MLB 2K12 Preview (ESPN The Gamer)

[Steve_OS]

ESPN The Gamer has posted their MLB 2K12 preview.

Quote:

Our pitching mechanic is really what we hang our hat on, and it's what we feel differentiates us from the competition," explains 2K's Chris Snyder as he shows me the new game. "We utilize our Inside Edge scouting reports and all of the data from STATS LLC, and we track how many fastballs, how many curves they throw in real life, and we mimic that data in the game. So if you're abusing a pitch this year, and if you're using a pitch way more than say, Justin Verlander throws it in real life, your stats are going to drop and it's going to be more difficult to hit your spots.

[bigfnjoe96]

Redone physics & hit variety FTW..

" Another big improvement being made to the game is the variety of hit animations. Last year, you had way too many soft liners, as hit distribution was more of a roll of the dice than based on actual physics. This year, you're finally going to see a more physics-based result based on the type of swing you're making and the location of the pitch. And in the few innings I was able to play, I saw everything from lasers being shot off the wall to a better variety of grounders spitting out into the infield, giving the game a much more realistic look and feel than what was presented last year. "



Sent from Awesome Phone

[Blzer]

Looks like two solid baseball games this year. Maybe I'll get The Show just for Vita and this for PS3. Or maybe I'll get both this year like I did in 2010. Time will tell...

[SoxFan01605]

Quote: Originally Posted by SoxFan01605

Improve hitting with that kind of detail and you've got my attention.

Ask and you shall receive.

Jokes aside, I like what I've read. I'm glad they are focusing on tuning, fixes, core AI and small details. The question, of course, is how well it will be executed, but only time can tell on that. The point is they are addressing key concerns.

This should also serve as a good news to all the "they don't care" or "they don't listen" posts people make over and over:

Quote: Originally Posted by Snyder

"We go on all the message boards, we read the complaints, and I think we've learned from our mistakes. Like I said, baseball video games are all about getting those little things right in order to make the most realistic experience possible, and this is the year where we finally got it right."

Time will tell on both execution and on how true that statement (learning from mistakes) actually is, but it's good to see 2K acknowledge that.

[tvman]

I like the part about NOT preloading your throw. I hate getting stuck in an animation in the other game.

[Flaxseed Oil]

They fixed the scoreboards...look in the background of the David Price image..you can see Granderson's big mug on the jumbotron.

[jeffy777]

Quote: Originally Posted by bigfnjoe96

Redone physics & hit variety FTW.. " Another big improvement being made to the game is the variety of hit animations. Last year, you had way too many soft liners, as hit distribution was more of a roll of the dice than based on actual physics. This year, you're finally going to see a more physics-based result based on the type of swing you're making and the location of the pitch. And in the few innings I was able to play, I saw everything from lasers being shot off the wall to a better variety of grounders spitting out into the infield, giving the game a much more realistic look and feel than what was presented last year. " Sent from Awesome Phone

For the most part, I like the physics and hit variety in 2K11 (it's not random like that writer makes it sound), but sounds like 2K12 is going to be even better in this department.

Great news so far.....and 80 more hours of commentary is pretty impressive too.

[M_F_Z]

Quote: Originally Posted by jeffy777

For the most part, I like the physics and hit variety in 2K11 (it's not random like that writer makes it sound), but sounds like 2K12 is going to be even better in this department. Great news so far.....and 80 more hours of commentary is pretty impressive too.

Wasn't that a developer's words ?