MLB 2K12 Demo Available Now, Post Impressions Here

[celtics6]

I've played a few games now. Went back and dloaded the 2k11 demo as well. I had owned but it's long since traded in. Still really liking it and think 2k improved on a lot of things I didn't like about 2k11 as far as gameplay and graphics. I think the game has more personality to it and plays really solid. In 2k11 you would see those fielding miscues even still. I don't see them here. The game just flows and paces itself really well. 2k11 did a better job of this post patch but still felt pretty bland. The graphics are a bit cartoonish but really pop this year.

Anyways I don't want to hear any show fanboys on youtube comments saying omg this is trash. Do these people even have lives?

The fact is it looks like 2k will release a fun baseball game this year and worthy of my purchase. I've played the demo a bunch of times and it seems pretty flawless. No the animations are not going to be up to par with the other game but the 360 is somewhat limited in this regard.

As far as fun factor and gameplay I think this game more than makes up for it at this point. Is it perfect? No. Do we finally have a solid baseball game on the 360? I would say yes. It took an entire gen which is absurd and 2k should refund my money. But finally.

2k11 was about a 7. Pretty decent. 2k10 a 6. 2k9 was a joke. This game is pretty great. Maybe not 10 territory but I can legitamently say this game will be in the 8 range.

I've always preferred 2k's gameplay anyways. I think they make the best sports games as far as gameplay is concerned. It just takes them forever to iron out the bugs. But at least they deliver eventually. Not that this is acceptable but it's better than getting crappy gameplay and the same rehashed game every year with bells and whistles no one asks for. And yes we've been paying for a beta test and for 2k to build this game this entire gen.

Is this game reinventing the wheel and that different from previous versions? Nor really. It's just a polished version of and what this game should have been in the first place.

[brendanrfoley]

I have to be honest; I'm disappointed.

It feels largely the same as 2K11 to me, and I am not seeing increased hit variety. I have not fielded (or hit) a single ball that necessitated a fielder to charge. No choppers. Grounders just hit the ground and stick.

On the presentation side, I see too many of the same issues that nagged at me for the last two years; long awkward camera shots, jerky animations and too much 'gaminess' in general. Outside of a few minor tweaks, the presentation of this series stalled after 2K10.

It's too bad, too. The MLB 2K series created "realtime" presentation only to fallback tried-and-true cut scenes featuring players that magically teleport from one spot on the diamond to the other.

[bodhiball]

I think as always it will come down to personal preference. I prefer ultra realism and a feeling of being immersed in the sport I am playing, but I can totally see how this game would be a fun video game to play. Its fun. It does not make me feel like I am playing a real game of baseball and if I focus on the details I get easily frustrated.

To be honest, while I played the demo I kept thinking to myself, if this game came out 6 or 7 years ago it would be AMAZING. But compared to what we are all used to seeing graphically now, its incredibly far behind. From the uniforms and hats that look like rubber, to the helmets with no reflection or shine, to the flat cut-out fans in the upper decks, it falls flat.

I applaud their progress and the desire of this team to not give up after years of struggle with the series, both financial and amongst the fans of the game. It was good to see them try one more time.

Like I said, I had fun playing a video game for an hour or so, but its not a purchase for me.

oh...and if you are a fan of organ music, you will LOVE this game!

[bakesalee]

I tried the demo - first hands on with 2k baseball since 2k7.

I just can't get over the hitting. I don't like the "swing stick". I'd have to argue, if this method is more realistic, why don't we push our left and right analog sticks (L up, R up L up, R up multiplied by about 40 times real quick) to move our runners legs when advancing bases?

[JoeRyan33]

Quote: Originally Posted by brendanrfoley

On the presentation side, I see too many of the same issues that nagged at me for the last two years; long awkward camera shots, jerky animations and too much 'gaminess' in general. Outside of a few minor tweaks, the presentation of this series stalled after 2K10. It's too bad, too. The MLB 2K series created "realtime" presentation only to fallback tried-and-true cut scenes featuring players that magically teleport from one spot on the diamond to the other.

I haven't played the game in a few years, and the presentation was better from what I remember of 2K10. Things have regressed in this area, they certainly haven't moved forward.

I was playing on PS3 and the textures weren't too great on jerseys and grass in particular.

The gameplay just isn't doing it for me. I remember having some fun on 2K10, but this year I just feel disconnected with it. Pitching feels a bit tedious now and the hitting is too simplified to keep me interested.

[bonannogiovanni]

Quote: Originally Posted by jeagles5

Has anyone played both Demos from PS3 & Xbox360 to compare?

I have, on PS3 the crowd (and the background overall) is blurrier to better conceal jaggies (remember it doesn't have an AA filter unlike the 360).

[jeagles5]

Quote: Originally Posted by bonannogiovanni

I have, on PS3 the crowd (and the background overall) is blurrier to better conceal jaggies (remember it doesn't have an AA filter unlike the 360).

What about the game play? Anything really noticeable? I remember last year when there was quite a difference.

[bonannogiovanni]

Quote: Originally Posted by jeagles5

What about the game play? Anything really noticeable? I remember last year when there was quite a difference.

For the limited time I played, I daresay no difference in gameplay at all.