MLB 2K11 Demo Impressions Roundtable

[pdawg17]

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion of course...I've tried to play the 2k11 demo 5-6 times now and I still don't see it...I only end up irritated with animations that slow me down or the fact that every other at-bat ends up as a soft line drive to an infielder...

I guess when a game is so bad (2k8-9), any improvements create excitement...

[bigfnjoe96]

Quote: Originally Posted by econoodle

Why all the Show bashing/talk? This is a roundtable about 2k's demo. As usual, these articles are top notch. There is something unique about 2k11 this year. Still trying to put my finger on it.

It's uniqueness still lies in the way VC implements certain aspects of the game.

That is something no one can deny.



Sent from my Awesome Phone via tapatalk

[JayhawkerStL]

Quote: Originally Posted by econoodle

Why all the Show bashing/talk? This is a roundtable about 2k's demo.

You might have wanted to mention that to Chris Sanner who instead of talking about the demo decided to use his opportunity to slam 2K11 as a casual game. He just felt the need to let us know that The Show was for the hardcore baseball fans.

What did Sanner use support this opinion? the lifting of a starting pitcher in a three inning demo in which he admitted affected the AI. He doesn't believe that this is something we would see in the final product, and was not something we've seen before.

It was completely outside the bounds of responsible editorial. And it directly led to all of the Show vs. 2K talk that ensured.

I thought the other three did a great job summing up their opinions about the demo, and what it might mean in terms of a final product. But their work was undercut by someone that used the roundtable to promote Sony's PR spin.

[ryan36]

Quote: Originally Posted by pdawg17

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion of course...I've tried to play the 2k11 demo 5-6 times now and I still don't see it...I only end up irritated with animations that slow me down or the fact that every other at-bat ends up as a soft line drive to an infielder... I guess when a game is so bad (2k8-9), any improvements create excitement...

Well 2k10 was a HUGE step. I really do think they spent this cycle perfecting 2k10- that's why there's no huge game changing features...those things you mentioned still frustrate me.

Quote: Originally Posted by bigfnjoe96

It's uniqueness still lies in the way VC implements certain aspects of the game. That is something no one can deny. Sent from my Awesome Phone via tapatalk

They do an EXCELLENT job in some areas...it is a very unique , fun game. The things that detract from the way they do certain things bug me...(all the meters , flashes, etc. for one) I think this will be a better title than 2k10. But 2k10 not having errors didn't bug me, lol. The progression was not an issue because I'd never get to free agency...I'd play 1 , 2,3 games at a time or so.

That's probably similar to how I'll play 2k11. It's not a day 1 purchase for me

[ryan36]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jayhawker

You might have wanted to mention that to Chris Sanner who instead of talking about the demo decided to use his opportunity to slam 2K11 as a casual game. He just felt the need to let us know that The Show was for the hardcore baseball fans. What did Sanner use support this opinion? the lifting of a starting pitcher in a three inning demo in which he admitted affected the AI. He doesn't believe that this is something we would see in the final product, and was not something we've seen before. It was completely outside the bounds of responsible editorial. And it directly led to all of the Show vs. 2K talk that ensured. I thought the other three did a great job summing up their opinions about the demo, and what it might mean in terms of a final product. But their work was undercut by someone that used the roundtable to promote Sony's PR spin.

Chris doesn't have a reason to support Sony's "PR spin" man. Come on. And if the game really is weighted that way -that the AI treats the 3rd like ninth- why aren't closers coming in for the 3rd?

I think you're right...the game probably saw the game as 2/3 done somehow, but if the game is measuring pitch counts this year, then that wouldn't necessarily matter. I think that it is fair to bring up a possible wonkiness with the AI to which that may or may not point- it's conjecture.

I DO think 2k has traditionally gone more casual, it's their flavor. It doesn't mean that imbeciles play 2k- it's just a design decision

[stlstudios189]

Man I dont know what it is but 2k9 was fun, 2k10 was 5xs better and 2k11 has me pumped

[JayhawkerStL]

Quote: Originally Posted by ryan36

Chris doesn't have a reason to support Sony's "PR spin" man. Come on. And if the game really is weighted that way -that the AI treats the 3rd like ninth- why aren't closers coming in for the 3rd? I think you're right...the game probably saw the game as 2/3 done somehow, but if the game is measuring pitch counts this year, then that wouldn't necessarily matter. I think that it is fair to bring up a possible wonkiness with the AI to which that may or may not point- it's conjecture. I DO think 2k has traditionally gone more casual, it's their flavor. It doesn't mean that imbeciles play 2k- it's just a design decision

First, he admits that the shortened game probably affected that, just like everybody else that has played the demo. And if it was an actual concern, it still doesn't relate to this notion that 2K is a casual game. It would just be a broken element in a bad game. But no one believes that to be the case, including Sanner, since he dismissed it in the same sentence.

He also claimed, and then dismissed the idea that hitting was kind of easy. But he admitted that bumping the difficulty would probably fix that, which has already been shown by folks that figured out how to play it on Hard.

But his first and third paragraph were not about the demo at all. It was just him waxing on about how The show is overwhelming for the casual fan, but they may really appreciate 2K's casual style.

It was a complete hatchet job, regardless of his motivations. It wasn't about the demo. It was about a need to call 2K a casual game, and The Show a more serious game.

We never saw comments about 2K's game being casual until VC rolled out new ways to differentiate players and keep rating accurate in close to real time. Suddenly 2K is a casual game becasue it got more realistic?

Sanner's take was not just poor, but it was disingenuous. He didn't support his backhanded attack on 2K with anything.

[econoodle]

Quote: Originally Posted by bigfnjoe96

It's uniqueness still lies in the way VC implements certain aspects of the game. That is something no one can deny. Sent from my Awesome Phone via tapatalk

yep.

the demo, even tho it's an old build, is solid if not unspectacular but keeps pulling me back to it.
having big fun.