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

[atlbravesws05]

they do have in game saves for exhibition.

I also love when they say, "next year." Every year before the new version releases, every time someone asks for something new thats vastly changes the the game, I always hear, "next year."

[jim416]

Quote: Originally Posted by atlbravesws05

Yes, i see where you going but think of it like this. Baseball games come out yearly. I don't want to wait a year just to see that all the new things they impremented are audio recordings, new animations, and like. All these features that are included to enhance the franchise and like, are features that could have been already done in MLB 07: The Show. What I'm saying is I expect new advancements and more unique aspects with given time. The Show has been on next gen for 2 years already and I'm not seeing anything that i could point out that stands apart from this outing to the PS2 versions. The core game play is the same as the PS2 version and i dont find that intriguing. Again, opinions vary and i do agree that they should leave the classic controls for those who dont prefer to adapt to new control scheme. Plus if you dont at least attempt to innovate, then how would you know if its good or not? Maybe you will like the new control scheme. You have to experience it first hand before coming to a conclusion that it will "not work" or is unneccessary."

Development time takes....well, time. 2K, in my opinion, did "new and innovating" things and what they did set the game back, not forward. We do have to realize that they just aren't making the game for hard core folk like us, but I do know that the devs are true baseball people and I'm bettin' if they had it completely their way it would be hardcore sim baseball all the way.

I want SCEA to continue on the same level that they are, listening to their fans, correcting and tweaking gameplay. The day/night transition is going to be huge, for me. I love the music additions and I'm an old fart, adding to franchise, new signature stuff, correcting some throwing flaws, etc., etc., etc. The additions of animations is HIGHLY important. When I saw all the new catch animations I was thrilled with the steps they had taken over the previous year. This game has grown by leaps and bounds since 06.

Could have been done in 07? We've been treated to a lot of inside stuff as to how difficult it can be to code and develop certain things in the game, that's been shared with us. Didn't realize that new player models could screw other things up in the game, until it was explained to us. They didn't have to. I won't second guess any of these guys and pretend to think I know what should have made it into a game and when. I bet the devs can't wait to get their hands on the finished product and start playing. You can tell they're as big of baseball fans as us.

[SoxFan01605]

Quote: Originally Posted by dat swag

I can tell you right now...I only care about the gameplay...I don't give a rip about coaching, scouting or GM mode or how much hot dogs cost in my virtual stadium. I care about the gameplay and more specifically ONLINE head 2 head play...Now I don't discount any of that other fluffy stuff because I respect the next man's appreciation of it but at the end of the day NOTHING matters unless the gameplay is solid. I'm not one of those folks who are gonna sit down and play the CPU and stare at franchise stats...I only play head to head and online so that aspect of the game has to be tight for me...I'll never even tap into all that other stuff because I don't have the time or interest...I simply want a good solid sim to play head to head with...Now Franchise might interest me if I could play it online versus real opponents but playing the CPU is boring to me...Thats why when there are online problems the game is pretty much useless to me and many others.

I see what you're saying and don't disagree. Obviously, if the game plays like crap the scouting and stuff doesn't matter. All I'm saying is that kind of stuff is what helps make franchise mode interesting and deep for those of us who play the mode. That's what I'm (and I'd venture Knight and others) are talking about primarily.

Online play is a different animal entirely, and I certainly agree that it needs it's own work. I'd even agree that fixing some of the online issues and enhancing that aspect of play should be a priority over those details. I certainly don't think you have to limit one to have the other work.

So don't misunderstand me. When I say I'd like to see those little details, it's not at the expense of other areas. As I said earlier, I'm not prioritizing. I'm just talking stuff I'd eventually like to see make it's way in.

[slyfox]

Quote: Originally Posted by jim416

Man, other than the throws from SS to 2nd, this would be so great. You have no idea how much not being able to edit all the fake guys slowed us down. Unrivaled....says a lot, doesn't it?

It says to me, the player created feature should be un-equaled. However, I fear it will be very similar to last year. You and Knight do such a good job with roster evaluation and the things that go with it, it'd be nice to see less obstacles in your path. I expect The Show 09 to be great regardless, of course, but your rosters do add alot.

[EnigmaNemesis]

Quote: Originally Posted by jim416

1. Not important to me. 2. Needs improvement, big time. 3. Speed of players needs work. 4. Already been discussed and told to us....next year. But I have no problem at all with the player models. 5. VAST improvement???....I disagree. 6. For game play? Not important to me. What they have is fine.

Agree with this.

Online needs huge work, but they did announce stat tracking and fantasy draft for the leagues. And the sports connect website was a tip of the iceberg I bet will be built upon with this years features. Hopefully a huge overhaul to the netcode was done, as well as allow camera angles per user.

And for the original poster which jim quoted, presentation? WTF? Has phenomenal presentation compared to 95% of the sports games out there ... only needs work on the playoff atmosphere, which I have confidence they addressed. They hear our cries.

[jim416]

Quote: Originally Posted by slyfox

It says to me, the player created feature should be un-equaled. However, I fear it will be very similar to last year. You and Knight do such a good job with roster evaluation and the things that go with it, it'd be nice to see less obstacles in your path. I expect The Show 09 to be great regardless, of course, but your rosters do add alot.

To tell you the truth, for us, the big thing is the devs who can't be edited. If they just unlock that and let us use them (what, there are about 50 of them)....God bless 'em, but unlock 'em so we can get rid of them and put real ballplayers on the roster (not that these guys would not be great pro players, one and all).

I'm bettin' some accessories have been added. Bettin' on it.

[JibJab 24]

Quote: Originally Posted by jim416

1. Not important to me. 2. Needs improvement, big time. 3. Speed of players needs work. 4. Already been discussed and told to us....next year. But I have no problem at all with the player models. 5. VAST improvement???....I disagree. 6. For game play? Not important to me. What they have is fine.

Put me in the "Agree with this" camp. This was the first version of 'The Show' I've played and if the gameplay remains the same, with a few minor tweaks and a deeper franchise mode, I'll be extremely happy with 09.

[Rob_NYY]

Quote: Originally Posted by atlbravesws05

they do have in game saves for exhibition.

No, they do not.

And I, for one, do not want them to mess with the core of the game and the controls just for the sake of changing it because "it's the same." Adding in new pitching controls and hit sticks and stupidity like that, nuh uh. Don't do it, SCEA. 2K has been trying that for years and have been falling on their faces.

The pitching in 2K8 is laughably bad. Having to go up, down, left, and around to throw a curveball is ridiculous. Mess up a little and the ball will end up right in the middle of the plate as a "meatball" that will be crushed for a HR.

And as for your analogy, I love pizza just as much now as I did when I was 5 years old. It's exactly the same, and I still love it. And when I am 72 years old, assuming I still have teeth, I will still love it.

MLB '08 was amazing and I'm glad the SCEA guys are smart enough not to change what doesn't need changing. Just keep adding on and adding on. No changes.