lastly AI logic...clean up hitters paying down a squeeze play? and it's successful every time?

Other than that...I love this game and have 25 to go until the post season...
 
# 4 Caulfield @ 12/23/16 12:41 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bullit

Now I should say I solely play offline, default settings, no slider adjustments at All Star.

As far as your problems with online gameplay, I really can't comment on those issues. I never have and most likely never will play this game online.
· Speaking of adjustments, make me want to shift against Chris Davis. As it is now, if my human opponent can’t pull the ball, why would I bother shifting? This is a tricky balance, but it would be nice to see MLB players follow their own hitting styles a bit more than they do currently.

Well if you are playing against a human opponent who cant pull why would you want to shift? I don't see how getting players to react more like the real world players, when they are controlled by human players would be possible and dont see the point. Playing offline, I do have to shift against Davis and most players seem to play true to form.
I dont play online but if I did and played against a human opponent who couldnt pull, I would hope that when they bat with Chris Davis and his ilk, the game made their contact (or at least most of it) pull anyways.

EDIT: The reason being is I wouldnt want a human opponent to hit four homers in a game against with Ben Revere, or me be able to strike out Daniel Murphy 5 times in a game with R.A. Dickey. But like you touched on, stopping those things from happening may not be possible when you have 2 humans with different skill levels. Which is a major reason I dont play online anymore, I used to see some crazy things that just wasnt very "basebally" or beleivable.
 
# 5 Bullit @ 12/23/16 12:48 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Caulfield
I dont play online but if I did and played against a human opponent who couldnt pull, I would hope that when they bat with Chris Davis and his ilk, the game made their contact (or at least most of it) pull anyways.
But then why play against real people at all? If the game is going to make people play like the real world counterpart, then why should I waste my time and aggravation with cheesers and such. I can just play offline and Davis plays like Davis.

Sorry not trying to Troll, but that is one of the reason I don't play online. If I am playing someone online and I am batting as Davis and I know I cant pull but the game will make me anyway and they shift, I sure as heck am bunting down the 3rd base line.
 
# 6 Caulfield @ 12/23/16 12:56 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bullit
But then why play against real people at all? If the game is going to make people play like the real world counterpart, then why should I waste my time and aggravation with cheesers and such. I can just play offline and Davis plays like Davis.

Sorry not trying to Troll, but that is one of the reason I don't play online. If I am playing someone online and I am batting as Davis and I know I cant pull but the game will make me anyway and they shift, I sure as heck am bunting down the 3rd base line.
I see it that way too, which is why added to my previous post as I thought on it some more.
 
# 7 Mike Lowe @ 12/23/16 12:58 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Caulfield
I dont play much RTTS anymore , I dont play online at all anymore and I never gave DD a real chance.
What I want from 17 wont add bang to the Sony buck so I have no real expectations for those things to be added. Things like conraction for custom AL and NL, rename coaches and managers, and even umpires.
Basically the little detail type things. I already rate the Show a solid 99 and when Sony deepens the Franchise experience to be even more immersive then I'll bump that rating to an even 100. Which is why I understand why my wants are low on the priority list, as they well should be. Still, a guy can dream cant he?
Those small adjustments can go a long way. Great suggestions.
 
# 8 Mike Lowe @ 12/23/16 01:01 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bullit
Really nice article.

I disagree with most of what you thought about gameplay. I have no problems pulling off the same animations the AI does. My walks seem to be just about on track with the real MLB average, for both pitching and hitting.

Now I should say I solely play offline, default settings, no slider adjustments at All Star.

As far as your problems with online gameplay, I really can't comment on those issues. I never have and most likely never will play this game online.

Adjustments I think are very easy to manage. I really don't understand this point though:

· Speaking of adjustments, make me want to shift against Chris Davis. As it is now, if my human opponent can’t pull the ball, why would I bother shifting? This is a tricky balance, but it would be nice to see MLB players follow their own hitting styles a bit more than they do currently.

Well if you are playing against a human opponent who cant pull why would you want to shift? I don't see how getting players to react more like the real world players, when they are controlled by human players would be possible and dont see the point. Playing offline, I do have to shift against Davis and most players seem to play true to form.

All of your points with Franchise mode are very good and if even half of them are implemented it would push this game to new heights.

I am not going to comment on the Diamond Dynasty stuff as I have said I don't play or even like those modes.

RTTS I hope they can find I balance between what they are doing now and the NBA and FIFA examples. I dont want to play a linear story with some fictional player. I also don't want to play as anybody but myself. I don't find this mode boring at all and I never have. Working your way thru to the bigs has always, for me, been fun, challenging and rewarding experience. Carry over saves have been kind of useless, because they keep adding things that make me want to start over every year. Then I keep playing my new career and rarely ever go back to my carry over.

