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Can I Have my Money Back?

As daylight savings kicks in and the snow begins to melt it's starting to become evident that spring is in the air. And what comes with spring? Baseball. Unfortunately being an XBOX 360 owner leaves me few options when it comes to choosing a baseball game. In fact it leaves me with just one option: MLB 2K8.

Living in a city (Pittsburgh) which has woefully attempted to field a winning team for last 15 seasons has made my love for the game of baseball dwindle; not to mention everything else that has gone on with the sport in the last decade and a half. Still, every spring I get an itch, and it's not pollen related. The itch is for some digital baseball on my console.

Last year was the first year I spent with the 2K series, and while I enjoyed it enough to make it through a whole 162 game season, plus playoffs, I knew it could have been better. This is what I was hoping for when I recently started getting geared up for the newest rendition. This is not what I got at all, however.

Upon firing up the game for the first time I quickly realized that something was, well boring. I cannot think of a better way of saying that. The front end is lousy and dull, and everything presentation wise is more or less exactly the same as last year. Aesthetically speaking, I began to feel like I had just paid sixty dollars for a roster update, even though I still had to wait until Opening Day to download an up to date roster.

Commentary was exactly the same, especially after all those games I played last year. Honestly, how many times do I need to hear about, "PFP, Pitchers Fielding Practice", Joe Morgan?

Where is the groundbreaking presentation that placed 2K games above the bar for so many years? Replays and cut screens looked the same, well almost; there was that renowned stuttering issue to enjoy. In addition, animations and every other little nuance was pretty much exactly where I left it at the end of last summer. What a disappointment. How can I possibly be inspired to keep playing a game that got old seven or eight months ago?

Then I began to start disliking features that I liked in the previous year's game. The lineup card you can bring up during the pitcher batter interface was still there, but the writing was so small it was hard to read even when zoomed in. I am gaming on a 42-inch plasma, I should be able to read this stuff; I am still a relatively young guy here!

The one feature I really do like happens to be the 2K beats. This is where you can import any music you like, even streaming from your computer, to the game and have it play for all kinds of circumstances. This should be in every game!

That alone was the bright spot I found though. The game itself played mostly better as the new controls were inventive, and fun. Pitching takes too long to keep me interested though. It's a neat idea it just needs to be tightened up. Waiting for the catcher to give the sign and set up takes a little too long, and then just the act of pitching is pretty drawn out itself.

There is a better variety of hits which is nice, along with the new fielding mechanic being sound.

At the end of the day, however, all the new game mechanics can not make up for what this game lacks. The atmosphere is dull; graphics look bland; player models have taken a step back, physics are pretty weak again; and the overall experience was just lame. Even the lighting and weather just downright atrocious. And this isn’t even getting into all the bugs and problems I have encountered personally, or ones members in the forums have been complaining about. I'm talking about issues that have ranged from games freezing to gameplay errors and mishaps. It's exactly the type of problems I don't want out of a game that has no competition.

Maybe you can play this if you really love baseball and put in the time to tweak the sliders post-patch, I cannot though. Knowing that other games, like GTA, are coming out next month I don't see any reason to try and force myself to like this game.

It is just a boring game. A game I had already mastered last year; a game that I expected so much more out of; and mostly, a game that will sit on my shelf no matter what happens with baseball in this town.

Can I have my money back 2K?


Member Comments
# 141 HealyMonster @ 03/22/08 12:20 AM
LMAO @ the people who are taking shots at OS. this is the most moderated and well run site as far as gaming goes on the net. I been here long time. pretty much garbage gets called garbage and good stuff gets called good stuff i have never felt or seen an anti 2k or ea agenda with this site. up until recently most of the comments were user generated anyway and fans each have their own opinion so you cant label the site as anti 2k. lol. just ridiculous.
 
