MLB '09: The Show Preview with Screenshots (ESPN Videogames)

[The Management]

It'd be cool to randomize the fan action so it's not always "the guy in the blue shirt stands up all over the stadium". I don't mean to have individual actions for all the fans, just randomize who is doing it what. So if you have a bunch of fans standing up folding their arms, it's different people. Just a thought.

[mike75]

Quote: Originally Posted by ckarlic

"PlayMaker Fielding -- Based on fielding attributes, but it's ultimately up to each player to decide how to play to each team's strengths and weaknesses. Excellent fielders will track down the ball for you while sub-par fielders will require some concentration." Maybe we will see more base hits into the outfield gaps and balls hit over the outfielder's heads and reach.

This is going to make the game so much more fun to play!

I mean not all fielders can cover the same ground so if this new feature really works then we sure wil see more extra base hits!

[BigBlue]

Pretty weird seeing pinstripes and facial hair (Nick Swisher). I know Giambi had the mustache, but I'm pretty sure that Swisher's chin hair will have to go officially.

[michaeldu]

Quote: Originally Posted by getinthevan87

Wow..

Wow is right. When I first saw this screen, I thought someone was being stupid and slipped a real pic in. Than I went to the actual article and saw it there. That is one sweet shot!

[theaub]

A couple questions that someone more technologically inclined than I can hopefully answer (well, the first one)

1) Do I need a Sony mic/headset to record stuff for the game? Can I just use the random mic I have for my CPU? If not, where do I buy said mic

2) In-Game MLB Live Scores -- Gamers will get up-to-date reports on what is going on in the Majors including scores and notable status, such as HRs, complete games, etc.

Boo no dynasty ticker

[Blzer]

Quote: Originally Posted by BKAraujo

YES YES YES!!!! Multi-Branch Fielding -- Branch Point Technology goes to a new level as gamers you can now take full control of fielders and break out of any animation in the process. Change a fielding decision and branch out of any animation after the first branch point.

Yes! I was waiting to be able to "backdoor" somebody!

And this game is looking amazing! We're just new player models away from... what... realism?!

[jpup]

Quote: Originally Posted by Blzer

Yes! I was waiting to be able to "backdoor" somebody!

I bet you were.

[Blzer]

Quote: Originally Posted by jpup

I bet you were.

By the way, I have a question about this screenshot:









Now I'm no pitcher, but I've done some pitching as well as coaching, and I can't for the life of me think of a situation when a pitcher (Kazmir) would cover third base for a play. I understand backing up the play on a base hit to right with a runner on first (or fly ball to right with a runner on second), but never actually covering the bag. Not only that, but it looks to be the first baseman in that shot since there is no one else at first and he is making an offline throw (which I think is incredible to see after a few too many perfect throws last year). So the play is coming from that side of the field, which seems appropriate enough... but I don't see this as a cut-off play unless it was originally to home, in which the pitcher should be backing up home. I'm just trying to think of what scenario this would be.

Does anyone know exactly what kind of situation would warrant this? Just curious.