I also, personally, hope they never go the E sport route. I play games, The Show especially, to escape from the world. I don't want to have to deal with people in my game. If I want a social interaction or community game there are already plenty of those games out there.

Well this is my longest post I have ever typed on my phone and I am sure it is in horrible need of editing. As always this is all just my opinion and preference.
Thanks, man.

With adjustments, I was referring to playing against another human, yes. My point is that I now always use manual fielding because if my opponent can't pull with Chris Davis, why am I playing a shift? It's an advantage that most don't utilize online. I do, but I wish I didn't get that advantage--I want the game to help guys like Davis still pull the ball (within reason) more so than a normal hitter would with the same human playing. Tough balance though, and we wouldn't want it going too far the wrong way either.

Thanks for the reply!
 
# 9 Mike Lowe @ 12/23/16 01:03 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by mdiggitydawg
This is the only game I play a franchise start to finish with exception to the now defunct NCAA (How I miss that football game). The only changes I would add are with the frequent pop fouls and the ability for the catcher to jump out of his stance, field and throw out every player who hits a dribbler in front or near the plate...add that to the list, way too many dribblers. Lastly AI logic...clean up hitters paying down a squeeze play? and it's successful every time?

Other than that...I love this game and have 25 to go until the post season...
Good suggestions. For dribblers, I'd recommend starting your cursor lower in the zone, then working your way back up as you adjust to the pitch.
 
# 10 SwedishTouch76 @ 12/23/16 01:05 PM
9 on 9 mode would be boring imo. I'm going to sit there controlling the OF for a 40 min game not knowing if I'll even be in the game much? Personally I wouldn't touch a mode like that
 
# 11 Mike Lowe @ 12/23/16 01:09 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by SwedishTouch76
9 on 9 mode would be boring imo. I'm going to sit there controlling the OF for a 40 min game not knowing if I'll even be in the game much? Personally I wouldn't touch a mode like that
Yeah, that's the ultimate challenge in a mode like that. Tough to do, and it's not like you can do it like a golf game where everyone can play the same hole(s) at once.
 
# 12 Caulfield @ 12/23/16 01:13 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by SwedishTouch76
9 on 9 mode would be boring imo. I'm going to sit there controlling the OF for a 40 min game not knowing if I'll even be in the game much? Personally I wouldn't touch a mode like that
Yeah 3 on 3 would probably be as far it should go. One person to play OF and bat with those guys. One person to pitch and hit with the catcher and pitcher (or DH). One person to control and hit with the IF.
 
# 13 underdog13 @ 12/23/16 01:34 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by SwedishTouch76
9 on 9 mode would be boring imo. I'm going to sit there controlling the OF for a 40 min game not knowing if I'll even be in the game much? Personally I wouldn't touch a mode like that
Lol I would 😂.

Just imagine being on a 9 person chat while playing the OF. Honestly would be really fun for me

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
 
# 14 underdog13 @ 12/23/16 01:37 PM
The article touched on it but I was wondering if any of you who play both Madden and The Show franchise feel about them? The article mentioned that The Show's franchise is better than Madden's, but I've felt the past 3 years or so Madden has had the better and more immersive franchise. Just wondering the reasons others might feel differently.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
 
# 15 jaredsmith83 @ 12/23/16 02:15 PM
I"d love more depth in RTTS. Great concept and has always been a focal point for me, but with how NBA 2K has revamped MyPlayer to the level they have, RTTS is starting to feel very stale. Its my main mode in The Show, and always look forward to it, but as of late its starting to feel dated.
 
# 16 Mike Lowe @ 12/23/16 02:42 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by underdog13
Lol I would 😂.

Just imagine being on a 9 person chat while playing the OF. Honestly would be really fun for me

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
I'm embarrassed a bit to admit that I'd love it too haha

Sent from my SM-G930P using Operation Sports mobile app
 
# 17 Mike Lowe @ 12/23/16 02:43 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by underdog13
The article touched on it but I was wondering if any of you who play both Madden and The Show franchise feel about them? The article mentioned that The Show's franchise is better than Madden's, but I've felt the past 3 years or so Madden has had the better and more immersive franchise. Just wondering the reasons others might feel differently.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
Thanks for the reply, man. Just to clarify, I said the franchise mode *interaction* is better in the Show than in Madden. As a whole, Madden's franchise mode I'd rate better than The Show.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Operation Sports mobile app
 
# 18 Russell_SCEA @ 12/23/16 03:17 PM
Quote:
Speaking of adjustments, make me want to shift against Chris Davis. As it is now, if my human opponent can’t pull the ball, why would I bother shifting? This is a tricky balance, but it would be nice to see MLB players follow their own hitting styles a bit more than they do currently.
Christmas came early for you guys, I just so happened to be doing a test on spray charts two days ago. This was in 17 obviously fyi.