# 142 CS10029 @ 03/22/08 12:31 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Renegade44
LMAO @ the people who are taking shots at OS. this is the most moderated and well run site as far as gaming goes on the net. I been here long time. pretty much garbage gets called garbage and good stuff gets called good stuff i have never felt or seen an anti 2k or ea agenda with this site. up until recently most of the comments were user generated anyway and fans each have their own opinion so you cant label the site as anti 2k. lol. just ridiculous.
I think people here would kist like to see someone praise the game. I feel it deserves some type of it. Nothing from OS officially has really be positive, and the regulars on this particular forum, for the most part, are happy with the game.
 
# 143 bkrich83 @ 03/22/08 01:06 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by CS10029
I think people here would kist like to see someone praise the game. I feel it deserves some type of it. Nothing from OS officially has really be positive, and the regulars on this particular forum, for the most part, are happy with the game.
I like the game for the most part. But I found the official review and the criticism leveled towards the game to be more than fair. You disagree?
 
# 144 The Gamer @ 03/22/08 01:14 AM
I really enjoy the game, but I don't need this site or any other review to justify my enjoyment. People should ask themselves, is their enjoyment going to fade because some people like The Show or that it didn't get good reviews. All that matters is that you like the game.
 
# 145 bkrich83 @ 03/22/08 01:15 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Gamer
I really enjoy the game, but I don't need this site or any other review to justify my enjoyment. People should ask themselves, is their enjoyment going to fade because some people like The Show or that it didn't get good reviews. All that matters is that you like the game.
Very well put.
 
# 146 roadman @ 03/22/08 01:19 AM
I just don't understand why people who like The Show better spend more of their spare time in here bashing 2k8 vs playing The Show.
 
# 147 The Gamer @ 03/22/08 01:23 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by roadman
I just don't understand why people who like The Show better spend more of their spare time in here bashing 2k8 vs playing The Show.
Why is there air? Really who cares. That's their dumb asses. More than likely its to try to get people uptight about games. We're talking about games. (sorry bad Allen Iverson).
 
# 148 bkrich83 @ 03/22/08 01:26 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by roadman
I just don't understand why people who like The Show better spend more of their spare time in here bashing 2k8 vs playing The Show.
And to be honest some of them, I am not sure they ever really actually played 2k8.
 
# 149 roadman @ 03/22/08 01:35 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by bkrich83
And to be honest some of them, I am not sure they ever really actually played 2k8.
You are probably correct and I'm starting to think they have more post totals over here than over there. I guess anger/rage tops enjoyment these days, huh?
 
# 150 bkrich83 @ 03/22/08 01:39 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by roadman
You are probably correct and I'm starting to think they have more post totals over here than over there. I guess anger/rage tops enjoyment these days, huh?
It goes both ways, as there are a few in the Show Forums as well. The blatant trolls really stand out, and you can see the agenda, and the more you read, the more apparent it becomes they really haven't played the game they are bashing, they've just gleaned some info from the bug threads.

I just ignore them at this point. Now, there are some criticisms for both games, that I find are more than valid.
 
# 151 kumala @ 03/22/08 01:41 AM
honestly, I like the show way better, but with sf's sliders mlb2k8 has been enjoyable. I still don't like the idea of signing out everytime to play a game with framerate issues. But, for the show is it, but 2k8 can be enjoyable as well. Just be happy that there are two games available.
 
# 152 roadman @ 03/22/08 01:47 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by bkrich83
It goes both ways, as there are a few in the Show Forums as well. The blatant trolls really stand out, and you can see the agenda, and the more you read, the more apparent it becomes they really haven't played the game they are bashing, they've just gleaned some info from the bug threads.

I just ignore them at this point. Now, there are some criticisms for both games, that I find are more than valid.
Agreed. It's probably best to ignore them. Even though I'm having a blast playing 2k8, I know there could be improvements in the presentation and graphical sides of things. If that doesn't happen next year, then I might be begging the wife for the PS3 and tell her about the BluRay qualities.
 
# 153 Artman22 @ 03/22/08 12:48 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by YankeePride
Nice. So now that I like the game I'm obviously a share holder. Damn EA and their ways. They are trying to buy us out!


Please, dude. Do you own shares in Sony because you love bringing down 2k.


