Major League Baseball 2K9 Feature List

[drterb]

Quote: Originally Posted by baa7

I see what you mean. But what would be the alternative to aiming if not zone hitting?

Quote: Originally Posted by baa7

Hitting has been changed as well for MLB 2K9, incorporating a new zone-hitting system, which is something that fans have been asking about for many years now. http://www.operationsports.com/preview.php?id=58

I know, I know....they stated it was zone in the "unofficial" feature list. This got me thinking they were going back to Left Stick + Push a Button to implement zone hitting. Then the official list comes out, which doesn't list "zone hitting", but Swing Stick Advanced which let's you "influence and aim". My first thought....AWESOME, Swing Stick + zone hitting. But then I read the language and the word "zone" wasn't there.....

And I don't know what the alternative would be if it's not zone hitting. Zone hitting has been defined in numerous posts here over the years and I hope they are close to that model, not some goofy new hitting mechanic they came up with. I guess we'll just have to wait to see how they implement the new swing stick.

[Blitzburgh]

This is very good news! I don't understand what took them so long to come out with the info? I think with all of the new commentary, cameras and sounds, improved graphics and game play it's going to feel like a whole new game! Which is really needed IMO. Definately looking forward to more screens and a trailer or two

[lnin0]

Not a lot to go on but sounds interesting so far.

I really enjoyed 2K7 and thought the ideas in 2K8 were nice additions. However, I skipped 2K8 once all the graphic and frame rate issues surfaced.

If they bring ithe game back up to running and looking as smooth as 2K7 while further refining the 2K8 play I think they might have a winner. Not to mention VC is bringing their amazing crowd tech and hopefully an overhauled UI

[wookie48]

Man If all these features are what I think they will be AND 60 FPS then fellas, I have to go change my shorts! Cant wait

[SoxFan01605]

Quote: Originally Posted by baa7

LOL. This will be the first time in three years I DO pick the game up on opening day... although I still may come to my senses and wait until I read some impressions.

lol...let me try and talk you down a bit (if you're wondering, I had to give myself the same talk...lol). While the new mechanic certainly sounds great, let's not forget that it doesn't mean the overall pitcher-batter matchup and results have been improved.

Meaning that if you still have the meatballs, poor hit variety, excessive HRs, no walks, etc. It will be a well-controlled mess...lol. Add to that, suspect framerate, poor lighting, etc. and it's not too much different. Not saying that will be the case, by any means, just tossing out the possibility.

Not trying to convince you one way or the other and I AM NOT saying this game will not fix what ailed it. We don't know. Just explaining why I've tempered my own excitement about this particular feature.

I'm extremely intrigued by this game now, I can't pretend otherwise. BUT, 2K8 (and in many ways, it's predecessors) is still painfully etched in my mind as an example where hype and substance don't necessarily meet.

Personally, I'll be waiting for reviews, give it a rent, and go from there. I admit though, it went from a "no way, no how" to an "if this is even close, I'm sold" potential purchase...lol.

[JoshCA916]

Quote: Originally Posted by SoxFan01605

-I would guess (and this is only conjecture on my part) that the living rosters will just be more detailed and frequent front end roster updates...likely not in franchise. The reason being that if I move a guy to the Red Sox in my franchise, but he actually moves to the Phillies in reality, then what? It would be tough to get right, I would think.

i agree would have issues with your game getting in sync with real life rosters, would be nice though if it gave you the option when setting up your offline franchise to use real time rosters, that would be a nice touch since no game has been able to implement that feature to work in franchise mode

[SoxFan01605]

Quote: Originally Posted by JoshCA916

i agree would have issues with your game getting in sync with real life rosters, would be nice though if it gave you the option when setting up your offline franchise to use real time rosters, that would be a nice touch since no game has been able to implement that feature to work in franchise mode

It would be nice, but not sure how feasible. You would likely have to be limited to following the real season's schedule (meaning it would limit you as far as playing ahead) in order to not mess it up.

Maybe some sort of pop-up for backfitting like "The Rangers have aquired Ken Griffey Jr through FA on 4/15/2009. Would you care to backtrack this transaction?" If you choose yes, regardless of the timeframe, it could make the move and attach him to that team for that specific period.

That might work. Getting into retirements and stuff could maybe make that much more complicated, plus stats would liekly not travel well this way. It's an awesome idea in theory, just not sure how they'd make it function. Plus, it's something that is likely sceaming for bugs to occur, unfortunately.

[King Gro23]

Quote: Originally Posted by kcxiv

XBOX 360/Playstation 3 • Living Rosters – Active roster updates guarantee your game is current. Rosters are automatically updated behind the scenes, so you’re never late on a trade and always have the hottest players in your starting lineup. • More Signature Style™ – 2K Sports adds to its impressive library of player–specific animations with more than 300 new signature animations, bringing players to life at the plate, on the mound and in the field, allowing you to play ball like never before. • Next-Gen Controls – Right stick pitching, batting and responsive fielding bring your virtual baseball experience into the next generation. Improved two-step Precision Pitching™ controls, deeper Swing Stick™ batting and quick fielding responses round out your control of the game. • Franchise Mode – Take charge of your franchise and enjoy the all-new MLB.com presentation style, a new level of CPU customization, multi-player functionality, and real player ambitions. • Swing Stick™ Advanced – Now you can really Play Ball. Improved batting controls give batters the ability to influence hits with timing and aim. Improved hit distribution and variety deliver more hit types including spray shots, pulls, line drives and long bombs. • Inside Edge 2009 – Inside Edge produces remarkably accurate player tendencies. With more than 6 years of scouting reports infused into the action on the field, Inside Edge ensures that players react to in-game situations as they would in real life. • 2K HD/Real-Time Atmosphere – An all-new Virtual Director brings in-game broadcasts to life in real-time with smart camera placement, angles, and cuts. Real-Time Atmosphere adds to the presentation package by bringing nuances to life throughout the duration of a game. Lighting, umpires, ball boys and coaches all move and progress naturally and seamlessly for a true-to-life ballpark experience. • New Broadcast Team – Gary Thorne provides the play by play calls alongside color analyst Steve Phillips giving a new perspective and more depth for a true-to-life, insightful broadcast. With improved sound effects including real time crowd noise you’ll feel like you’re actually sitting in the park. • Postseason Mode – New Playoffs Mode – Jump right into the post season without having to play through 162 regular season games. And if you win it all, experience a World Series® celebration in true championship style. • Team 2K – An online competition lasting 10 weeks to compile a team of the best online players. Just play Ranked Quick Matches to compete and win prizes. * Void where prohibited. See 2Ksports.com/team2K for details. • 2K Share – How do you play ball? Create, upload, and share rosters, sliders, and even players created with the all-new Player DNA feature. This also includes the newly added Reelmaker, where you can now direct your own digital video highlight reels and post them on 2KSports.com for all the world to watch and admire.

This is just awesome, with a clean framerate (60fps) and 95% comfirmed meatballs are gone. 2K share is what I was praying for. The new broadcast team is great that means fresh new commentary for days. VC has always had good commentary. (depth wise)
Inside Edge 2009 sounds revamped im looking for new tedencies
Starting up my chise, with new mlb.com presentation, New commentary and 2K HD/ real-life atmosphere is just going to be bananas.
Redesigned stadiums
MLB 2K9 if comes through (which most likely will because its VC ) could be a great title to tandem with The Show

P.S. Im not getting too excited as I am with sox fan but I was never that negative on 2k