Not the Bottom of the Ninth, But a Big At-Bat Coming For MLB 2K10

[spankdatazz22]

Quote: Originally Posted by baa7

MLB 2K already has a button press control scheme, is why. I'm not sure which of the major sports titles you would consider worse than MLB 2K series. Nothing that EA or SCEA produces is worse, certainly. I'd say the only series that might be worse would be the NHL 2K series. The point being that if it isn't the worst, then it's at least vying for that title along with another 2K product.

? I'd say SCEA's basketball game would be a consideration, if there's anyone actually playing it. As far as EA goes, people will freak out but I'd use Madden in the argument. There's really nothing Madden's doing outside of Pro-Tak that I'd consider innovative or that has pushed videogame football forward. And it still hasn't put to rest talk of older (2K5, last gen Madden) or more disadvantaged (APF2K8) football games which are all better in key aspects of gameplay, presentation, AND franchise. There are tons of issues with the game that are overlooked mainly (imo) because there's no alternatives. And I'm not arguing that the game is horrible; I think it can be fun. But I don't know of a person that could make the argument that the game is where it should be. It's acceptable that the game "is finally on the right track".

I just think because there are no alternatives, people are learning to work with what's available. Is there really anything Madden 10 accomplishes that's truly distinctive? No one can say the game has established a great passing system; even it's big addition of unique QB throws was already done two years ago. And I could punch bunches of holes where the QB play is inferior to older games, such as QBs never taking sacks, distinctiveness, etc. It's still not as good as older games in terms of OL play. In terms of DL play. In terms of DB play. In terms of WR play. I bet one of the big wishlist items is just that defensive ends rush upfield. Next year. In 2011. After six years of exclusivity and without looking, I'll say this is actually a wishlist item. I've argued in various threads that Madden benefits greatly from really only being able to be compared to itself. MLB2K doesn't have that luxury.

I'm at best a casual baseball fan so I should be the last person arguing MLB2K9's merits. All I'm saying is that these games aren't judged the same way. When people compare MLB2K9 to something, it's usually being compared to The Show - which is considered the best baseball game to date. When Madden is compared to something, it's usually it's previously poor efforts. But even then there are still key areas that other older games did better, and many don't even try to argue that. It's just accepted because Madden is held to a lower standard. And the SCEA basketball game isn't really worth bringing up - but I'd guess there are legitimate reasons why no one's playing it.

[metal134]

Quote: Originally Posted by Trevytrev11

I guess it depends on how one defines foundation. Personally, I don't think this game is close when it comes to the basic fundamentals of baseball. I'm not talking about anything graphic, animation or presentation related, but just the nuts and bolts of the actual sport; the brain behind the game is lacking. Here is what I mean: -When the AI pitches, there appears to be no logic behind their pitches and each pitch is nothing more than just a random choice. There is nothing I have seen that makes me thing the computer reacts to what just happened. If you chase a curve in the dirt, the computer doesn't catch on and throw that same pitch. If you take the first pitch 25 straight times, the computer will still try and throw a breaking pitch on the corner, etc. -When the AI hits, they swing at everything. There aren't any different offensive personalities or philosophies for different hitters. Every hitter is ultra agressive and instead of waiting for their pitch, they just swing at any pitch. -The computer never hit and runs and everytime they steal the hitter takes the pitch (even with 2 strikes). I can't say I've ever even seen the AI hitter swing and miss while the runner is stealing. -4 step lead at first = a guaranteed throw regardless of how many times you make it back to first safely. 10, 20, 30 times in a row they will continue to throw over. -No runners on and the hitter shows bunt way too early for a bunt for a hit. The list goes on and on, but my point is that while they may have a foundation in place for a baseball game, they don't have one in place, IMO, for a good baseball game. My concern is and always has been with this series is that they don't have baseball saavy people making the baseball game and if that is true, how can this game ever be great?

I agree with all that, but when I talk about foundation, I mean the mechanics. The pitcher/batter interface is good and the fielding is nice as well. But, like you said, the AI needs a MAJOR overhaul, pitcher control needs to be WAY more realistic for the interface to mean anything and lots of little bugs and glitches need cleaned up.