See how stupid that sounded. That's what you remind me of when you say what I quoted.
Lets get this straight. I love 2k games. Nfl2k5 is still my favorite football game. Nba2k8 is a classic. My problem is with mlb2k8. I hate the graphics, framerate, commentary and overall feel of the game. I'm no Sony lover or anything but the show is a better game period. I never came in here saying the show is better ext. I was only stating my huge disappointment with this game. Also about framrate. It plays like at 15-20 fps. It studders alot and its extremly annoying. This is not what I expected from brinkman who was part of MVP which I loved. Another thing I hate the fact that EA is trying to buyout 2k. I hate EA. So don't think I'm happy about that at all. I'm with u on that one. I want this game to play as smooth as silk. Its the 3rd year and they can't make a great baseball game. 2k7 was good but not great.
 
# 154 frago @ 03/22/08 05:50 PM
Article really makes no sense.

Says he is not all that much of a Baseball fan
Says the game is boringm which is because he is not a baseball fan.
Says it's the same game as last year , which it isn't .
Says He mastered the game last year. Oh really, you mastered the new Pitching, Batting. Fielding , and throwing all last year?

Sounds too much like just a ***** whine to me, nice try though.
 
# 155 CS10029 @ 03/22/08 05:58 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by frago
Article really makes no sense.

Says he is not all that much of a Baseball fan
Says the game is boringm which is because he is not a baseball fan.
Says it's the same game as last year , which it isn't .
Says He mastered the game last year. Oh really, you mastered the new Pitching, Batting. Fielding , and throwing all last year?

Sounds too much like just a ***** whine to me, nice try though.
Good points, I just don't see why a proffesional site would post this article.
 
# 156 DMB82 @ 03/22/08 06:41 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by roadman
I just don't understand why people who like The Show better spend more of their spare time in here bashing 2k8 vs playing The Show.
For me, I hate 2K with a passion because they bought off the MLB to kill a vastly superior game (MVP) and are now forcing 360 owners to buy their crap baseball game if they want to play baseball on their console. I despise such anti-consumer business practices and 2K's unwillingness to do something to get their game up to par because they have no competition on 2 of the 3 consoles. The unfortunate thing about it is that 360 owners are so desperate for a baseball game, this game sells anyway despite it's poor quality. If I can do anything to get the word out to keep even one person from being ripped off by this miserable company, it's worth it to me.

It makes me mad to see other baseball fans not to get to enjoy playing the great game of baseball on their consoles because of underhanded business practices. I shouldn't have had to sell my 360 and spend another $500 just to be able to play a great game of video baseball.
 
# 157 DMB82 @ 03/22/08 06:44 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Renegade44
LMAO @ the people who are taking shots at OS. this is the most moderated and well run site as far as gaming goes on the net. I been here long time. pretty much garbage gets called garbage and good stuff gets called good stuff i have never felt or seen an anti 2k or ea agenda with this site. up until recently most of the comments were user generated anyway and fans each have their own opinion so you cant label the site as anti 2k. lol. just ridiculous.
I don't think this site is anywhere NEAR harsh enough on 2K. I would go one step farther than just pointing out the poor quality of the game, IMO they should be addressing the issue with the MLB in the columns on why the league continues to allow this company to have a monopoly on making their games.
 
# 158 CMH @ 03/22/08 07:25 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Art1bk
Lets get this straight...
I agree with you. I just want a good baseball game.

I'm happy with 2k8's gameplay. Obviously, there are many other things that 2k9 needs to work on.
 
# 159 roadman @ 03/22/08 07:26 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by DMB82
I don't think this site is anywhere NEAR harsh enough on 2K. I would go one step farther than just pointing out the poor quality of the game, IMO they should be addressing the issue with the MLB in the columns on why the league continues to allow this company to have a monopoly on making their games.

They already have their $.
 
# 160 bigfnjoe96 @ 03/22/08 08:10 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by DMB82
For me, I hate 2K with a passion because they bought off the MLB to kill a vastly superior game (MVP)
 


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