MLB: The Show, Living up to the Hype?

[TKEON230]

I should start out by saying that I own MLB 2k6, 2k7, and The Bigs. I also own Amped 3, Top Spin 2, Prey, and Table Tennis all on the Xbox 360. So, I have nothing against 2k Sports or Take 2 Games.

This year is the first year I've switched over to The Show. There are a lot of things that I really enjoy and just a couple I wish were more like the 2k series.

I think The Show does a much better job of capturing the "feeling" of being at a baseball game. The announcers seem very realistic with very few repeated calls. Stadiums seem a LOT more accurate. I love seeing Citi Field in the background of Shea stadium. They even put in that stupid Dunkin Donuts cup in Left Field.

I do miss the presentation aspects of the 2k games, though. I really liked seeing the outside of stadiums during the "pre-game" talk. I also like the menu and between inning animations a bit better in the 2k version. 2k makes me feel like I'm watching the ESPN game of the week while The Show makes me feel like I'm watching a mid-week game on a local channel. I hope future versions of The Show show can find a middle ground.

[Pared]

Quote: Originally Posted by Chizzypoof

Yes. NBA 2k8.... MLB '08 :The Show The best representation of the their sport in a video game to date.

Pretty much.

I'd have to add NHL08 up there as well.. it's close.

The Show is probably one of the best video game representations of a sport I've ever played. Topping NBA 2k8... High Heat...

It's a shame a few people refuse to buy a PS3 just for this game. It really is a system seller. That damn good.

[Sportsforever]

Quote: Originally Posted by Pared

Pretty much. I'd have to add NHL08 up there as well.. it's close. The Show is probably one of the best video game representations of a sport I've ever played. Topping NBA 2k8... High Heat... It's a shame a few people refuse to buy a PS3 just for this game. It really is a system seller. That damn good.

You know, I told my wife I was going to trade in my 360 for a PS3 (she told me no way...don't trade the 360 in, just buy a PS3) and the Show if 2K8 was a dud...unfortunately I am really enjoying 2K8 and can't justify getting a PS3 just for The Show when I am enjoying 2K8(sort of a funny catch-22, eh?). I'll probably end up buying a PS3 at some point, but it's really hard to justify $500+ on one game when I have another baseball game I am loving. Having a Blu-Ray player goes a long way to justifying it...right?

[Pared]

That's what I tell everyone to do. Just tell yourself you're buying a Blu-Ray player.

The PS3, because of it's built-in BR player, isn't going anywhere any time soon. It's a much better built system than the 360. Plus you can upgrade it via firmware!

I was skeptical on getting one and I loved my PS2. Bought it for The Show '07 and the series and the system's capabilities have made me a believer.

I just personally feel you're cheating yourself not trying out The Show. It's arguably the best sports game ever made if you read most of the accounts in any forum. They way you can tell is you have a lot of casual fans saying, "I don't even really like baseball that much and I'm loving this game." That's a huge testament to a sports game, IMO. When it can transcend both the die-hard and casual fan, you know you have yourself a winner.

I can only point to Uncharted as a similar game. I've read many accounts of people saying they only play sports games but absolutely love Uncharted. Those are the games, as a video game player, you owe it to yourself to try, IMHO.

[videobastard]

The show was living up to the hype just off of the demo release! I mean especially when you see what 2k8 has to offer this year Its like night and day. I have never felt more engaged into a sports title. The game makes you want to have some popcorn, and hot dogs beside you while your playing. It makes me feel good to own a ps3 right now.

[huggerorange73]

Without question, im my humble opinion it lives up to the hype.

This is simply the best baseball game I've played to date.

[kiddlex]

A good way to throw more balls and make the game more realistic is too turn off every cursor and of course the strike zone. Play with vibration off as well. This way when you are nibbling the corners you wont know if you are throwing a ball, a strike, or a meat ball. This greatly increases the realism in my opinion.

As far as the game reaching my expectations i would say definitively yes!! I am playing RTTS as I wait for Knight and Nemesis to work their magic and cannot believe how fun it is. Franchise is going to rock!!

[SportsTop]

Quote: Originally Posted by Sportsforever

You know, I told my wife I was going to trade in my 360 for a PS3 (she told me no way...don't trade the 360 in, just buy a PS3) and the Show if 2K8 was a dud...unfortunately I am really enjoying 2K8 and can't justify getting a PS3 just for The Show when I am enjoying 2K8(sort of a funny catch-22, eh?). I'll probably end up buying a PS3 at some point, but it's really hard to justify $500+ on one game when I have another baseball game I am loving. Having a Blu-Ray player goes a long way to justifying it...right?

I actually enjoyed MLB 2k7 last year and didn't mind some of its flaws. However, this year after hearing about The Show and HD-DVD dying I decided I was going to buy a PS3.

I can't believe I actually settled for 2k7 last year after playing The Show. It is incredible. I don't have any other words for it.

As Pared said, the purchase of a PS3 is completely worth it just for the Blu-Ray player and The Show. Period.