I set the cpu to swing and hit at every pitch with no foul balls (You've seen the widgets we use in the stream we can force the game to do anything) and I threw the cpu batter about 140 pitches to see if the hit distribution would mirror the batters hitter tendencies. The pitchers used his entire pitch repertoire and threw all over the zone fyi. The results are below, one thing I noticed outside of the obvious is that a vast majority of the hits the opposite field were on pitches off the end of the bat. Which is what you would expect to see in real life I also set the defense to extreme Pull hitter shift and about 29 balls thrown dropped in for hits.


Right handed pitcher
Left handed batter
Contact Vs. R 60
Power Vs. R 40


Hitter Tendency Extreme Pull
• LF 24%
• CF 28%
• RF 48%


140 Pitches hit location distribution
• LF - 15
• CF - 9
• RF - 48
• Infield L - 13
• Infield C - 29
• Infield R – 26


• 7 Pop Ups
• 36 Fly balls
• 45 Line drives
• 66 ground balls
• 7 choppers
• 17 extra base hits
• 71 chased



Same test about 140 pitches thrown the cpu batter was set to swing at everything.

Right handed pitcher
Left handed batter
Contact Vs. R 95
Power Vs. R 84


Hitter Tendency Extreme Pull
• LF 31%
• CF 33%
• RF 36%


140 Pitches hit location distribution
• LF - 25
• CF - 20
• RF - 21
• Infield L - 12
• Infield C - 38
• Infield R – 25

• 2 Pop Ups
• 39 Fly balls
• 35 Line drives
• 67 ground balls
• 11 choppers
• 22 extra base hits
• 58 chased
• 52 hits
• 88 Outs


So as you can see batters are hitting to their hitter tendencies and the shifting took away a lot of hits. Fyi the game is far from finished and these numbers aren't a reflection of the final product. We still have a lot of testing and tuning to do. Just sharing a little test info during crunch time.
 
# 19 Bullit @ 12/23/16 03:24 PM
I stand by what I said in another thread. I really have a feeling about this years game. I really think we are about to see and experience something truly epic.
 
# 20 Mike Lowe @ 12/23/16 03:34 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Russell_SCEA
Christmas came early for you guys, I just so happened to be doing a test on spray charts two days ago. This was in 17 obviously fyi.

I set the cpu to swing and hit at every pitch with no foul balls (You've seen the widgets we use in the stream we can force the game to do anything) and I threw the cpu batter about 140 pitches to see if the hit distribution would mirror the batters hitter tendencies. The pitchers used his entire pitch repertoire and threw all over the zone fyi. The results are below, one thing I noticed outside of the obvious is that a vast majority of the hits the opposite field were on pitches off the end of the bat. Which is what you would expect to see in real life I also set the defense to extreme Pull hitter shift and about 29 balls thrown dropped in for hits.


Right handed pitcher
Left handed batter
Contact Vs. R 60
Power Vs. R 40


Hitter Tendency Extreme Pull
•LF 24%
•CF 28%
•RF 48%


140 Pitches hit location distribution
•LF - 15
•CF - 9
•RF - 48
•Infield L - 13
•Infield C - 29
•Infield R – 26


•7 Pop Ups
•36 Fly balls
•45 Line drives
•66 ground balls
•7 choppers
•17 extra base hits
•71 chased



Same test about 140 pitches thrown the cpu batter was set to swing at everything.

Right handed pitcher
Left handed batter
Contact Vs. R 95
Power Vs. R 84


Hitter Tendency Extreme Pull
•LF 31%
•CF 33%
•RF 36%


140 Pitches hit location distribution
•LF - 25
•CF - 20
•RF - 21
•Infield L - 12
•Infield C - 38
•Infield R – 25

•2 Pop Ups
•39 Fly balls
•35 Line drives
•67 ground balls
•11 choppers
•22 extra base hits
•58 chased
•52 hits
•88 Outs


So as you can see batters are hitting to their hitter tendencies and the shifting took away a lot of hits. Fyi the game is far from finished and these numbers aren't a reflection of the final product. Just sharing a little test info during crunch time.
Awesome, and thanks for sharing Ramone. I have respected the AI extreme pull hitters already in '16. The tricky balance--and admittedly it might not be a wise adjustment to implement--is getting these representations to play out in human v human games, otherwise all 9 hitters develop the tendencies of the actual human, which can be an odd experience.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Operation Sports mobile app
 

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